POST Testing?

[Whisky Lima]

Hey guys,

A little advice if you will please, I have been looking at buying a POST testing card for a while now and I have done a little research into it. I want something fairly universal that can be used on the desktop and laptop motherboards. In the end I found what I think might be a good all round sollution for both the desktop and the laptop.

POST testing card

My question is this, first will this one function well as it is designed for thePCI port on the desktop motherboard and I think the Mini PCI-E for the laptop. Is there another port I should be using for testing or are these a good starting point?

Second, does this particular one look ok, or will it suck?

Cheers guys!

 

[compnet]

I have a post card for a desktop at the shop. Haven't ever felt the need to use it.

 

[bigdessert]

Yeah, waste of money IMO. Every decent MB has built in diagnostic testing and beep codes.

 

[Whisky Lima]

Wow that's not exactly what I was expecting to hear. Ok we'll thanks for the input guys, will bear that in mind

 

[PC Ops]

Same here, got me one a couple of years ago (seemed like a good idea back then) and haven't used it yet...

 

[Freedom PC Solutions]

I use mine when ever I get a machine with no video or no post beep. You know, when it seems like nothing is happening. I got mine with the quicktech test kit http://www.uxd.com/kits.shtml

I think it was a little over $300 when I got it a few years ago. Like others, I don't use it often but the situation does present itself occassionally.

If you get one, make sure it has a module with a ribbon cable and seperate LED like the one you linked to. These cards face the bottom of the PC case and makes it impossible to see without the use of a mirror. Same thing with the LED's that tell you the voltages are ok and that the BIOS is being read etc. I would have prefered a card that had the lights on the edge of the card as opposed to the bottom of it.

I know they have cheap ones everywhere on the net but I do not know if they are good or not. It is a pretty simple circuit so I can't see many companies screwing it up.

With the link you posted, I say go for it. Worst case scenario your out a few bucks. Not sure I like the displays because I am assuming they are not backlit.

 

[BillMoney]

When you can't get any video and no beeps a post card is great to have majority of kits from the like of pcdoctor and quicktech will come with a card, i have used pc doc in the past. Not sure on other brands

 

[Whisky Lima]

Ok cheers guys, im thinking since the one I linked is under £20, its probably worth having? I know its not often these issues come through the door but I know from experience that spending 2 hours trying to figure out what could be the cause when I could be spending a few minutes with a POST card its probably worth it even if I only use it a hand full of times..

Very split opinions though, I think I might take the plunge and just get one.. besides it looks cool aswell! (geek i know)

Cheers Fellas! Much appreciated.

 

[Altster]

About the only time I ever used a POST card was back when - XT/AT diagnostics - before "plug & pray" came about.

I bet I'm speaking for others, too!

 

[Whisky Lima]

But surely they must still be useful? How do you guys diagnose motherboard issues when there are no post beeps? I feel like I'm missing something big here cheers all for the input though

 

[LABFE]

So I've been studying up to get CompTIA A+ and I came across the section where it talks about using a POST card to test a "dead" PC to determine at which level it's dead. Came to TN to see about some recommendations on a POST card to purchase and I found this thread and subsequently Freedom PC Solutions post above that mentions Ultra-X's professional technician kits. Wondering how many have purchased one of these kits and how useful they find them? How many of the tools in the kit do you frequently use? Just considering possibly purchasing one and thought I'd seek some input.