PC powers up, but will NOT POST

[Megamorph]

My local SPCA is in need of another computer, so I was going to build them one (and donate it) out of some spare parts that I had, but I've encountered a problem this evening.

I've had a pc in my office that I haven't used much in several years, but it was working perfectly the last time I used it. Here's the specs:

Athlon XP 1600
ECS K7S5A
Kingston 512mb DDR

I changed the parts over to a new case and now the system will not post. When I power up, I get multiple, quick beeps. I do not get a video signal and the system will not post.

I've switched out several different sticks of RAM, but nothing helped.

Also, when I boot without any RAM in the system, it does NOT beep. Seems strange to me.

Any ideas? I had planned on giving them the pc tomorrow.

 

[Leros]

Look up the mobo's beep codes. The beep codes are telling you what the problem is.

 

[Megamorph]

Originally posted by: Leros
Look up the mobo's beep codes. The beep codes are telling you what the problem is.

What's the best way to do that?

 

[Leros]

The motherboard manual should tell you. If you don't have it, the motherboard manufacturer's website often has it for download.

 

[Megamorph]

Unfortunately, the manual does not mention anything about the beep codes.

 

[DanDrop]

Aside from the 20 or 24 pin power supply cable, did you double check to see if the 4-pin ATX cable is plugged in the mobo as well?

 

[humanure]

AMI codes

according to ecs that board has an AMI bios, should be able to tell from the link what the problem is.

 

[Megamorph]

Originally posted by: DanDrop
Aside from the 20 or 24 pin power supply cable, did you double check to see if the 4-pin ATX cable is plugged in the mobo as well?

Oh, crap! Is that needed on this mobo?

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Megamorph

Originally posted by: DanDrop
Aside from the 20 or 24 pin power supply cable, did you double check to see if the 4-pin ATX cable is plugged in the mobo as well?

Oh, crap! Is that needed on this mobo?

no

 

[Megamorph]

Originally posted by: humanure
AMI codes

according to ecs that board has an AMI bios, should be able to tell from the link what the problem is.

Thanks. According to that, it's a "display memory read/write error."

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I used an ECS board for my Sister's build because it came bundled with a proc.
ECS uses crappy caps, OST or worse, GSC. It would be wise on your part to examine all
the larger ones, like 8~12mm in diameter. Do not over-look the one or two near the
RAM or video slots. http://www.badcaps.net/Ident/ They do have an ECS section in thier
motherboard forum. If you register, give Galvanized the referral, please.