Hi there,

The problem is my computer has been locking up after a while for a little while now, but i got over that and didnt care about it locking up because if i put the fan next to the computer it would stop locking up. Yesterday when i went to turn my computer on it didn't post at all, no display, no nothing. Now when i turn the computer on it stays on for like 15-20 seconds (without posting) then makes a scratching sort of noise and then turns off, I have replaced the PSU because i thought it may of been the power supply being the problem. but no it still doesnt work :( I have replaced memory. have had no video card in there to test that, but no nothing, any idea's guys? thanks

Check the CPU fan. Thjat is a classic CPU fan problem.

so i should just take the CPU off and put it back on?

Not necessarily, but it may come to that.

First see if the CPU Heat-sink and fan are clogged with dust. Then start the system and see if the CPU fan is running at all.

Musky
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The CPU fan is running i know that because i can hear it and i can see it move.

Scratching noise could be the hard disk going wrong; try unplugging it (both power and data cables), then see if the computer POSTs. If not, disconnect everything not essential (all drives, PCI cards, even USB headers (I've seen cases where these have prevented a computer from booting), etc).

However, the fan as a cure for locking up certainly implies an overheating component, maybe this (the CPU?) finally gave up the ghost. A good test is attempting to boot without memory in - if the board and CPU are fine then you should hear beeps indicating memory problem (i.e. none installed). If no beeps with everything disconnected then it's either the motherboard or the CPU which has died.

Then it may be the hard drive.

I just put in another hard drive, and still no post.

Probably the mobo and/or the cpu died from the previous overheat.

Ok, Its weird because the morning before last it wouldnt start either, i had to turn it off a few times and start it back up a few times then it decided to work.

Personally I would replace the cpu fan. Much cheaper troubleshooting than a new mobo or cpu. About $12.

What does this scratching noise sound like? Did you hear it even after the PSU was replaced?

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