Pavilion Media Center m8200n black screen and freezing

[ke8yn]

I had the same problem.  Tried the video card replacement - helped but didn't completely fix it.  Ultimately I replaced the HP motherboard with a non-HP equivalent (ASUS or Biostar - I forget and I'm on the road.)  Haven't had any problems since.  If you have an upgrade version of Windows and change the motherboard, you may have problems convincing the installation program that you are upgrading.  Likewise, if you have a non HP motherboard it probably won't load the HP recovery disk.

Hope this helps.

[LovethisPC]

I totally understand where you're coming from.   Mine was good for 2 years also - then not!!!    As you can see from my original post, I tried everything.   When I talked to the tech guy after purchasing my new HP from Costco he suggested the new graphics card.  The only thing he could think of after everything I had tried was that possibly the motherboard developed a crack or something and that was what was causing the crashing problem etc., as it seemed to tie into the graphics card area.  Sooooo, I've been going to try this option but after purchasing the new computer it just hasn't been a high priority for me.  I would really like to try it though as I'd just use the computer in our basement area as a 2nd one.  If you do try this and it works, please let me know.   Might nudge me a bit to get back at it again.  Sounds like the power option didn't seem to be the answer.  This forum is pretty awesome as it gives so many different ideas to work from.  Good Luck.   It was an awesome computer and I was so disappointed when it developed all this issues after only 2 years.  AND actually just a few days past the 2 years warranty!!!!!!!!!!

[TRCheeseman]

There must be hardware or software set to break down around the 2 year mark because mine did the same at around 2 years 1 month...Not Happy spending 2000.00 every 2 years....specaily when I just downloaded a **bleep** load of my family Photos day before and was just about to burn them.

[pkravets · Accepted solution]

I am happy to report to you guys that I have finally resolved all issues/problems with mine m8200n. 

I have done some research on the NET and everyone who has this model experiences same problems you outlined here.   I've resolved all problems with mine and also troubleshooted problems for my friend’s same model computer.  And here is what I came up with...               

The darn thing is a vacuum machine.   Within 2 years 'it develops' it sucks in so much dust, it is unbelievable.  I had to snap a picture of mine.   I had to de-install and clean the processor heat-sink, fan, and power supply fan.   All 3 had outrageous ammounts of dust, totally blocking IN the heat of my processor. 

After the cleaning procedure, my friend's computer began to work again as if it was brand new with NO issues, nor upgrades to it.                   

With mine, I went further, given that the stoke power supply is only 300wt, which is barely enough for this system.    I followed advices of some other experts and replaced the PSU with a 600wt unit.  I went for OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W and it was the right choice.  I am very happy with it.

Some ppl also complained of the flickering video.  So I also upgraded a video card for EVGA 01G-P3-1246-LR GeForce GT 240 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready

I ripped out the multimedia/encoder card, next to PCI-x slot.   Had no need for it.

You be careful selecting the right video card.  The system could probably take other more advanced video cards but they are double slot sized nowdays, and consume quite a bit of power, some 300wt alone.  In m8200n you don’t have much room for a double-size.  Although it could probably fit.     So the video card I meontion above fit in nicely.  It’s a single slot size, 1GB RAM, DDR5 with extremely low power consumption, so you may not even need to swap the PSU afterall.   Your stoke PSU should be able to drive it.

And then I ordered 8GB of RAM from directly Crucial website (Item: CT725412) (probably will install it today) and loaded Windows 7 64 bit on it. 

Now I love my rig guys.  Now it is truly awesome!

I abused it for a week with Battlefield Vnam.  It held up pretty nicely.

No freezes, hang ups nor reboot problems at all !!!

EVGA GT240 64 bit video drivers on Windows7 crashed a lot at first.  So I got upset and even requested to RMA them back to newegg (by the way superb service) but then MSFT pushed out driver update via Windows Update for it GT240.  And it resolved the video driver crashes.   Now it is rock solid. 

And the video card only cost me $60 after rebate for a 1GB DDR5 RAM video card. 

Of course you may want to opt for a higher end video card.  But that is up to you and that will co$t you.

If you do upgrade to Windows 7 64 bit, don’t forget to get beta 64 bit high-def sound drivers directly from Realtec.  Cause initially I had problems with microphone not working at all.  That took care of it.

Bottom line:  Clean the system of dust and get a more powerful power supply from a reputable company.  And you will love your system again boyz. 

Wish you all luck with your upgrades!!!   I know you can do it.  

If I could do it, you can definetely do it !!!

[Big_Dave]

pkravets,

That's pretty darn good feedback to this forum.

[LovethisPC]

I agree.  I posted so long ago and am amazed that I still get emails with new suggestions in them to help solve the problem.  Sounds like this last one is the answer.  I'm sure going to give it a try.  This forum is awesome!!

[LovethisPC]

Ok, I'm working on the new video card and will also be increasing memory and possibly fan.  The video card you listed, if I understand correctly, will work with the 600 wt. power supply but wouldn't it be too much for the 300 wt?   I don't understand alot about those things so want to be sure I'm ok with what I get.  Went to Best Buy but the clerk was so not helpful and very condescending so I just left to figure it out for myself.  Well, kinda only I need your help too.  I don't do any gaming etc. so am hoping the 300 wt will still be ok once I replace video card etc.  I also need to add a wireless card and am not sure on that either.  I have a Range Plus Wireless Router WRT 110 and it isn't really listed as either a G or an N so don't know where to go with that either??? HELP  Computer is actually working pretty well right now. Kinda slow so am hoping extra memory will correct that as well as new video card.  I checked all of the fans (removed the heat sink fan and it was actually ok) and had already cleaned the other ones earlier so should be good to go on those.  Thanks for all of your help.

[LovethisPC]

Nevermind about the wireless card.  I just ordered one from Linksys.

[Big_Dave]

LovethisPC,

Do you have an issue or question?  I can't exactly determine if your PC is OK or if your PC still has issues that you want to solve.

[LovethisPC]

Sorry I confused everyone.   I still do have a problem.  Only the wireless card issue is resolved. 

See all the other issues below:  Ok, I'm working on the new video card and will also be increasing memory and possibly fan.  The video card you listed, if I understand correctly, will work with the 600 wt. power supply but wouldn't it be too much for the 300 wt?   I don't understand alot about those things so want to be sure I'm ok with what I get.  Went to Best Buy but the clerk was so not helpful and very condescending so I just left to figure it out for myself.  Well, kinda only I need your help too.  I don't do any gaming etc. so am hoping the 300 wt will still be ok once I replace video card etc. ? HELP  Computer is actually working pretty well right now. Kinda slow so am hoping extra memory will correct that as well as new video card. I'm also doing a check to make sure I don't have a memory issue.  I have 3 GB memory on the computer and very little stuff being used right now but I only show 300 or so  MB of physical memory.  That doesn't make any sense to me.  I know with System 32, you don't get all of the 3GB but that seems REALLY low???  I checked all of the fans (removed the heat sink fan and it was actually ok) and had already cleaned the other ones earlier so should be good to go on those.  Thanks for all of your help.