New build: Motherboard will let me power up once, but not twice

[Mursilis]

Also posted in General Hardware (sorry if that's a rule violation, mods):
I'm swapping out motherboards on my system, and I've put the new one in with a 'barebones' configuration for testing. Parts are:
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro-SLI
CPU: Athlon X2 3800+
RAM: 1x1GB Patriot DDR
Video: ATI X1900 AIW

Putting it in my case and powering it up, it powers up fine ONCE - lets me go into BIOS, etc., no issues. It detects the CPU, RAM, etc., just fine. However, when I power down, it won't power up again. The only way I can get it to power up again is by unplugging it and letting it sit, or moving the RAM to a different slot, or something like that. Then it's good for ONE more power-up, and again it won't power up after that. Thoughts? I think the case and power supply are not the issue, as both have been flawless with my old board. TIA for any tips/ideas.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I had a problem with a rig, once shut down, it wouldn't power back up without unplugging it, or shutting off the switch on the back of the PSU. It turned out that it needed to have the battery replaced. Now it boots up fine every time.

 

[Mursilis]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
I had a problem with a rig, once shut down, it wouldn't power back up without unplugging it, or shutting off the switch on the back of the PSU. It turned out that it needed to have the battery replaced. Now it boots up fine every time.

Thanks for the reply. I swapped out the PSU, and the problem went away. I still don't know what was bad about the old power supply, but at least the problem's solved.

 

[Xvys]

My new AM2 build does the same thing. I have to turn off the ps for 10 sec to discharge the caps or Windows won't load. The bios loads but it gets hung up with a blank screen. If I discharge the power, Windows will start normally. Do you think it's the ps? It's a Sparkle 400w that I bought used, but I'm sure it worked fine in another system?? I will swap it out for another one and check.

 

[Mursilis]

Originally posted by: Xvys
My new AM2 build does the same thing. I have to turn off the ps for 10 sec to discharge the caps or Windows won't load. The bios loads but it gets hung up with a blank screen. If I discharge the power, Windows will start normally. Do you think it's the ps? It's a Sparkle 400w that I bought used, but I'm sure it worked fine in another system?? I will swap it out for another one and check.

It could be. My old PSU (Antec SmartPower 500W) still powered up and everything, and gave no clue it had any flaw at all, but when I changed to the Cooler Master unit, the problem was suddenly gone. I'm not sure what was flawed about the Antec unit, but changing it out solved the problem. Go figure.