Gulp! Help! I'm in deep poop!

SandyM · May 28, 2011

MagnusTheBrewer · May 28, 2011

Start at the beginning. Do a minimal install outside the box with one stick of ram, gpu and, cpu. No other devices should be installed. Make sure the one stick of ram is in the correct slot for that configuration. Check the case connectors for proper orientation to pin one. Look for the embossed triangle on the plug and do not rely on the cable labels. Then, try to post. If you have joy, add one more stick of ram and boot again. Wash, rinse, repeat. If no joy, try another stick of ram. You can avoid a lot of problems by building one step at a time instead of trying to trouble shoot a host of problems caused by multiple problems. This method is tried and true. Us old geeks refer to it as 'eliminate and consolidate.'

BoomerD · May 28, 2011

MagnusTheBrewer said:
Start at the beginning. Do a minimal install outside the box with one stick of ram, gpu and, cpu. No other devices should be installed. Make sure the one stick of ram is in the correct slot for that configuration. Check the case connectors for proper orientation to pin one. Look for the embossed triangle on the plug and do not rely on the cable labels. Then, try to post. If you have joy, add one more stick of ram and boot again. Wash, rinse, repeat. If no joy, try another stick of ram. You can avoid a lot of problems by building one step at a time instead of trying to trouble shoot a host of problems caused by multiple problems. This method is tried and true. Us old geeks refer to it as 'eliminate and consolidate.'

"Build & boot" is my preferred way to assemble and/or troubleshoot a computer.
The only thing I'll add to Magnus' post is that you'll also need the CPU cooler and fan hooked up for this...

MagnusTheBrewer · May 28, 2011

BoomerD said:
"Build & boot" is my preferred way to assemble and/or troubleshoot a computer.
The only thing I'll add to Magnus' post is that you'll also need the CPU cooler and fan hooked up for this...

You are correct, sir! I tend to skip some steps that I feel someone building their own box should know before letting the blue smoke out.

SandyM · May 28, 2011

OK, I undid everything - took out everything I had installed. Even took the CPU out and made sure it was in right. I hooked up one stick of ram, and installed a gpu that I know works. It now is flashing an A3 code - enable ide? I don't have any drives hooked up. I hate to sound naive but I am a 73 year old virgin doing this - what do I do now? I really appreciate your help.

MagnusTheBrewer · May 28, 2011

Did you take the MB out of the case? Do you have both power connectors plugged into the MB? Do you have the aux. power connector plugged into the gpu? Try resetting the CMOS.

SandyM · May 28, 2011

The MB is out of the case. The only thing hooked up is one stick of ram, the cpu and cooler and the gpu. I have tried two different sticks of ram in every slot on the board. It still flashes a3 - enable ide

BoomerD · May 29, 2011

Does the BIOS load at all??

SandyM · May 29, 2011

BoomerD said:
Does the BIOS load at all??

I just rma'd the board.

BoomerD · May 29, 2011

OK, probably not a bad option.

MagnusTheBrewer · May 30, 2011

I wish the OP luck. I do want to comment that when you ask for help, it's helpful to answer all the questions we ask so that we can better help you.

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Gulp! Help! I'm in deep poop!

SandyM

Member

MagnusTheBrewer

IN MEMORIAM

BoomerD

No Lifer

MagnusTheBrewer

IN MEMORIAM

SandyM

Member

MagnusTheBrewer

IN MEMORIAM

SandyM

Member

BoomerD

No Lifer

SandyM

Member

BoomerD

No Lifer

MagnusTheBrewer

IN MEMORIAM

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