This laptop is like 10 years old and belonged to my dad before he gave it to me so I could use it for studies (I have a different gaming PC). I hope it just requires an OS reinstall…

  • Romkslrqusz@lemm.ee
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    21 hours ago

    Hardware gore

    That’s the telltale pattern of VRAM issues If this system has dedicated graphics, there’s a high tool and skill ceiling to executing repair.

    If this has integrated graphics, regular RAM gets used as VRAM and repair is easy as long as the memory is modular

    There’s always the possibility that this is a silicon level issue in the GPU/CPU but those cases are statistically less probable

    • Sal@lemmy.worldOP
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      21 hours ago

      This is an Acer Aspire ES1-512 with integrated Intel graphics, so I am still betting it’s likely the RAM stick that decided it didn’t want to be alive anymore. Luckily for me I can get a new 8 GB DDR3L stick for like 12 USD.

  • devoid@lemm.ee
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    17 hours ago

    Seen similar due to dead or nearly dead cmos battery, (like a watch battery). Easy fix in my experience multiple times

    • Sal@lemmy.worldOP
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      22 hours ago

      I’m gonna try to shove a Linux Mint distro on it. But if this error happens again I’ll know it’s the RAM and will take measures to replace it.

      EDIT: Seems like the power led keeps flashing on and off, so that’s probably it…

      • 1024_Kibibytes
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        22 hours ago

        You can search for blink codes and the model number. It will give you an idea of whether its the RAM or something else.

      • Björn Tantau@swg-empire.de
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        21 hours ago

        I found it so strange that the last time I looked at laptop reviews all the reviewers would list a numpad as a negative and not just a simple preference thing.

        Guess people don’t use their computers to compute anymore…

        • glimse@lemmy.world
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          20 hours ago

          I’m a numpad enjoyer on my PC but it would be a negative for me on a laptop! I only use my numpad for a few things so I’d prefer the inconvenience of not having it to the inconvenience of even smaller keys.

          No hate for laptop numpads, just wanted to give some perspective!

        • FiveMacs@lemmy.ca
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          21 hours ago

          I hate selling anything without the numpad. 15-16inch is my default and the standard people want. Rarely do they want 14inch that comes with none.

          Granted it’s a lot of finance/accounting firms but still.

          I wouldnt even consider anything less then 100% full size keyboard for desktop too. I want functional of space. I’ll buy a bigger desk if I need more space.

          • Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
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            20 hours ago

            I prefer the 14" format. I do most of my work at home, and when I’m at home, the laptop is docked with a proper mouse, full sized mechanical keyboard and dual screening into a 27" 1440p screen. When I need to travel, I need my system to be light and easier to carry. By opting for the 14" format, I get the best of both worlds.

  • khannie@lemmy.world
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    22 hours ago

    Does the bios screen display ok before boot?

    If not you might have a loose cable between the motherboard and display.

    • Sal@lemmy.worldOP
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      22 hours ago

      I was using Windows 11 before cause I wanted to use the Xbox app so I could get Rewards points if I left my gaming PC, but with the bad quality of the SSD installed on it I might just shove Linux Mint on it and call it a day. My only usage intention is programming/browsing the web. And if I ever get a bigger SSD I could just use a Windows virtual machine to run the Xbox App on.