Since you can't get into BIOS, it sounds like either the onboard video chip is hosed or the motherboard is hosed. It could also be the BIOS but not too likely from my experience. Your disk drive may still be good but it is not even getting to that point. Not sure what you can do without a second computer with the same motherboard to swap things out to try. You can probably salvage your data (if you still need them) on the disk by mounting it as an additional drive on a working computer.
UPDATE #1 Removed video cards and went with on-board (single monitor) Result: no change Removed HD to install in different CPU Result: Shoulda checked for compatability first other CPU too old - different pin connections re-install HD Removed one(1) memory stick / reboot Result: SUCCESS! Comp boots normally/all systems go (minus 1 mem stick and video cards) Performing CHKDSK diagnostic... will update later. Did I just get lucky with the mem stick removal? Hmm.
Dealing with hardware issues takes a lot of swap and try. Looks like you have probably found the root cause. Bad memory stick?
UPDATE #2 CHKDSK normal Confirmed bad mem stick. Mixed slots and sticks until resolved Result: CPU functioning normally Next: re-install video cards (NVS's)
UPDATE #3: Final Upon closer visual inspection, one out of 2 cards were visibly fried. It's green board was discolored from normal, to a light green, to almost a burnt tan in a small spot. I can't believe I missed it before. It's impossible for me to tell if the RAM did it to the VC or vice-versa. So now I'm down to 2 monitors instead of 4 and 1 GB of RAM. Since I'm composing this on the "downgraded but working" (fixed) comp. I'm really noticing a big difference in performance w/out the RAM. I'll be purchasing some immediately tomorrow. Thanks for the help and ideas everyone. I thought it was going to be something major. But you guys made me systematically check and that saved the day. Cheers.
Yep. But I don't think it "failed" as so much as the other card fried it. They were practically touching when installed and I remember thinking that it would be a problem. I really didn't think it would last as long as it did. Also there's not much air circulation at the bottom of the case.
bronks: Glad that it worked out at the end. I have some experiences from the past getting fried circuit boards... Check all components that have mechnical parts - small fans on video cards and fans on the heat sink for your processor. Sometimes dusts get accumulated and the motors would get stuck. Need to check those mechanical parts once in a while. An annual check by opening the chasis would be good. When one of those fans goes out, it may affect all other boards. Also may consider: buy an extra 4" or 5" fan, about $10-$15. Install it inside the chassis to improve air circulation. Use silicone to glue it on. Not a big deal. The design spec from the manufacturer may not be adequate for 2, and especially 3 add-on video cards.
This is a very good idea. Not to mention I have all kinds of room down there in the case. Just gotta get the air flow right I'd imagine. And the spec points you bring up are true.