Hmmm... "New" build (!) won't POST. What do I need to check?

[AnitaPeterson]

Hi there,

I have this new (donated) Intel 845WN with a P4 @ 1.4 GHz already installed, I paired it with PC-133 512 RAM, added a 160 GB HDD, a Radeon 7000 AGP, connected to a TaoTec 380 PS...

And it does nothing?!!

I turn on the PS from the switch, the motherboard LED comes on, the CPU fan starts spinning, yet there's no beep from the on-board speaker, and the monitor remains dark.

What am I missing here? What do I need to check?

I am pretty sure the PSU, RAM and HDD are good, the only unknowns are the CPU and motherboard... can you give me any suggestions?

TIA

 

[oynaz]

As the motherboard LED lights up, and the fan starts spinning, your motherboard is probably OK.
Your problem is probably the RAM or video card. Make sure both are seated properly.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

I've tried two videocards - one which I know for sure is perfectly functional... I will try to take out all the RAM sticks and just leave one...

 

[cozumel]

And reset the BIOS with the jumper or battery just in case the previous owner had settings that won't post with your components

 

[Bluefront]

Be aware that many low-power setups will not boot if the PSU is a newer high-efficiency model. You could temporarily hook up an older known-working PSU. The other alternative is to hook up an additional current draw to the 12V rail (a 12V 10W automotive light-bulb hooked to the yellow/black wires of a molex connector for instance).

The exact same thing has happened to me when I tried to boot a Pentium M board with a 300w Fortron Zen. The fan on the CPU started, some lights came on....but no boot.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

I was thinking about using an older PSU, but the motherboard has a 20-pin input as well as a 4-pin ATX connector, so I assumed it would be ok with the brand-new TAoTec... Good point, I'll try the other PSU as well, just in case.