There's no particular reason at this point to think it's the HD. The
single beep indicates a successful boot, so you probably need to look
elsewhere.
I'd start by Setting the CMOS to defaults, then use the decision tree in
the manual(p. 97)
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-ma790gpt-ud3h_e.pdf


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] hard drive failure?
From: Michael Eisenstadt <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sun, May 30, 2010 5:38 am
To: [log in to unmask]

Thank you for writing.

The HD is recognized in the BIOS. I set the
bootup sequence to CD and tried the WinXP install
disk. Same symptom: the motherboard splash
screen displays and then a blank screen with
a cursor at left top and a small image of the letter
N. without any system information scrolling by.

I removed and reseated the RAM memory
which did not solve the issue. On startup the
beep code is a single beep. Also on startup
there are a series of 3 or 4 clicks audible.
With a screwdriver stethoscope I can hear
the hd motor running.

There were no indications prior to the failure;
the computer was working normally the
previous day.

I welcome any suggestions.

Michael Eisenstadt
Austin Texas

        The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website,
           web based bulletinboard for questions and answers:
              Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com