Computer Won't Post after New Case

[sstrunks84]

I recently transferred all of my components to a new case and now my computer won't post. The BIOS screen doesn't even show up.

My specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (@ Stock)
Tuniq Tower 120 Cooler
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 (Rev 1.0)
4x1GB OCZ Platinum PC6400 (@ Stock)
EVGA GTX280 SC Video Card
Hitachi 320gb SATAII HDD
Antec P182 Case

I tried clearing out the CMOS by taking out the battery (i left it out for a couple of hours and power cycled the computer). I tried booting with one stick of RAM at a time. I swapped out videocards. I took out my CPU and tried to boot (Will a computer boot into the BIOS without a CPU?).

Does anybody else have any other suggestions? I am almost certain that my motherboard is the problem but I also think that it may be my CPU.

 

[Fardringle]

The most common boot problem when installing components in a new case is a short circuited connection somwhere (one of the case standoff screws is in the wrong place). Take the motherboard completely out of the case, put it on a non-conductive surface like the cardboard box it came in, reconnect everything to it, then try to boot the system outside of the case. If it works, then your hardware is fine and you simply need to re-check the position of the mounting screws in the case to make sure they line up with the holes in the motherboard.

 

[sstrunks84]

thanks, fardringle. i'll try that when I get home.

 

[sstrunks84]

I did forget to mention, however, that when I push the power button, all the fans in my computer case turn on. I'm not sure if my CPU fan spins or not but I DID notice that my GPU fan doesn't come on. The green light on my GPU turns on though.

 

[boomerang]

Check the I/O shield too. It's easy to create a short there also.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Sounds like you have a video problem. Double check your connections and make sure everything is secure.

 

[sstrunks84]

i figured out the problem. MY CPU Cooler, the Tuniq Tower, was preventing my computer from booting. If I screw the Tuniq into the motherboard all the way, the computer and all of is components will turn on but the computer won't POST. So basically, all the components are up and running with the fans all spinning but nothing will show onscreen.

Right now, the computer boots up fine and I can go into Windows because the Tuniq Tower is screwed into the motherboard really lightly (it's almost falling off...). Is there something wrong with my motherboard or my Tuniq?

 

[Fardringle]

Did you put the insulating sticker on the back side of the motherboard between the board and the cooler's mounting backplate? If not, the cooler could be causing a short circuit between the contacts on the motherboard. Also, if it is not screwed on evenly when you tighten the screws, it's possible that the cooler is causing the motherboard to bend (flex) slightly which is breaking a contact somewhere. I would check the installation of the cooler's back plate first, then carefully check that all of the screws are tightened evenly when you attach the cooler.