Biostar M7NCG 400 Problem

[imported_ninex]

I recently purchased a Biostar M7NCG to build my first SFF system. Here are specs:

Mobile 35w 2400+ AXP
Biostar M7NCG 400
2x256 Kingston Hyper-X PC3200
Speeze Ball Bearing Copper HSF
PNY Geforce 6800NU
SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS
120gb 7200RPM Western Digital Special Edition
Antec Aria

When I put it all together, it won't POST at all. Everything turns on fine (hard drive, all the fans), but the monitor just wont turn on. When I took the 6800 out, it turns on, but just hangs when it says AMD Athlon Chip 600mhz. No memory count, no IDE detect, just hangs there. I can't enter CMOS, can't do anything. I've tried switching the memory in every possible slot combination, as well as taking that hard drive and optical drive out. The only thing I haven't tried is reseating the CPU, since it was a complete pain to get the HSF installed as it is.

My guess is that its a memory problem, since I don't get a memory count at all. I haven't tested new RAM yet, since I just put it together today. I'm not sure what version motherboard I have, since I don't know how to check. I can probably test some new RAM tomorrow (Kingston Value RAM).

I originally bought a Chaintech 7NIL1 instead of the Biostar, but RMA'd it when I realized how poor the BIOS was for overclocking. With that motherboard installed, I got it to POST fine, but it either froze loading Windows or when Windows was loaded. With that said, I know the RAM works, unless that was why Windows was freezing (never had this problem with my older system). My guess for why it was freezing though was because I had a mobile AXP and no multiplier or voltage to increase the speed.

Obviously if my motherboard is a dud I'm going to RMA it. If anyone could help me out I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Zap]

Start with the basics. Take the motherboard out of the case and put it on something non-conductive (sheet of foam or a soft mouse pad). Yes it's a pain, but remove the CPU and reseat it, then properly reinstall the HSF. Hook up a power supply. Use only one stick of RAM. Jumper the BIOS to reset it to defaults. See how far it gets on the integrated video.

If it now POSTs fine, then try adding in second stick of RAM, and then adding in the video card (still outside the case). Then, add in the SoundBlaster and the hard drive. If all still works fine, then reinstall in case taking care that everything is aligned properly.

If still locks on POST, then at least one part is faulty. If you can cannibalize another computer, swap out power supply first, then try RAM. Finally, try another CPU.

Let us know your results.

 

[imported_ninex]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll try that out tomorrow most likely. If there is anyone who has had this similar problem with this motherboard by chance, send me a PM please, I'd really appreciate it.

 

[imported_ninex]

Before I decided to take everything out, I tested my RAM with another stick, and got the same results. Then I took my PCI sound card out and boom, everything worked. Then I threw my 6800 in, and boom, that worked too. Then I threw the soudn card back in and BOOM that worked too! There we go, end of story.

 

[Zap]

Cool deal. Removing and re-inserting stuff may have made stuff seat better. Glad it worked out for you.