This is driving me insane!!!

[PapaBear]

I've built a bunch of computers, so I usually know what I'm doing. I bought what I needed to build a new one for my son's birthday present. I put everything together, like always, push the power switch, and....


NOTHING!

I've checked the power connections (even tried a different power supply) and checked the front panel connectors (I've tried them both ways). Still, nothing. Not a beep, whirr... nothing. DAMMIT!!!!


edit... The more I think about it, there MUST be something I'm forgetting. I handled everything very carefully, and it's all brand new.

[JPMNICK]

Is the processer seated correctly on the mobo, with the fan connected properly?

also, if you have 2 sticks of RAM, take 1 out and try running just 1. if that still does not work, switch it with the other one, you might have a bad stick.

I think most likely you have a bad Proc connection, but there is an on/off switch on the back of power supplies that could be off.

[JPMNICK]

Also if it is a Pentium, sometimes it requires a special extra power connector depending on the Mobo and chipset. Look for a 4 pin molex connection in the motherboard schematic.

[PapaBear]

Is the processer seated correctly on the mobo, with the fan connected properly?

also, if you have 2 sticks of RAM, take 1 out and try running just 1. if that still does not work, switch it with the other one, you might have a bad stick.

I think most likely you have a bad Proc connection, but there is an on/off switch on the back of power supplies that could be off.
Only one stick of RAM (also new), and I've tried the switch on the power supply. When I calm down, I'm going to check the cpu connection.

I doubt this means anything, but I did one thing different with this build. The case came with cardboard washers. I put them under the mainboard mounting screws. That shouldn't be a problem should it?

[PapaBear]

Also if it is a Pentium, sometimes it requires a special extra power connector depending on the Mobo and chipset. Look for a 4 pin molex connection in the motherboard schematic.
It's AMD, but it does require that power connector. That's something I've encountered in the past, too. I checked it and it's connected.

[JPMNICK]

Did you apply thermal paste to the CPU? I am not sure what you mean by carboard washers? they go under the motherboard? how do they attach? do they sit between the CPU clips and the mobo?

[PapaBear]

Did you apply thermal paste to the CPU? I am not sure what you mean by carboard washers? they go under the motherboard? how do they attach? do they sit between the CPU clips and the mobo?
The past came already on the heat sink. I've never seen the washers either. They were in the bag with the stand offs. I guess they should actually be between the board and the stand offs, but I put them under the screws and on top of the board.

[JPMNICK]

yea that could def be it, if they CPU is not REALLY flush and tight against the Mobo, it is prolly not going to start. I would say that is your problem. i would research the mobo and read some forums about what people did with the cardboard.

[HBox]

Could be a bad power supply. When you turned the switch on the power supply did you hear anything?

[JPMNICK]

Could be a bad power supply. When you turned the switch on the power supply did you hear anything?

he has tried 2 of them...but it could just be a bad mobo

[PapaBear]

Could be a bad power supply. When you turned the switch on the power supply did you hear anything?
Didn't hear anything, and tried two different power supplies (the one that came with the case, and the one that I just took out of my son's old comp).

[JPMNICK]

I would disconnect all the peripherals from the computer. no CD or DVD drives attached to the Mobo or power supply for now. At least get it to try and POST. you can also remove the hard drive and just it try and load.

are all the cards (like video or whatever) seated all the way

[HBox]

Missed that power supply thing. It does sound like a bad motherboard.

[JPMNICK]

This happened to me when I built my PC. exact same thing. Took me a good hour to figure out that my LGA775 pentium was not seated properly. redid it, and it has been running fine for 2 years.

[HBox]

I had a problem once where the heat sink wasn't fastened securely enough to the processor but in that instance the computer would power on for a couple of seconds before automatically shutting off.

[PapaBear]

I just noticed something. The power button doesn't seam to be very smooth. Maybe the actual switch on the case is just defective.

[JPMNICK]

I just noticed something. The power button doesn't seam to be very smooth. Maybe the actual switch on the case is just defective.

Yea def could be, or maybe the wiring is hooked up wrong to the mobo. grab and old case and try to put the stuff in there if you have one laying around.

[PapaBear]

I tried a different case. I only hooked up the power supply and the front panel connectors. Pushed the power button and I got a beep and the CPU fan started. I shut it down after that.

I'm going to set up the comp in the old case (it's a nice one), and return the new case. Thanks for all the advice, guys!

[PapaBear]

Now that I think about it, I'm the one that came up with the bad power switch scenario. You guys all suck. Stop trying to give me advice, and leave me the fuck alone.:smoke:

Seriously... You calmed me down, and made me step back. That's what I needed. Thanks, bro's!!!

RONFEZ.NET RULES!!!!

[Reephdweller]

he has tried 2 of them...but it could just be a bad mobo

This is what I'm thinking, the mobo is likely bad. If you've tried two power supplies and the CPU is secure my only guess next is the motherboard.

[fohat]

Now that I think about it, I'm the one that came up with the bad power switch scenario. You guys all suck. Stop trying to give me advice, and leave me the fuck alone.:smoke:


That's not fair I was asleep for this one!!! I woulda said the switch was bad, I woulda...
:wallbash:

[PapaBear]

That's not fair I was asleep for this one!!! I woulda said the switch was bad, I woulda...
:wallbash:
But you didn't. So, you LOSE!

[rooter]

Check your CMOS reset jumper. Sometimes the default position that mobos ship with will keep the system from booting up.

Call the mobo manufacturer.