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First time builder..

Soapy Bones

Senior member
Dec 4, 2003
397
0
76
I'm tryin to build my first PC here to make it a home theater pc. I picked up a combo from a anandtech user that was a motherboard, XP2100 cpu, DDR Ram, HD, and vid card. I was hoping to use an old case that i had lying around and so i ended up having to purchase a 430 watt PSU to go with this system. Finally got around to plugging it all in and the PSU won't even turn on. I bought it used from an individual on here, its an Antec truepower 430. I've heard they're very good.

In any event, I plugged it in and turned it on and the fan does not come on. Is there something else i'm supposed to be doing here. This is an old IBM computer case, the boards/cards/drives all fit in it OK but the power button and HDD access light cable will not plug into any place on the motherboard. Is this button just for a secondary use or is it essential to operation.

Help!! please

thanks
 

Operandi

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
5,508
0
0
The power botton isn't connected to the board? You'll never get it on w/o that. Time for a new case.... since its HT I'd get one of Silverstones deskop/HT cases, they'r quit sexy.
 

oneshot47

Senior member
Aug 6, 2004
435
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Yes, the power switch lead is important....and there is a place for it on the mobo, you just need to look harder. Check the manufacturers site for a layout diagram or a manual if you need it. Its there.
 

Operandi

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
5,508
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0
Originally posted by: oneshot47
Yes, the power switch lead is important....and there is a place for it on the mobo, you just need to look harder. Check the manufacturers site for a layout diagram or a manual if you need it. Its there.

"This is an old IBM computer case", maybe its not there... Its an IBM case, who knows what kind of proprietary stuff is in there....
 

SilverBack

Golden Member
Oct 10, 1999
1,622
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0
lather164
What you have there is an old AT case.
In an ATcase the start button is supposed to be hooked to the power supply itself.

What you have now is an ATX motherboard and power supply.
The motherboard power connector fits to the power supply of course. Then a two lead wire from the case is connected to the motherboard.

The motherboard has a system panel connector that USUALLY resides on the bottom right as you look at the board. The normal connections are , power switch, reset switch, Power LED, Hard drive LED and speaker connector. All that is really necessary is the power switch. All ATX cases will work this way.

You need a new case.
 

thejackal1

Senior member
Mar 28, 2002
884
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0
maybe try and short out the power pins on the mobo to see if it starts. take a screwdriver and touch the two pins for the power switch on the motherboard.