New Computer- No Boot/No Beep/No Video - Good Hardware

[snappy]

Long story. I ordered parts for 2 computers from newegg:

2x Intel d875pbz mobos (refurbished)
2x Intel 2.8ghz extreme edition
4x ocz pc3200 sticks each
1x 80gig wd sata drives 8mb cache
1x nec dvd burners
1x thermalright slk900 heatsinks
1x Antec SLK1600 cases (300W smartpower PSU)
1x 128 MSI ati 9800pro video cards

Ive used similar hardware before to build a computer - except i had intel 2.4ghz cpu, 1mb pci vid card (was a server), corsair pc3200 memory, and the combo seemed to work.

Note the duplicate parts I ordered, are going to be sent overseas to a friend so he can build a computer somewhat similar.

Let me first note, I've tested the memory and the video card on the 2.4ghz box to make sure they were not borked, and they appear to be fine.

When the parts arrived, I built 1 computer. connected all parts etc. I got no video, no beep, no post, no nothing. Fans powered up but thats it. I stripped all components, till I was left weith just mobo/cpu/ram/video/fans. It was still a no-go.
Fans powered up, but no video signlal, no beep, no post, no nothing.

At this point, I brought it down to either motherboard (note it was refurbished) and PSU. I tried both motherboards, but still had the same problem. But because I'm planning to send these parts I didnt really have time. So I ordered new intel d875pbz motherboards. Now I have:

2x Intel d875pbz
2x Intel d875pbz (refurbished)

So now I rebuilt the computer with the new mobos, with only mobo/cpu/ram/video/fans -- same problem, fans turn on, nothing else seems to do anything. When I did this I left the motherboard/etc. OUTSIDE of the case, I was too lazy to bolt it in the case. I laid it on an antistatic bag, and let it go, not sure if it will cause grounding issues.

Now i've considered it to be the PSU problem.

The only problem I have with this is -- 300W should be able to power JUST the motherboard/cpu/ram/video/fans. I have a 2.4ghz running on the same psu and it works fine.


Please give me your suggestions/advice. I've run out of ideas. If I have to go out and buy a new PSU (or case) I will.

 

[mechBgon]

By "2.8ghz extreme edition," you must mean the 2.8E, which isn't Extreme Edition, it's Prescott-core. The Extreme Editions start at 3.2GHz and you'd know if you'd bought one, because of the price

The 300W PSU is less than I'd personally recommend for a Prescott-core Pentium4. The SL300S in the Antec also has only one fan, which I believe is a sleeve-bearing one as well. If I were building a Prescott-based P4 system I'd probably get it a nice Enermax 450W dual-fan unit, but I'm crazy like that...

Now as for the cause of your problem...

1) start by confirming that you got your ATX12V cable plugged in.

2) confirm that your boards came with the P20 BIOS or later, because according to Intel, you will need the P20 BIOS or later for your Prescott-core Pentium4 2.8E's to operate on your 875PBZ motherboards. Also note that besides the correct BIOS, you additionally need a certain board revision number or later, that's the note in the right-hand column there. I believe the reason is that the later board revisions have the power circuitry that's built to take Prescotts.

Based on your symptoms, I'm guessing #2 is the issue here. If you have the necessary board revision, but need to update to the P20 BIOS or later, then the cheapest way out is to get the cheapest Socket478 Celeron you can lay hands on, for the sole purpose of having a workable processor that you can use to update to the P20 BIOS or later. Then you can sell off the Celeron after it's served this purpose.

If you don't have the necessary board revision amongst any of the four boards, then that stinks If you can exchange the 2.8E for a 2.8C, that's the processor you want anyway, the Northwood core 2.8C. Runs faster with less heat production, and is compatible with more motherboards too.

Or there's Athlon 64 Anyway, I hope that helps you with some ideas. If you confirm that your boards have both the necessary revision number and the necessary BIOS, and they still won't run in a totally-stripped-down configuration, then check that you got your power supply plugged straight into your video card to supply it with the additional power it requires besides what it can draw from the motherboard. And if that's correct, then proceed to my page here and that first link is a text document with as many no-POST causes as I could think of. You'll notice that up 'til now I've been working off of the first set, where parts may be inadequate, mismatched, etc.

Hope that helps, welcome to the Forums

PS: if you do get it working, definitely feed those PC3200 modules 2.7 to 2.8 volts, not Auto voltage or 2.5-2.6V. I have a feeling they'll need it.

 

[snappy]

Okay the problem..

That 4 prong thing, I never noticed it on my mobo so I didnt think it was needed from the pSU. Mind you I have 20/200+ vision (as in legally blind), so these things happen.

Anyways it seems 1) was the problem.

But 2) looks like it will also be a problem.

I actually figured this out before i sent a post to this forum. Looks like I'll just build 2 extra computers to make up for the loss.
But yeah I do worry about 2), but I get the video signal, so booting up and upgrading later is an easy job.

Thanks for the response, it is appreciated.

I am a complete fool though, the first itme round when I built the 2.4ghz comp, I didnt neglect these little things. I guess I was impatient.

 

[mechBgon]

Good to hear that your parts are working. I hope your friend appreciates the effort you went through for him