Solved! I just built my computer and it won't work

mohara071

Junior Member
Jan 7, 2021
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I just built my very first computer and every time I plug in the power supply all of the lights turn on then turn off seconds after and I don't know what the problem is at first I thought it was the power supply but then I got a second one and that wasn't working so I'm really stumped right now and don't know how to get my computer running
Specs: i5 9400, EVGA 1050 2GB SC, seasonic SERIES X 560 watt, h730 aurorus gaming 3 Wi-Fi, 16 GB of ddr4 3200 megahertz, hard drive and optical drive
 

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Solution
Well, a few things to check. This is one reason that people say to put in a SINGLE stick of RAM, and using the ONBOARD video, try to boot the mobo + CPU + RAM on a cardboard (mobo) box, by shorting the power-switch pins with a screwdriver. Just to see if your main components POST.

I would recommend, removing all but one stick of RAM, and check the manual to see which slot(s) it should be in, and remove the GPU, and see if it POSTs. If it does not, then take the mobo back out of the case (yeah, I know, PITA), and try the cardboard box boot.

If that doesn't work, then you probably have a bad component somewhere. If it does boot, then try some further trouble-shooting, and try powering down, adding the GPU, and attempting to POST...

VirtualLarry

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Aug 25, 2001
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Well, a few things to check. This is one reason that people say to put in a SINGLE stick of RAM, and using the ONBOARD video, try to boot the mobo + CPU + RAM on a cardboard (mobo) box, by shorting the power-switch pins with a screwdriver. Just to see if your main components POST.

I would recommend, removing all but one stick of RAM, and check the manual to see which slot(s) it should be in, and remove the GPU, and see if it POSTs. If it does not, then take the mobo back out of the case (yeah, I know, PITA), and try the cardboard box boot.

If that doesn't work, then you probably have a bad component somewhere. If it does boot, then try some further trouble-shooting, and try powering down, adding the GPU, and attempting to POST using the GPU.

Also, check the case, and make sure that the standoffs (you DID use standoffs, right?), are all in the right place(s). (Where the mobo has screw-down holes, generally. Maybe not at the far edge on the right when it's in the case.)

Edit: Also, important, check if the CPU fan is plugged into the "correct" CPU_FAN header. Many/most mobos will detect the fan RPM on that fan header, and if there is no RPM signal, they will shut the PC down for safety.

Edit: I would also check mobo reviews for that mobo on Amazon and Newegg; see if anyone else has had the same problem (possible model defect?).
 
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mohara071

Junior Member
Jan 7, 2021
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Well, a few things to check. This is one reason that people say to put in a SINGLE stick of RAM, and using the ONBOARD video, try to boot the mobo + CPU + RAM on a cardboard (mobo) box, by shorting the power-switch pins with a screwdriver. Just to see if your main components POST.

I would recommend, removing all but one stick of RAM, and check the manual to see which slot(s) it should be in, and remove the GPU, and see if it POSTs. If it does not, then take the mobo back out of the case (yeah, I know, PITA), and try the cardboard box boot.

If that doesn't work, then you probably have a bad component somewhere. If it does boot, then try some further trouble-shooting, and try powering down, adding the GPU, and attempting to POST using the GPU.

Also, check the case, and make sure that the standoffs (you DID use standoffs, right?), are all in the right place(s). (Where the mobo has screw-down holes, generally. Maybe not at the far edge on the right when it's in the case.)

Edit: Also, important, check if the CPU fan is plugged into the "correct" CPU_FAN header. Many/most mobos will detect the fan RPM on that fan header, and if there is no RPM signal, they will shut the PC down for safety.
Yes I did do standoffs and I would try what you just told me to thanks I will reply back soon
 
Solution

VirtualLarry

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Aug 25, 2001
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Yeah, you plugged the CPU heatsink's fan connector into the CPU_OPT fan header. Try plugging it into the grey one above it. ("CPU_FAN")

It's less than obvious, but there are two headers there, one above the other, and below both of them, is silk-screened, "CPU_FAN" and below that, "CPU_OPT". You have to mentally take the placement of those silk-screen labels, and assign them in the order silk-screened. So the "CPU_FAN" connector is the TOP connector out of the two (in GREY), and not the one closest physically to the silk-screened label. Confusing, I know.

That's my best guess, pretty sure that's the problem, as it corresponds with the symptoms that you're seeing.

Edit: Shutdown / power-off problems, are usually always power or thermal related, including the thermal fan fail-safe that you're seeing here. So you were on the right track, thinking PSU. One other thing to consider, is installing a "beeper", the piezo speaker on the 4-pin header with the black and red wires on the outer pins. If you were seeing fan shutdown, you should hear a continuous "fan alarm" beeeeeeeeeeeeep when attempting to boot (possibly), due to the system detecting a "stopped fan".
 
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mohara071

Junior Member
Jan 7, 2021
13
2
41
Yeah, you plugged the CPU heatsink's fan connector into the CPU_OPT fan header. Try plugging it into the grey one above it. ("CPU_FAN")

It's less than obvious, but there are two headers there, one above the other, and below both of them, is silk-screened, "CPU_FAN" and below that, "CPU_OPT". You have to mentally take the placement of those silk-screen labels, and assign them in the order silk-screened. So the "CPU_FAN" connector is the TOP connector out of the two (in GREY), and not the one closest physically to the silk-screened label. Confusing, I know.

That's my best guess, pretty sure that's the problem, as it corresponds with the symptoms that you're seeing.

Edit: Shutdown / power-off problems, are usually always power or thermal related, including the thermal fan fail-safe that you're seeing here. So you were on the right track, thinking PSU. One other thing to consider, is installing a "beeper", the piezo speaker on the 4-pin header with the black and red wires on the outer pins. If you were seeing fan shutdown, you should hear a continuous "fan alarm" beeeeeeeeeeeeep when attempting to boot (possibly), due to the system detecting a "stopped fan".
 

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VirtualLarry

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BTW, it's not entirely a bad idea to keep a "spare PSU" around the place, just in case something might happen in the future to your existing one, so that you can be up-and-running quickly again. It's one of the most common components to fail. (Edit: And sometimes they fail suddenly.)
 
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VirtualLarry

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You're very welcome. Post a rig pic when you've got it all up and running, if you like, and feel free to ask more questions if you run into another snag.
 

VirtualLarry

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usb 2.0 is generally a 2x5 pin header, with one of the corner pins removed. Likewise, for the HD Audio header, except the missing pin is one in from the end.

USB 3.0 is a sort-of "high density" header, with 19/20 pin, usually a blue plug with a protruding notch on the side.

Edit: For the front panel connectors, refer to the manual or "quick start" guide.
 

mohara071

Junior Member
Jan 7, 2021
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I just checked my email and saw these thanks I'ma post a picture of it as of right now
 

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