ASUS P5VDC-MX System Crashes

[maddawg]

Hello All,

I just built a secondary system for my basement and am having issues with it.

Here are the specs:
Motherboard: Asus P5VDC-MX Via Socket 775 MicroATX Motherboard / Audio / Video / PCI Express / AGP 8x / 10/100 Ethernet LAN / USB 2.0 / Serial ATA / RAID

CPU: Intel Celeron 341 D 2.93GHz / 256KB Cache / 533MHz FSB / OEM / Socket 775 / Processor
CPU FAN: Masscool 8W0141B1M3G / Socket 775 / Intel Prescott / Aluminum / CPU Cooling Fan

RAM: Ultra 512MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz CL3 Memory
CASE/PS: Generic Case with 450 watt Power Supply
HD: Maxtor 60GB IDE

When I try to boot up my system it shuts down about 10 seconds into bootup. I cannot get to the BIOS - it shuts down too quickly. It will beep once when turned on and right before it turns off it beeps 3 times consecutively and shuts down........I do not know if it is a grounding problem and cannot find any troubleshooting in the manual. The 60 gig HD has files on it, but no O/S - I was going to format when installing WinXP

Here is what I tried so far:
1. Cleared the RTC ram
2. I only hooked up the HD and disconnected all the extras (DVD-R, speakers)
3. I re-seated the RAM and tried other slot
4. I checked the CPU fan to ensure tight fit (thermal paste was used during install)
5. I also tried the onboard graphics

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!

 

[maddawg]

Here is an update - 2 more things I tried which did NOT work:
1. I disconnected the MB from the case and tried to boot up with it out of the case.
2. I also tested the P.Supply with a tester and the P.Supply tested O.K.