Need help with new system(s) not able to boot.

[bw8755]

I started with the MSI K9N SLI Platinum, AMD AM2 3800+ Orleans, 2x1024MB OCZ Gold 667 and XFX 7600GT XXX, power supply was Antec True Power 430 watt 12V+ 20A. Unit would not boot, fans would all spin for about 5 seconds and unit would shut off. After extensive tech support crawling, I tried another stick of RAM (K-Byte 533) as well as the Antec HE 550 watt 12V+1 18A, 12V+ 2 18A, 12V+ 3 18A. Same issue. Was suggested a bad mobo. RMA?d, replacement does same thing.

Suggested compatibility issues with memory (so I get Corsair 2x1024MB 800 C5) and was told by another it would be a bad CPU so I RMA the CPU. AMD tests the CPU as fine, suggest a different brand/model of mobo.

OK, so I order the ASUS M2N32 SLI Deluxe Wireless. While I?m at it I decide to upgrade the processor to an X2 4200 (thanks to the recent price drop).

Now the system consists of the ASUS M2N32 SLI Deluxe Wireless, AMD AM2 X2 4200, Corsair 2x1024MB 800 C5, XFX 7600GT XXX, Antec HE 550 watt 12V+1 18A, 12V+ 2 18A, 12V+ 3 18A. Same exact results. Shuts off after 5 seconds. Now I think, ok maybe bad GPU, so I grab a cheap 7300 from BB and same results. Every component has been replaced, been tested and trouble shot. I am out of ideas. The only thing I can come up with is possibly not enough power. The Antec sounds like it should be enough, 3 rails, 18A each. Could this setup need higher Amperage on either rail, or single rail? If so, just how high? What about wattage? The Asus manual suggest 600 watts on a system with beefier components than I am using (FX-62, 4GB RAM, 7950 GPU).

For the record, the systems have been built out of case to eliminate standoff issues, The CPU has been reseated multiple times and countless other little things to check on. I am running trying it barebones, currently only the CPU/GPU/RAM are installed. Have tried RAM 1 & 2 stick variations, reset CMOS, etc.

Any help with this would be appreciated. I have been at this for 29 days, out a ton of money without a working system (note I have been building systems since 97. I also am a tech support rep for consumer electronics company, not computer stuff, so I am familiar with troubleshooting steps, procedures, etc so I am not new at this, but I have never been so stumped in my life).

If I left anything out, ask. I am open to suggestions. Thanks

 

[sisq0kidd]

Originally posted by: bw8755

For the record, the systems have been built out of case to eliminate standoff issues

I think that's your issue right there. You might be having grounding issues and the computer is shutting off. Put it in a case.

 

[bw8755]

Really? I was told by everyone (including MSI & AMD) to remove it from the case because it might have been grounding out with the stand offs. It was originally built in the case with these issues, then I pulled it for bench testing purposes. Think this could be the issue?

 

[sisq0kidd]

Originally posted by: bw8755
Really? I was told by everyone (including MSI & AMD) to remove it from the case because it might have been grounding out with the stand offs. It was originally built in the case with these issues, then I pulled it for bench testing purposes. Think this could be the issue?

Well, to me it sounds like grounding issues whether it be in case or out. Defective parts do not start then just turn off (unless you improperly set up your heatsink, etc but I doubt it).

When you are putting your components in a case, make sure all the standoffs are properly aligned and the motherboard is not touching the tray.

When you have your components outside of the case, make sure the motherboard is level.

I'm not an expert on grounding, but it just seems like that could be an issue here.