New build! Nothing works! HELP!

[SandyM]

I just finished putting together a new build and nothing works. It doesn't boot. NO OS installed yet. Any ideas?




e8500 on a 790i SLI FTW. 4 GB Corsair xms3 1600C9, Thermaltake 700 Watt Truepower, OCZ 90 GB SDD, 1 T WD Black for storage, Radeon HD5850.

 

[Ultralight]

Hi Sandy. I have had the very same thing happen to me. Now I believe others will give their own great advice but here is something tried by many people (including me) that helps narrow the problem. It can be tedious but it works.

First, though, make sure your motherboard isn't touching your case in any way. Make sure no wires are touching to cause shorting.

Now, uninstall all hardware except the power connector from PSU to motherboards, cpu, and one stick of RAM. If it boots-up then shut down and add one piece of hardware and boot-up. Repeat as needed.

This often helps in narrowing where the issue may be.

 

[BoomerD]

Best and easiest way to find the source of the problem is the "build & boot method:

Start with your motherboard on a piece of cardboard or other non-conductive surface.
install ONLY the CPU & cooler, ONE stick of RAM in the appropriate slot for single stick configuration, (see your manual) and your video card. Connect the necessary PSU cables, and the appropriate wiring for the case on/off switch.
See if it will boot to BIOS.

If so, add your boot drive.

Try again. If the drive is recognized in the BIOS, add one more stick of RAM for dual channel configuration.
Try again...repeat until you have all RAM installed.

If that goes well, install your ODD and try again.

Then, IF you've managed to get everything installed and still can boot to the BIOS, disconnect your wiring and install the board into the case. You SHOULD be able to do this without removing your CPU cooler or RAM.

Then, reconnect your wiring and make sure everything still works correctly...spend a bit of time working on cable management for air flow...and install your OS, drivers, motherboard utilities, etc...and enjoy.

The reason for going through all these steps is to isolate each piece of hardware during the installation. By building outside the case first, you eliminate any possibility of shorting between board and case...which is often the problem with many problems we see here. (stand-off in the wrong place, etc.)

It also helps if you provide us with a detailed list of your hardware.
CPU
Motherboard
RAM, (manufacturer, what size DIMMS, how many)
Power supply (manufacturer, wattage)

 

[dma0991]

Most probably you did not connect the 4 pin EPS power to the motherboard. If you turn it ON but all it shows is a blank monitor while the fans and HDD are spinning then most probably that is the cause of the problem.