I am having a hardware problem with my computer - locks up and just gives a steady beep (flat line).  :sad: So far it keeps booting up and I am making sure all my files are backed up.  I already have plans for a new computer, but it won't happen till the end of March.  I was hoping to keep my old computer as a render cow.   

Anyone know of a good free memory check program?  Problem seems to happen when I have multiple programs open or try to open a file in Vue.

It may be unrelated but I put in a new graphics card last year and it made my original power supply make a noise like that. I had to replace it with a better power supply. No problems since then.

Depending what OS you're using you can do a memory check at boot by entering SetUp..

Hi Peggy,

Try this :-

http://www.memtest.org/

Will provide all the testing you need :)

Jon

I found this online:

1 short beep

Normal POST - system is ok 2 short beeps POST Error - error code shown on screen No beep Power supply or system board problem Continuous beep Power supply, system board, or keyboard problem Repeating short beeps Power supply or system board problem 1 long, 1 short beep System board problem 1 long, 2 short beeps Display adapter problem (MDA, CGA) 1 long, 3 short beeps Enhanced  Graphics Adapter (EGA) 3 long beeps 3270 keyboard card

Are you backed up? I'm assuming you are but like myself I'm often like the cobblers children (no shoes) and considering how cheap 500 gig+ drives are I would advise this to begin. Never can tell when the mother board might burst into flame.

It could be the keyboard...  I've had a few sticky keys.  Will swap out with my daughter's and see if that helps.  I hope it's not the power supply or MB. 

Backups - most import data files are on CD and to an external drive.  Some of the freebies I have collected for the last few months still need to get copied over.  Suprising how fast things can build up and the next thing you know you have 20GB of stuff.

Thanks for the help!  Will try the memory test too. 

When my power supply failed, it was a constant beep that was nerve racking. It scared me! I thought I had broken something.

If I heard the beep I would know exactly what the problem is.

Quote - If I heard the beep I would know exactly what the problem is.

I think this, *Continuous beep Power supply, system board,  *which I posted above points the right direction as she said it was a steady beep, and Peggy did say her keyboard was suspect.. ...

the things that usually fail on a PC are

PSU, if they go, forget it get a new one!
nowadays you need a beefy one, MINIMUM 500 watts!, modular ones are expensive but very sweet (less cables)

Memory, more likely to be lose than damaged

CPU fan. also jsut plain dirt clogging it and CPU heatsink up, they need cleaned out with an air duster and a soft artists brush every month or two.

soundcard, caused by some idiot, not ever YOURSELF of course cough ;) plugging headphones etc in when the computer is on....almost guaranteed to fry yer system if you do that with an electric guitar by the way, as my cousin found out.

:)

not seen a keyboard do that in a while, though but possible.

Well, not the keyboard.  Could be power supply.  I opend up the case and blew out all the dust bunnies.  CPU is nice and cool (I have a temp guage).  No lose boards or connectors.  Random lock-up and beep continous although once today it just froze and then I got a really weird blue screen. 

Backing up everything... 

Is the computer playing audio right before it locks and does its continuous tone?  Any random colored blocks displayed on the blue screeen?  Any fans come on or go off?  Powerbutton turns yellow color?  Is it a DELL Optiplex?

My computer is a home built AMD duel core - about 5 years old.  I have a temperature and fan monitor on the front, so I know it's running cool enough.  No random color blocks - video seems fine and I only use the built in sound.  Lock-up and beep are totally random now.  Memory test passed.  Will see if I can replace the power supply this weekend. 

Well...  not the power supply either.  Guess it's the MB.  I am fully backed up and waiting for the tax return to get a new computer.  Will be moving up to a 64 bit i7 system. 

Does anyone know if going SLI will make a difference with Vue or is this more "gamer" stuff.  I want to configure a system that is capable of SLI, but I can't afford two graphic cards at this point. 

SLI used to be a total PAIN, very very problematic, like my motherboard, Striker Extreme by asus many folks had lots of bother with them due SLI issued on the motherbaord chipset (not the video cards) iirc.
however...it's supposed to be much better now :)

It's no use really with Vue except say if you cna't afford a new video card and have a spare one, and both are decent, or you pick up two decent ones very cheap like oh say 2x8800, or better? :)
not worth the hassle IMHO, otherwise.
also, more video cards = more power used!

Video card on the new computer will be a GTX275 with 1792MB.  That should do well for Vue.  I'm only going to get one though.

 Seems like you've narrowed things down a bit with the process of elimination. Glad you are getting a new machine. Me too..very soon. 

SLI......some folks use it. Some don't.  For actual performance though the rule of thumb is that a single top end card is better than two low or mid grade cards in SLI.  Like Silverblade said, it's not worth the hassle if you want performance.

I think it appeals to gamers who view their machines like souped up cars.

I personally cannot wait to do an actual Vue render with atmospherics and lighting and godrays and all the other stuff I've avoided because my machine can't handle it.  

Good luck Peg.