Need help new computer will not boot

[gplracer]

I am building a computer for a friend. I have built about 15 and not had problems. This one is different. Here are the specs:
Epox 8kha+
crucial ddr 256nb
ati video card ( tried another too with same result)
amd thunderbird 1ghz (266fsb)

The power on the cpu fan comes on. The led readout on the motherboard says C1. The lights on the keyboard do not come on at all. I get no video just the noise of fans and I think the hard drive. I took the cpu out to see if it was chipped and to reseat it. I see no evidence of damage. I also tried the ram in all of the slots. I put the jumper on 100fsb and 133 fsb. I took the video card out and reseated it and even tried another. I guess the next thing is to power down my machine and try the ram I have. I have not heard of many people getting bad crucial ram. I figure by now I should take out the motherboard and then put it back in again. Someone else here stated that I might want to put the motherboard on the original box and plug in the video card and the power lines from the case and then see if the computer will get a screen. Is this safe to do? I do not want to short out the motherboard. Anything else you guys can think of? Thanks for your time and effort.

 

[DSTA]

Someone else here stated that I might want to put the motherboard on the original box and plug in the video card and the power lines from the case and then see if the computer will get a screen. Is this safe to do?

Safe, yes - but do yourself a favour and don't try this with the mobo half hanging in the case and yourself trying to keep the box underneath it (speaking from experience there ). Put in on the box (or anything else not conductive) and try it with just one stick of RAM and a vid card.

 

[DN]

I'd suggest trying the CPU in another machine, first.. I don't think you did something wrong, you've built 15 machines so far so you should be experienced enough to catch the obvious.. I'll currently put my money on it being a "dead CPU" based on what you've said so far..

 

[bustone]

i had the same exact problem my friend, i RMA'd the mobo...waiting for my replacement

 

[vm]

same thing happened to me this summer...problem was my cpu, i had to replace it.

same chip and motherboard as you btw

 

[gplracer]

Well here is what else I have done. I put a duron 900 that I know works in the motherboard and it did not work. I took the ram out and put it in this computer and it seems to be working. Also my ram did not work in that computer either/ I took the motherboard out and put it back in. I did not try it outside the case. Is there anything else that I am not thinking of? Thanks again!

 

[DN]

Motherboard led of C1 for an Epox means it's at the "detecting onboard DRAM and cache" stage.. If you've CORRECTLY placed ram you know that works (as you said you did) then I'd have to say that the MB is defective.. This is the best that I can "guess" from here.. Hope this helps..

 

[gplracer]

Well I put the ram from this motherboard in and the samething happened. I put that ram which is pc1600 crucial ram in and it worked in thsi motherboard. I have never had anything deffective before. I guess this will have to be sent back to newegg.

 

[gplracer]

Well I feel stupid now! I fixed it. When the motherboard was removed for the second time, I saw a screw in the case. I removed it and it worked! This means I still have not gotten a defective part yet. I wonder how many people send things back and there really is not anything wrong with them? I had the motherboard in the box ready to be packed! I did notice one thing though. Crucial sent pc1600 ddr ram instead of 2100. I have a thunderbird 1.ghz/266. It is running fine now. Should I send this stuff back. This is for another person and I do not want stability problems. Thanks again

 

[RossGr]

I always do a first POST out of the case, no floppy or HDs attached. Just the basics, this really reduces the number of factors which can cause troubles, in addition if something needs to be reseated it is very easy to do before the mobo is in the case. Once you have verified the basic components you can now install with confidence that you are using good parts.

 

[DSTA]

Good advice by RossGr IMO, but no reason to feel sutpid gplracer. It works, that's what counts. About the RAM: I'd send it back, you payed for PC2100.

BTW is it gplracer as in Grand Prix Legends? Almost three years I bought that and I still suck at Spa (never mind the Nürburgring) .