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Can't Get Machine to POST

M

Moggraider

Junior Member
Help, I can't get my new self-built PC to boot up! I installed the mobo, proc, RAM, and video card, but when I turn the thing on it just starts the fans for a second and then stops completely. Any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?


My components are:

SOLTEK SL-K8TPro-939 ATX AMD Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813180064

crucial 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM System Memory x4 http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820146532

RAIDMAX Mustang ATX-889WBP Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811156164

My video card is an ATI Radeon 9800 Pro.





Please help!
 
Well, I screwed in the mobo, installed the brand-new proc and fan, installed the four DIMM's, plugged in both power cables from the power supply to the mobo, and installed the video card.
 
Originally posted by: Moggraider
... when I turn the thing on it just starts the fans for a second and then stops completely.
Click to expand...
That suggests your CPU cooling is not right or something is shorted, and the power supply is self protecting.

Is your CPU fan is turning?

If your CPU is retail, I will assume you used the compound or thermal pad that came with the setup. If your CPU is not a retail version, and you assembled your own HS/fan, did you use a very thin coating of thermal compound? If not, don't try to start it again until you get some Arctic Silver.

The purpose of thermal compound is to fill small pits and gaps in the cooling surfaces of the CPU and heatsink. Anything more than a minimal coating will actually impare the thermal transfer.

If your CPU cooling is right, try these suggestions:

1. Remove all but one stick of RAM. Reseat the one stick and reseat your vid card. Try this first just because it's easy and doesn't require any major disassembly.

If the system boots, add more RAM one stick at a time. Check the manual for your motherboard to see if you have to use any specific RAM slots for combos of less than four sticks.

2. If that doesn't fix it, unscrew the motherboard from the chassis, insulate it with cardboard or a towel, and try again. If it starts, you probably shorted something to the chassis. Try to figure out where the problem is, and be careful when you screw it down again.

Good luck. 🙂
 
My proc is retail, yeah. The CPU and case fans turn for only a second or so, and then stop completely, and there are no beeps or anything.
 
That leaves the rest of my list. If that doesn't get it, you may have a defective motherboard or power supply.

Check it out, and let us know. 🙂
 
I had the same symptom due to a faulty power button on my new case. The button would stick when I pushed it in, turning the system on then off. A little wd40 solved the problem.
 
Yes, of course.


I tried the removing RAM and it didn't help. I don't really know how to do the insulation thing though.
 
Your power supply is not sufficient enough assuming you are using the raidmax in that case. You need a quality power supply. An antec 350w would be better than your 420w. The 13A on the +12v line is the problem.
 
Wow, I didn't know this could be the source of the problem. I may have put too much faith in my current PSU. I'll have to try a different PSU on it.
 
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