First Build Blues

[nocrapman]

I am working on my first build and have the components as listed inmy signature. I was told by someone to just check the MB by connecting it to the power supply and the monitor. So I did. I also added the processor... and the AGP card since there was no onboard video. I was hoping to see the BIOS info etc to flash on the screen. But nothing happened when I flipped the power switch. I wonder what went wrong. Am I missing something. Should I just put the system together in the case and then switch it on. Please advise.
Also please suggest if there is a good place to learn tips and techniques for building myh system... since I am a little anxious. Any help would be really appreciated.

 

[bluestrobe]

CPU, Heatsink, Video Card, Ram should be the only things installed to check a motherboard. If this is your first build and the parts are new I wouldn't do an out of the case experience. This is more or less reserved for trouble shooting and if done on a wrong surface, can be the end of the motherboard. Install your parts into the computer case then try it out. If it doesn't work then start taking out everything but what is needed (i.e.:CPU, Heatsink, Video Card, Ram) and try it there. If it still doesn't work, then pull the motherboard out of the case.

There is a great website for first time builders however I don't have the link. Maybe someone else here can help.

 

[wanderer27]

Stupid question.

The power you turned, was it just the PSU power or did you also have the Case switch hooked up ? You need the Case switch hooked up to actually turn on the MB.

Also, I'm not sure about your MB, but there may be another 4 Pin power connector that needs to be hooked up as well.

 

[natto fire]

MechbGon's guide is the best one I have ever seen for first-time builders. He even has the same avatar as you.
Builder Guide

 

[nocrapman]

Bluestrobe: Thanks for the good advice, I was doing the out of case thing, just an unnecesssary headache. I will be putting in everything in the case. I will report back then.

wanderer27: Thanks for you diagnostic guesses. U are right on all accounts. It was kind of a stupid question, especially to experts like you. I did not have the case switch hooked up. I also have two power slots - a 20-pin thing(which I connected) and a 4-pin thing which I niether saw earlier, nor connected. Unfortunately, Asrock is a cheaper, counterpart of ASUS and their brochure + documentation is pretty weak. A lot of things are left to conjecture. Not too difficult for seasoned veterans like you, a little demanding for a novice like me. Thanks again.

 

[wanderer27]

Originally posted by: nocrapman
Bluestrobe: Thanks for the good advice, I was doing the out of case thing, just an unnecesssary headache. I will be putting in everything in the case. I will report back then.

wanderer27: Thanks for you diagnostic guesses. U are right on all accounts. It was kind of a stupid question, especially to experts like you. I did not have the case switch hooked up. I also have two power slots - a 20-pin thing(which I connected) and a 4-pin thing which I niether saw earlier, nor connected. Unfortunately, Asrock is a cheaper, counterpart of ASUS and their brochure + documentation is pretty weak. A lot of things are left to conjecture. Not too difficult for seasoned veterans like you, a little demanding for a novice like me. Thanks again.

We were all noobs once.

And don't feel bad, these 939 MBs are a different beast from what used to be out there.

Graphics cards too. Who'd a thought you'd ever need an extra power connector (or two) for your Graphics card ?

With that 20 pin you may want to do a little research. These are generally set up for a 24pin with an extra 4 pin (in my case). The 20 pins are different in what you need to hook up. Unfortunately I'm not fully aware of the details as I went 24pin when I found out that's what is preferred by my MB.

 

[nocrapman]

Captain Howdy: Thanks so much for the great link - its an awesome web-guide.