Newbie, computer won't post. AAARRRRGGG

[laurenlex]

Hello. Short and sweet.

CPU AMD 64 |3000+ ATHLON 64 RTL

DVD+/-RW 16x+|NEC ND-3500A

AIW RADEON 9600XT 128M 8X

WIN XP HOME w/SP2 %

MB CHTECH VNF3-250 NFORCE3 250

HD 120GB|SEAGATE ST3120026A 8mb

CORSAIR VALUE SELECT 512MB

Antec 3700 AMB case with 350 watt power supply.

I put it together the system using mechbgon's guide. I even have the same case.

I get it all together, and when I turn the power on, the case and heatsink fans spin for about one second and then it quits. I have switched the case power, led, reset wires around where they connect to the motherboard. Same thing, one beep, fans spin, then nothing.

I unhook the hard drive and dvd drive cables and power, and try again. Same result.

Potential problem, When installing the heatsink to the CPU, I put the heatsink on backwards and the thermal paste stuck. Looking closely, it was a little scarred up, but the thermal goo was where it should be. I thought it would melt and be OK. Could this be the problem?

Yes, I have checked the 12 volt 4-hole power connector as well as the 20 pin main connector. I am pretty sure the RAM is seated correctly, as well as the video card.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[mechBgon]

If it shuts down right away, then maybe something's shorting out or not seated all the way. How about doing the out-of-the-case benchtest like I depicted, where the mobo is sitting on a cardboard box and only has the bare essentials hooked up CPU, memory, video, keyboard in the purple port, no drives.

 

[iwantanewcomputer]

nice guide mechBgon...looks like it's really workin...

just playin.

OP, do what mech said and also check that the heatsink fan is connected. i've seen boards that will just turn off if not

 

[BW86]

make sure you didnt install the processor in the wrong way . My friend did and it did the same thing ur system did.

 

[laurenlex]

Update: Still no good news.

The CPU is in the socket good and latched down. The heatsink is tight and latched and the fan plugged into the motherboard.

Memory DIMM is in slot and fully seated. Even tried memory bank 3. Same thing. Nothing.

Bench tested with just motherboard, memory, CPU and fan hooked up. Nada. The fans won't even spin now.

I have read every thread in this damn forum in the past 9 months, and am pretty sure I didnt' do anything stupid.

I must have a bad componet. The bad news is I have no spare AGP card, no extra compatible memory, and my old case and power supply are 5 years old and the power supply might die as I type this.

Well, I guess I will take the componets to work and see if I can find out what the probem is. I think I got a bad power supply, but who knows?

 

[effee]

Are you perhaps using a 375W PSU cable for a 430W PSU?

 

[DrCool]

laurenlex

you've been officially initiated into the diy computer community..

do this:

take everything apart.. and start over.

only install the following:

1) MOTHERBOARD
2) CPU
3) HSF (HeatSink / FAN)
4) MEMORY
5) PSU - 20PIN ATX / 4 PIN (12V)

Now, something that nobody mentioned.. in order to POWER ON your components (without the case) you need to short the 2 power pins (where all the case connections would go - usually labeled PWR), you can use a flat head screwdriver or a paper clip also comes in handy. also plug in a pair of speakers to your audio out port, and listen for any audible clues.

Connect your monitor / keyboard / mouse to that setup, and power on.. if everything works fine, start adding components one by one. Add-in motherboard accessories are notorious for causing headaches, as are builtin case connections (firewire, usb ports, etc.) so make sure you don't have any of them plugged in for your first couple boots.

 

[thermalpaste]

WHy the heck r u using a measly 350W PSU? you should go for something like 450W or higher......

 

[BW86]

Originally posted by: thermalpaste
WHy the heck r u using a measly 350W PSU? you should go for something like 450W or higher......

umm...whats wrong with a 350W psu? im using one and its great. dont post stupid things

 

[laurenlex]

How can I test to see if the power supply is dead?

 

[BW86]

Your psu isnt dead since the fans spin, its probably shorting out somewhere. Take it out of the case and try it Text

EDIT: also make sure you didnt install the processor in backwards. the gold arrow is pointing away from the lever. If you followed mechBgon's guide and installed the processor the way he did than u did it wrong he has a duron, you have a athlon64.
pic of what its supposed to look like

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: BW86
Your psu isnt dead since the fans spin, its probably shorting out somewhere. Take it out of the case and try it Text

EDIT: also make sure you didnt install the processor in backwards. the gold arrow is pointing away from the lever. If you followed mechBgon's guide and installed the processor the way he did than u did it wrong he has a duron, you have a athlon64.
pic of what its supposed to look like

Read again, the text mentions where the A64 is the exception to the rule

edit: laurenx, here is a test you can try next. Take everything off the mobo, as if you were going to ship it back. No CPU, no video card, no RAM, no cards, no drives. Just a bare board. Now lay it on its box, plug it into the power supply with both its power cables, and attempt to turn it on by making momentary electrical contact between the power-button pins on the board. If the power supply turns on and stays on, that's a good sign.

If so, remove power and add the memory, and try again.

If it doesn't power up for even a bare board, check the 115-volt / 230-volt switch on the rear of the power supply and check the board's Clear CMOS jumper to ensure it's in the RUN position and not the CLEAR position. More no-run/no-POST tips here too, and you can skip over the "parts-not-compatible" section since you bought nice compatible stuffs

 

[BW86]

didnt see that, maybe he didnt either