AMD 64 board\CPU not working

Sparke

Senior member
Oct 27, 2002
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76
I am in need of some help. Thank you in advance for any replies I get. Here's the scoop:

1.) I ordered an AMD 64 3200+ motherboard\CPU combo with the AMD EPP program.
2.) The packages came 2 days later.
3.) I Took my case to my brother's place, and using proper grounding techniques, disassembled my computer and removed my ECS L7VTA KT400 motherboard and Athlon XP 2000+ CPU from my machine.
4.) I then unpacked my new motherboard\CPU and placed it on the mounting rods\screws.
5.) I reconnected all my components and was HOPING to boot up, config my bios, and reformat\reinstall Windows XP.
6.) I booted up and nothing was posting.
7.) I smelled burning so I turned it off.
8.) The burning appeared to be coming from my power supply (420w TurboLink).
9.) Figuring maybe all my components were drawing too much power, I disconnected all extraneous components and tried to boot with just my memory, AGP video card, and power to the motherboard.
10.) Still nothing posting. No more burning smell either. No beeps from the mobo speaker. And the monitor wasn't coming back from standby.
11.) Swapped in some memory from my brother's computer. Still nothing.
12.) Swapped video cards with my brother. Still nothing.
13.) Purchased a new Antec 400w power supply. Still nothing.
14.) Checked every jumper, new bios battery, cleared CMOS. Nothing.
15.) Finally got fed up and put my old mobo\CPU back in and would RMA my new one.
16.) Hook old comp back up with old power supply.
17.) Burning smell comes back. Turn off computer.
18.) Apparently my old computer doesn't want to work with my old power supply anymore.
19.) Tried the Antec power supply. Now my old machine doesn't work at all.
20.) Rinse and repeat.

Now that you've gotten through my thought process I'm asking you guys for help. My questions are:

A.) Can a power supply work for a long time, fry a new motherboard, and then turn around and fry an old one that you've used it in before?
B.) Are there any other avenues I am missing that I should try?
C.) Should I RMA my new motherboard\CPU or is there something I may be overlooking?
D.) Can the case affect any of this? As far as I know the only constant variables are power supply and case.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

-Dave
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
14,377
19
81
What's a TurboLink?

Maybe after reading this thread, people will finally get a clue and listen to people reccomending Enermax or Antec PSU's.

From the sounds of your post, yes, your PSU is to blame. I'm not convinced it killed your motherboard, but that is a possibility. I would buy a GOOD PSU, at least 350w, and try it out again.

What's the Antec PSU you tried it with? How many watts? Does it have the 4-pin connector?
 

imported_Aelius

Golden Member
Apr 25, 2004
1,988
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Enermax and Antec are both top quality PSUs.

They are both almost as good as PC Power and Cooling PSUs.

Avoid everything else like the plague.

You can go cheap on almost any part of a computer, but if you go cheap on the PSU you are pretty much screwing yourself.
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
30,699
1
0
Hi Sparke, did you remember to plug in the ATX12V auxiliary power when you set up the new board? It's easy to overlook on this board since the receptacle is up high near the edge of the board.

I'll third the motion for using a "name-brand" power supply, though. Glad to see you've got an Antec for the future. :)
 

Sparke

Senior member
Oct 27, 2002
401
0
76
Yeah, I used the auxiliary connector when I hooked up the Antec. And I know these cheap power supplies don't actually have the wattage they say they do. But I was told the motherboard requests power from the power supply, and if there isn't enough power, that the PS wouldn't "force" it. I didn't know a PS could fry a board\CPU. I thought it just wouldn't have enough to power up. And yes, the Antec 400w has a 4-pin connector and it's not powering up anything right now. =(

-Sparke
 

Avalon

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2001
7,571
178
106
Yes, a PSU can fry a board, as well as a case, as quirky as that sounds. Case can do it too if the grounding on it is bad/the wiring for the jumpers is bad. It's odd that your components worked before and suddenly fried though.

Do you know what part of your board fried for sure, if any?
When a board of mine fried, it was this chip in between the AGP slot and the nearest PCI slot. It melted pretty damn well =)
Smelled horrible too.
 

Sparke

Senior member
Oct 27, 2002
401
0
76
I didn't leave it on long enough for smoke to appear. And there is no noticible damage on the motherboard or CPU or video card.
 

Sparke

Senior member
Oct 27, 2002
401
0
76
RMA'd it. I guess I'll grab an Antec 430w and hope this new one works. Thanks for the help guys!

-Sparke