Help with a mobo grounding problem??

[azeker1]

I'm trying to build a system around a cheap Duron system for a buddy around an Epox board (8KTA+). Every time I put it in the case (Enlight 7237), it works a couple of times and then won't POST. I contacted tech support at the vendor I bought it from and they say it is grounding out, which makes sense, but how do I fix it? I can't use the mobo if it can't be installed in a case. Anyone else encounter this problem? Any suggestions? TIA.

 

[MichaelD]

I find it interesting how, over the phone, someone can tell you that it's grounding out. The only way to verify this is visually.

Are there any extra standoffs under the mobo? Make sure. Possibly while you were installing either the board or the card, a screw fell, and rolled under the board? These thing are easy to check. Also, this is weird, but it happens. Sometimes when they solder the capacitors/resistors to the mobo, they don't cut the leads off short enough on the back of the PCB and when you install the board, the lead grounds out against the case. i'd take the mobo out, inspect it, vacuum out the case to get any stray particles of whatever out and reinstall.

Also, how's your power supply? Durons need slightly less power than the Athlons, but not much less. You should have at least a 250w power supply, 300 is preferable.

I'd start over completely. Take the mobo out, check it, clean the case. Remove/reseat CPU/memory. Boot up with nothing but the floppy/hd/vidcard/CPU/memory installed. Good luck.

 

[azeker1]

Thanks. Indeed, I did take it out and start over. The case is brand new and I checked for screws under the mobo - none. The PS is an AMD approved 300W that is rated up to 1Ghz Athlons, so I don't think the 750 Mhz Duron will tax it too much. I will check for stray solder leads, though. Good idea.