Posted on by Jón Frímann

Dealing with a computer failure

It appears that my main computer that I use to write articles has a motherboard and cpu that are failing. This started few days ago and is only getting worse as the time passes. There is nothing I can do to stop this failure. I have ordered new motherboard, cpu and memory in a package deal (33.950 ISK / 237,78€). I had to use little of my savings in order to get new hardware, so that I can continue to write here. If anyone want to support me in covering the cost of this they can do so with donations.

The failure that is now happening is due to the fact the computer is almost five years old and it’s most likely that capacitors on the motherboard are failing due to old age. If the failure becomes a permanent one I won’t be properly update this website until I get new hardware. I hope to get new hardware by Friday, but it might get delayed until Monday at latest.

Thanks for understanding.

Update

Turns out the video card might be the reason for this issue. Due to some type of voltage problems in it that is creating this freezing problem. This issue seems to have damaged the motherboard. It works, but just barley.

Update 2

New motherboard (computer) is now up and running. Update is going to be written soon I hope.

18 Replies to “Dealing with a computer failure”

  1. Jon,
    Maybe there are people on here who read your blog that hold senior positions in IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard etc ??
    Maybe if you post what type of PC you would like to replace your failing PC…maybe you might get an offer ?
    Guys…over to you ?

    1. Since Iceland is not in EU it’s hopeless to send me any hardware. It would all get stopped in customs. While I’m in Iceland direct donations are better.

  2. It brings back memories to the days long gone that I had to deal with failing computers all the time. Nowadays all is a bit boring, no BSOD’s, no hard disk head crashes, no fast deteriorating law and order in the UK anymore, there’s simply no work in the computer repair industry.
    If only the search for updates could take a little less time…they seem to last forever

    1. Tomas is on the right way. Check your power supply and RAM first. Theese componets are in 90% of all cases the “bad boys”.

    2. This is not the power supply. I bought that one in 2014 so its still good. The problem here is the old age of the motherboard and the capacitors on it. What happens is that the capacitors on the motherboard dry out, rust or the chemicals used in them go bad with that they start to give out wrong voltage out to the chips and other components on the motherboard.

      This creates damage that starts slowly, but it increases as more capacitors fail. This has created damage in my video card, since it uses a lot of electricity. The motherboard is now so bad that I can’t run Gentoo Linux or Windows 10 on it, due to failing SATA controller on the motherboard.

      The only way to fix this is to replace the capacitors or buy a new motherboard as I had to do.

      The situation is now so bad that I have to run Gentoo Linux Live CD from a usb stick. At least it works and appears stable for the moment (the SATA controller might be damaged, but the USB appears to be fine).

      1. Yes, i know about the capcitor problems on boards, its the low quality of the used components, but mostly you can see it (elektrolyt capacitors going thicker or elektrolyt is going out on upper side or the capacitors are exploding) …. let me know, if you have some problems with your new setup.

  4. Hope you can get things going again Jon. I sent you a little something, hope it helps.
    It’s not much (I’m poor as well), but you’re worth it!
    Seems like Iceland is starting to wake up, looking at the charts. Let’s hope nothing happens until you get your computer fixed. Good luck!

    1. That is interesting Numbier. I looked at it and went backwards to see when it began – around midnight at the start of 26.2.16. In a few hours it went from ‘normal’ levels to off the scale, over a huge area, since when it has been gradually fading back to normal levels. There don’t seem to have been any earthquakes in the hours leading up to the CO and CO2 ‘outbreak’.
      I wondered about forest fires but don’t think that is the reason. I also was wondering what became of the huge natural gas leak that was in the news a month or two ago, which I suspect was caused by fracking operations…

    2. It’s almost certain related to the Porter Ranch natural gas leak. They said they capped it last week, but believing the officials in this country sometimes requires the suspension of reason. If you notice, the plume is over inland LA and doesn’t touch Santa Barbara. That’s a typical WestCoast wind pattern.

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