Building a new system

[Amor]

I have acquired parts for a new system.

Amd 64 bit 3200/mushkin 3200 512mb x2/radeon 9800 pro 128 mb/wd raptor 10k 36 gb hd/plextor cdrom/enermax 480 watt coolergiant/Gigabyte k8ns pro (nforce 3 250).

I put the components together just like the mobo manual said (the amd 64 bit was retail so the fan came with it). About two to three seconds after powering on the system for the first and only time, I noticed sparking around the 12 volt connector to the motherboard (from powersupply). I yanked the power as fast as I was able. I have not been able to get the system to restart. Not even after buying a new power supply.

Would I be correct in my assumption that my problem would now most likely be my motherboard? I always hate it when my power switch does not seem to work (makes me think the power switch is broken).

Any insight whatsoever would be greatly appreciated. This is my second build.

 

[mechBgon]

Hi Amor, bummer that your new build is having problems The ATX12V cable has a latch on one side, as you can see here. The fitting that it goes in has a corresponding protrusion that the latch is supposed to grab onto. Is it possible that you didn't have the plug oriented in the intended direction? I know the plug's teeth are asymmetrical to help prevent this, but it came to mind as a possibility, particularly since you had sparking localized particularly to that fitting.

At this point, my suggestion is to buy a "test" power supply such as an Antec SL300 or another decent-but-not-expensive unit. Take the motherboard out of the case, lay it on cardboard, and give it just the bare essentials (one memory module, the CPU & heatsink, the video card and the keyboard). Hook it up to your "test" power supply and to your case's Power button, and try to start it. Worst-case scenario (I hope) is that it nukes the test power supply and now you're out US$35-40. Best-case scenario, it functions and you're able to test it a little with just one hard drive and optical drive, to confirm that it survived, then pick up a new upper-end power supply and carry on.

Good luck, I know you must be just tearing your hair out after spec'ing up such a nice rig and not cheaping out on anything.

 

[Amor]

I actually did happen to have that 12 volt plug oriented correctly. I for some reason am scared to death of hurting my components (lol did not help me this time).

I've already tested the system using a new power supply and the system will not turn on at all. That makes me think my original power supply is just fine as well as this new one I just got (enermax).

I'll have to look into Neweggs return/exchange policy on mobos. I really wish they'd take a return so I can go get another mobo post haste.

 

[Amor]

Another quick question. I have no way of finding out if my CPU got toasted do I? Not unless I happen to have another Mobo on hand that takes a 754 cpu.

I did take a look at the cpu and it did not look 'fried/melted.'

(pulls other's hair out instead).

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Amor
Another quick question. I have no way of finding out if my CPU got toasted do I? Not unless I happen to have another Mobo on hand that takes a 754 cpu.

I did take a look at the cpu and it did not look 'fried/melted.'

(pulls other's hair out instead).

I don't know of a method to test it except for the one you already mentioned (trying it in a known-working system)