power issues with new HD

[thuzmund]

I just installed a new Western Digital SATA HD, and it works, but there are power issues. When the CPU is off, it will not turn on again for 10-15 min. I plugged in a USB game controller with an LED light to investigate--even when the CPU is off, the LED will turn on bright blue b/c my case is still supplying power. During the "charge" stage the LED is very dim; after 10-15 min it will light up brighter and I can magically turn on my computer.


I have 3 HD's installed with a 550 watt power supply plugged into a battery backup/power surge box. The case has space for 4 HD's. One HD is the older type (not SATA).


This problem affects the motherboard/the very first stages of booting up. The lights on my case do not light up and nothing runs. Any thoughts on this very annoying problem? I am concerned that I might damage system components by running my CPU.

Many Thanks,

Thad

 

[RebateMonger]

It's hard to be 100% sure, but it certainly sounds like a power supply issue. The first thing I'd do is try another PSU.

If the problem continues, I'd go back to a "bare" motherboard (minimal CPU/RAM/video) and see if the problem still exists. Then add components until the problem re-appears.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: thuzmund
I am concerned that I might damage system components by running my CPU.

Thad

And you'd be right. The easiest way to kill a motherboard, video card, or hard drive (besides ESD), is to underpower them.