Help Troubleshooting please

[Austain310]

Specs-

Asus x-navigator case with 500watt psu
asus p5n sli mobo
intel core 2 e6300
1gb (2x512) xms ddr2 6400 ram
X600 Graphics card(for now)

well anyway im trying to build a computer (which ive never done before). I have done everything i think i need too and the computer shows no sign of life when i press the power button. The only thing (although negative) that i saw 2 times was a pop (spark kindof thing) in the psu...but the mobo light is still on. I dont know what to do. Can you help me by makeing basic noob trouble shooting tips please? Dead psu, dead mobo, or wires not connected? Can you test to see if something is dead?

 

[dBTelos]

Sounds like the PSU was DOA. Considering it came in a Asus case, I doubt it was of much quality. A good replacement:

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-E51...bc7cbf1aa32b3d6c77f32f5bb0e7279d0b0ce1
Enhance ENP 400W w/ PCI-E

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Before replacing the PSU, do a minimal install outside the case with just the MB, one stick of ram, GPU and hdd. Check monitor cables, memory slot for one stick according to the manual and power switch by shorting pins with a screwdriver. Good luck.

 

[Austain310]

can you go into detail about this minimal installation? is it just to see if its the switch?

 

[Markbnj]

No, what he means is to get the motherboard and components out of the case, and lay them on a nonconductive surface and connect everything, then test. Often the problem in cases like this is a short between the motherboard and case, due to inaccurate placement of standoffs or other issues. It's worth trying, but since you saw a spark in the PSU I'm going to agree with the earlier diagnosis that it died.