New PC wont POST

[diamondx]

Im making a HTPC, and I have a microATX mobo. The mobo, ram, and CPU are all new, and when I put them all together, it wont even POST. It is an MSI PM8PM-V and intel Celeron D 331. When I push the power button, the fans spin, but nothing else happens. What could be wrong?

 

[shadowofthesun]

We'll need more information.

The fact that the fans are spinning seems to indicate the MB is working, as the MB provides juice for the fans...

Does your MB have onboard video? If not, what video card do you have?

Is your power supply suffiecient?

Test all your parts in a different computer you know works for sure by replacing each component one at a time.

Best of luck.

 

[diamondx]

Originally posted by: shadowofthesun
We'll need more information.

The fact that the fans are spinning seems to indicate the MB is working, as the MB provides juice for the fans...

Does your MB have onboard video? If not, what video card do you have?

Is your power supply suffiecient?

Test all your parts in a different computer you know works for sure by replacing each component one at a time.

Best of luck.

There is onboard video, but I also tried a couple of video cards (that I know work). I cant test any of it on another computer, because I dont have any other mobos or CPUs that are LGA775, or RAM that is DDRII SDRAM.

 

[mechBgon]

Start by confirming that your 4-pin CPU Power Connector :camera: is connected.

 

[diamondx]

Both power connectors are plugged in. However, my PSU has a 20-pin connector, but the board has a 24-pin. I plugged the 20 into the 24, with 4 pins open. This is okay, right?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: diamondx
Both power connectors are plugged in. However, my PSU has a 20-pin connector, but the board has a 24-pin. I plugged the 20 into the 24, with 4 pins open. This is okay, right?

Yeah, that should work. Extra power-delivery wires would be helpful if it had some whopper add-in video card, but for your setup it ought to suffice.

You might run down my list of won't-POST troubleshooting brainstorms: http://www.mechbgon.com and it's the "Assorted reasons that your computer might not start or POST" document down the page halfway.

 

[diamondx]

Okay, I read that troubleshooting rtf, and the possibilities are something broken, something isn't configured right, or the psu is too weak. Im pretty sure nothing is broken, since I bought everything online, and dont want to ship it. I just read the manual, and I dont see any configuration things, except the Clear CMOS, which is in the "save" position (just to be sure, I tried it in both positions). The only thing that leaves is the psu. I only have a 200w (came with the case). Is it possible that this isnt enough power for a celeron D, mobo, and ram? Thats all thats in the case right now. Thanks for all the help you've given so far.

 

[mechBgon]

200 watts might be a little on the skimpy side. Do you have any other computers you could borrow a 300W+ unit from to test with? Quality can matter, too... I'd take a 180W Fortron (a good brand) over a 300W trashy-quality one.

 

[diamondx]

I have a power supply that I KNOW works. Its about 500w or so, should be enough. Its actually being used ATM, so Ill try it later.

 

[diamondx]

Ahh, Im kinda embarrassed. I tried a 420w PSU, and it worked. Then for some reason, I looked at the little red voltage switch, and saw that it was set wrong on the 200w PSU the whole time. Oops. I would just stick the 420 in, but the case is small, and the 420 is about twice as big as the 200. Now I get a BIOS beep code. I can work it out from here, apparently my memory IS broken/wrong. Thanks for all your help.

 

[mechBgon]

sure thing 🙂 and if you end up needing a good-quality microATX power supply with more wattage, Newegg.com has Fortron microATX units.