Can't get new A64 build to post - In need of advice

[clarkkent333]

OK guys Im stumped. I just can't get this damn thing working. This is my first A64 build, Im no noob in case you were wondering I've built over 100 systems, and Im getting nowhere fast. Here's the equipment list:

Seasonic S12 380
chaintech VNF4 Ultra
A64 3000
Corsair Value Ram 1GB
Seagate 120GB ATA
Radeon 9250 PCI

I just can't get the system to post. I've tried using 1 stick of ram, then 2. I've tried 2 different A64 processors. I've tried going from DVI to VGA on the Radeon. I've tried using different PCI slots for the Radeon. I've tried starting it up with no HD. I just can't get it to post. If anyone has any suggestions I'd really appreciate it.

BTW - This is my second MB, second memory, and second PSU. I originally thought the MB was dead when I had this problem before so I RMA'ed the original VNF4. I can't imagine its the MB again.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

What happens when you hit the power?

Fans? Beeps? Nothing at all?

 

[clarkkent333]

Sorry about that.

The Heatsink fan (Zalman 7700), Chipset fan, and PSU fan spinup. Also I hear the HD kick in when I connect it. The problem is nothing comes up on the screen. The power light on the monitor just stays yellow.

This is weird, I notice that the power led on the case is blinking instead of staying on. Any ideas? Its an Antec Sonata

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Some random stuff to check:

CMOS reset, make sure it's in the right position
Make sure the extra 12V power connector is in
Have you tried a non-PCI videocard yet?

Since this is the second motherboard, it's probably not a case grounding issue, but it's worth a shot if you've tried everything else to only connect Motherboard, CPU, HS/F, ram, powersupply, and videocard outside of the case and start it up outside on a piece of cardboard.

 

[DanDaMan315]

Trying clearing the CMOS. I just tore apart my comp and put it back together again and I couldn't get it to post, turns out I was missing the CMOS jumper, anyways theres a million and one ways to have a computer not post.

*The best advice anyone gave me when trying to fix a computer late at night was, get some sleep and fix it in the morning.

 

[clarkkent333]

Already tried clearing the CMOS. The extra 12v is in although it wasn't on the first powerup try. Don't think that matters but Ill mention it just in case. As far as a non PCI card this MB only takes PCIE and its a low end system for my friends parent. Ill give the CMOS clear another shot and ill try the video card outside the case thing. Any other thoughts? Also, any ideas about the case power led blinking? I've never seen one blink before.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I haven't used that motherboard before, does it have any diagnostic LED or anything?

 

[clarkkent333]

Unfortunately no. I miss my old EPOX NF2 board. It had an LED readout with numbers corresponding to the individual problem. Can't beat that.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: clarkkent333
Unfortunately no. I miss my old EPOX NF2 board. It had an LED readout with numbers corresponding to the individual problem. Can't beat that.

My 8RDA+ died a few days ago... grumble grumble grumble... the capacitors started leaking.

 

[clarkkent333]

OK just tried the CMOS reset - nothing

was going to do the video card on outside of case thing but how is the card going to be powered if its not in the PCI socket?

 

[Nocturnal]

Reseat your CPU and HSF then reset your CMOS.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: clarkkent333
OK just tried the CMOS reset - nothing

was going to do the video card on outside of case thing but how is the card going to be powered if its not in the PCI socket?

I meant everything outside of the case, as in motherboard sitting on a piece of cardboard on a table.

This will eliminate any issues with the case possibly shorting anything out.

 

[clarkkent333]

I figured as much just making sure.

Nocturnal - why would reseating the cpu and hsf help? isn't there only 1 way to sit the cpu?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: clarkkent333
I figured as much just making sure.

Nocturnal - why would reseating the cpu and hsf help? isn't there only 1 way to sit the cpu?

There's a chance it may have not made a good connection. This happened to me on my first build of an 1800+. When it didn't post I thought I had crushed it, but reseating it fixed the problem .

 

[clarkkent333]

Alright - Ill try the outside the case and reseat. Ill be back in a few. thanks.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: clarkkent333
Alright - Ill try the outside the case and reseat. Ill be back in a few. thanks.

Good luck

We'll be here when it doesn't work

 

[clarkkent333]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: clarkkent333
Alright - Ill try the outside the case and reseat. Ill be back in a few. thanks.

Good luck

We'll be here when it doesn't work

And that is why I love this board!

OK here's the results:

Board outside case ontop of cardboard and antistatic bag before reset - nothing with led still blinking

board outside case ontop of cardboard and antistatic bag after cpu reset (it made a squealing noise this time, didn't hear it the first time but I not sure I was really paying attention) and cmos reset - nothing with led still blinking.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

What made the squealing noise?

 

[clarkkent333]

When I was moving the lever down to set the processor.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Alright.

So... the only thing right now that you haven't tried a different one is the videocard?

Have you tried the ram or videocard in a different working system?

 

[clarkkent333]

Unfortunately I don't have another working system that I can get into. The thing is that I had this same problem with a different set of ram sticks and a different vid card. I really don't know what the hell it is at this point but Im getting discouraged.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Have you checked the motherboard instructions to see if the jumpers are all in the right places?

 

[clarkkent333]

CMOS = ok
It doesn't have any other jumpers than the USB and PS2 power on's and I don't see how those could possible matter.

Well Im about to have an brain hemorage so Im hitting the sack. Ill check back in the morning if you guys have figured anything out.

Thanks so much for the help everyone. I really appreciate it. Hopefully we'll get this SOB fixed up.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Alright. Starting fresh is a good idea

Some more random stuff to try:
Startup with and without Keyboard attached
Try starting up with a floppy drive attached

I think all modern boards would allow you to boot without those but I had some older stuff that wouldn't without them.

Have you attached your pc speaker to it to see if you get beep codes?
Have you tried taking off all the little headers for the case power connections and just used a screwdriver to jump the board to start up? (maybe your power button is funky?)

 

[theblaznee]

Sounds like my experience with my new build

First make sure you have a 400W or more PSU with that NF4 board. My board had both the 4 pin molex power connection and a small square one also.. Both had to be connected..

It was my first build in a while, so I hadn't seen the two extra needed power connections before..