Huge CPU Ordeal

[A Casual Fitz]

So in an attempt to fix up my family's dead computer I bought them a new mobo/CPU (s939 Athlon 64 3200+) Well I put it in their computer and the monitor wouldn't come on and nothing would work. I have the same CPU combo in my rig so I decided to start swapping things. I eventually ended up putting their new motherboard/CPU in my case which still lead to the same result. So I finally decided to swap out the CPUs to see if that was the problem. Now both combos of CPU/motherboard won't work. Keep in mind mine was working fine before I started this. I think either I managed to screw mine up in the process, or I'm not installing the CPU correctly on the motherboard. Man I'm pulling my hair out. Sorry if this isn't the most well-written help request, any advice is greatly appreciated.

Note: Ever since I put my own CPU back on and it didn't work the heatsink/fan on it has been suspiciously quiet...like it's only running on low power or something.

 

[mechBgon]

The CPU goes into the motherboard socket in a particular orientation. See this page for starters.

Also confirm that you've got the video card fully seated in its slot, particularly if you use an AGP card where there's two layers of contacts to seat it into. more infos on that

If you didn't get your ATX12V cable connected, and other auxiliary power cables that your motherboard requires (some use up to four), then get those hooked up.

Also, if the old computer's power supply is not sufficient to power the new system, that's going to call for a new PSU. If you continue having problems, give a full list of system specs so we have more to go on.

 

[A Casual Fitz]

That's the thing, literally right before I started switching the processors my original setup ran perfectly. Then I switched out to the new processor (same model) and it didn't work. I got frustrated and decided to just put my original system back together and work from there and then that wouldn't work... the setup that literally worked a few minutes earlier. This is so bad..

 

[mechBgon]

Confirm that the CPU is in the socket in the correct orientation, and has no bent pins.

Then reset the CMOS by unplugging the computer, removing the CMOS battery and putting the Clear CMOS jumper in the "clear" position for 15 seconds, then putting it back to the operational position, insert the CMOS battery and plug in the computer again.

Confirm that all the power cables are still connected; as I mentioned, some motherboards can use up to four power cables.

If that doesn't get you anywhere, then please post spec lists so there's more information to work from

 

[A Casual Fitz]

I appreciate all the suggestions mechBgon...I've gotten my original setup back up and running again. Both CPUs work fine in it, but neither do in the other motherboard. I'm guessing this just means that the other motherboard is the problem, as I've tried using it with everything that's working fine in my current setup. In the problem board, everything turns on, but nothing shows up on the monitor.