Computer won't boot/POST

[Darklighter]

Howdy...

OK, I just built a system from some spare parts and a working base system (Mobo/CPU). When I power on, all the fans spin, and the CD-ROM & IDE lights glow solid, but no boot/POST... the monitor gets no signal. There's no beep or any other noise that indicates a POST. I have tried 3 Power supplies (2 of them new), 2 video cards (both working). Could this be caused by bad memory? Shouldn't I at least get some beeps?

Any help appreciated!

 

[DaiShan]

Ok, the first thing that you need to do is make sure that you have the system speaker on the case hooked up to the speaker header on the motherboard. You will need to consult the motherboard manual on how to do this. Second, in order for the computer to complete the Power On Self Test, you will need to have a CPU with heatsink/fan connected to the motherboard, at least one stick of RAM in the first memory bank, a video card, and a PSU. Verify that everything is connected properly and let us know if you get any beep codes.

 

[BadThad]

Originally posted by: DaiShan
Ok, the first thing that you need to do is make sure that you have the system speaker on the case hooked up to the speaker header on the motherboard. You will need to consult the motherboard manual on how to do this. Second, in order for the computer to complete the Power On Self Test, you will need to have a CPU with heatsink/fan connected to the motherboard, at least one stick of RAM in the first memory bank, a video card, and a PSU. Verify that everything is connected properly and let us know if you get any beep codes.

Good advice. Also, if it still won't post, take it out of the case and put it on a piece of cardboard to eliminate the possibility of grounding.

 

[mircea]

Yeah ^^^^^
I had this happen to me the first time i tried to boot my new system. I took it out and worked perfect. Put it back in and worked perfect.

 

[Darklighter]

Thank-you for the advice... I will look at the grounding issue, although the MoBo/CPU are still original in the case (haven't recently been mounted). It has all the parts in except for a HDD. I know all the parts are good, except a bit unsure about the RAM... but I didn't know if that would stop the system from even starting.

 

[jjsbasmt]

Had a four year old system brought to me yesterday with the same ailment. Removed the AMD CPU, cleaned the fan on it and installed fresh thermal grease after removing the thermal pad, and reinserted the processor and all is well 2nd day now. Who would have guessed!!

 

[Darklighter]

I believe it was a grounding issue. I pulled everything out and noticed some of the case-frame screws were loose (making the MoBo mounting loose). Once I tightened everything and remounted it booted up fine. Thanks for the suggestions!