Ramp4ge, the real problem with ESD, static, is that the damage usually isn't
immediately fatal. The traces on PCBs are very fine and when hit with ESD the
electricity can travel down the traces until there is a turn in the trace at which point
it can blow out a tiny bit of the trace weakening it at the corner. It can do this two
more then one trace at a time. This means that although the board won't fail
immediately, it will fail sooner then later and you are shortening the live of the part.
Now if your in the business maybe it is a good thing for you, but if it's your
equipment maybe you should pay a little more attention to ESD and grounding.

Actually, I live in an extremely dry climate. If static was going to be an issue, it would
be one here. I know how static CAN be an issue, but I think the
whole 'omfgstaticHAX' thing is over-rated. Like I said..in 3+ years in the business,
I've never static-killed anything.

STATIC NOT AN ISSUE!!!!

You obviously live in a area where static is not a problem. Most experienced PC
techs usually make sure they touch the case frequently to ground themselves out
before touching the boards. I HAVE FRIED memory via static, lucklily I was at work
and work paid for it :-)

WISDOM of PCSHOGUN
'Be Safe! Touch the case!"

I dont know about static electricity being over rated. It can, and will, blow cards faster
than just about anything else. Most experienced builders/repair'ers though have made it a
habit to stay in contact with the case, which drains any excess charge into the frame,
effectively grounding yourself. I know I do this most of the time without even thinking
about it.

Its also the first bit of advice I give to someone who has a problem which requires them
to open the case.

:P STatic is over-rated. In 3 years in the PC building/repair industry, I've never fried
anything with static. And I never use a static strap/pad.

go on to www.ebuyer.com cheap but good hardware on there 500 - 1000 to fix a
computer your getting ripped off

no need all thanks for all of your help its fixed i opened her up and the amount of dust
etc was amazin i got it all out n all works mega fast thanks alot!!
ur all stars!!
thanks soo much!!
--puddy

just post the specs of your PC on the forum. those might help.

Abit more info might be helpful. Does the hard drive start whirring hard?

Is it the fans? (btw you cant hear the processor :P)

*EDIT* BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU OPEN IT UP!

If you have static on your hard you can fry some circuits on the motherboard, wrecking it.

right i have my info ready tell me what u need ty...
i have printed off ur helpings and i will turn off pc soon and open it up thanks

---puddy

oh yeah... my comp is 3 years old now but when i first got it it was like the best of the
best so now its probably down low in stats compared to alot of yours but i havnt the money
to pay 500-1000 dollars (and im not american :P) im only 14 i havnt even got a job so i
need cheap ways sorry i know this may make it harder but my parents will buy a new vid
card if nessecary

thanks
puddy