New computer, no video.

[AndyBogard]

I just put together my new computer yesterday. I built it myself.

The computer starts up, the motherboard gets power, and it sounds like eveything else is running too, expect I get no video on my monitor. Also too, my motherboard has an LED display on it showing a POST code, and I checked the manual, and the code is:

FF = Boot attempt (INT 19h)

My setup:

Epox 9NDA3+
Athlon 64 3200+ (939) with XP-90 and Panaflo 92mm Ultra high speed fan
1 gig of Corsair XMS PC4400C25
Sapphire X800XT (AGP)
Seagate 300GB IDE hard drive
Plextor PX-716A
OCZ Powerstream 520watt PSU
Cooler Master Stacker
Viewsonic G90FB monitor

I press the power button and turn the system on, but nothing comes up on my monitor.

I hooked up my monitor via the VGA port on the card, and nothing, then I put the DVI - VGA converter on the DVI port and hooked it up, still nothing. I swapped out my X800XT for my 9700 Pro in my other computer and still nothing. I double checked everything, and I also made sure all my power connectors were going together correctly.

I also have one other possible issue. My Plextor PX-716A displays a solid green indicator after starting the computer up, and when I press the eject button, it ejects the tray 25-50% then closes. My manual says, "Illumintaed green during standby and when Buffer Underrun Proof Technology is operational", I don't understand.

Sorry for the long post, but I really need help with this. I was hoping to have this computer built and up to date this weekend.

 

[Bucks]

Reseat your ram and make sure it is fully in the socket. If that doesn't work, trying booting with just one stick, then the other to make sure you don't have a bad stick of ram

 

[compusaguy]

*Evil laugh*

 

[AndyBogard]

I was just digging through the manual, and noticed a couple things. Here they are:

Note: Overclocking failure will cause no display on the monitor. To overcome this switch off the power supply and switch on again. Restart the system, press and hold <Insert> key. This will revert the BIOS to default or initial setting.

Found that in the BIOS section of the book. Could it be that my ram is causing my motherboard to think I'm overclocking right away?

Also found this, its about the that POST code on the LED display (I think Epox automatically adds an h to the end of every code, the display only has space for two numbers):

80 Port frequently asked questions.

FFh or CFh

Problem 1. BIOS chip inserted incorrectly
Fix 1. Reinsert the BIOS chip

Problem 2. Incorrect BIOS update version
Fix 2. Download and install latest BIOS

Problem 3. Mainboard Problem
Fix 3. Replace mainboard

Problem 4. Add on card inserted incorrectly
Fix 4. Remove and replace the add on card


Well, Problem 1, I don't know what to do. Problem 2 probaly isn't the problem, anyways without video I can't update it. Problem 3, I hope not. Problem 4, ???.

 

[AndyBogard]

I'll also try to reinstall my RAM, and then try running 1 stick.

 

[AndyBogard]

update:

I tried swapping the RAM for some PC2700 I have, and still nothing. I did notice though that my video card isn't 100% in.

On this motherboard Epox put a latch that grabs the video card the top where the "hook" part is, this part is seated all the way, so is the next section. The large section starts, to show those prong pieces a little, this is only noticeable with a flashlight and close inspection. I was able to get the card to mount to the expansion slot with the thumbscrew, but it took a little effort, but not so much effort as to damage the card.

Could it be that this is a manufacturing defect? This could also be my problem right?

 

[Bucks]

Make sure the little latch is open when inserting the card. Push the card in the slot. Once the card is in as far as you can push it, pull the latch up securing the card. Maybe try to get the long section in before the latch part to make sure it is in fully. Also, make sure the card is lined up for the sockets. (a.k.a the slightly bent metal part on the top of the card slides down into the opening on the back of the case)

 

[AndyBogard]

Originally posted by: Bucks
Make sure the little latch is open when inserting the card. Push the card in the slot. Once the card is in as far as you can push it, pull the latch up securing the card. Maybe try to get the long section in before the latch part to make sure it is in fully. Also, make sure the card is lined up for the sockets. (a.k.a the slightly bent metal part on the top of the card slides down into the opening on the back of the case)

Already tried that. When I get in in the back, I then go and push the front end in, but the back end just pops back out. I tried secruing the bracket up with the thumbscrew, to hold the large section in, but once I push the front in, the bracket finds a way to slip out from the thumbscrew and pops the large part back out.

 

[Bucks]

It sounds like you don't have the little latch thing the whole way open to begin with. Make sure it is completely open. Push the card down. Then pull the latch up and you will feel it secure.

 

[AndyBogard]

Well, I put the video card back in and its secured properly by both hold downs, it still looks a little outwards though.

I did just notice a big problem though, and I am wondering if this could be it.

I used the motherboard tray standoffs like you should, but I also used more standoffs to attach to the top of the motherboard to go through into the other standoffs. I didn't use the screws that I should have. I'm such an idiot.

The motherboard is holding in place, but I did notice (don't know why the hell I didn't pick up on it) that I could still move the motherboard around some.

Now could that be causing the problem I'm having? The standoffs and screws act as a ground don't they? Since I don't have the proper screws installed, I'm only partially grounding right?

Let me repeat, I'm an idiot. Although, I guess it could be worse, this being my first build by myself.

 

[Bucks]

So did putting the correct screws make it work?