Problem booting system, narrowed it down to either the PSU or MB

[DukeFan21]

ECS K7S5A
Turbolink 420w PSU

Alright, things starting going bad last night when I swapped my 1.33 athlon with a new XP 1800. After getting everything back up, the system would give the initial beep like it always does, but then about 3 seconds later, the little clicking sound happens when you start the computer, so I think it was just restarting. I thought maybe the problem was with the CPU, so I swapped my Athlon back in. This time, I didn't even get a beep. Just black screen on the monitor, all the drives and fans were getting power though, even the fan on the heatsink which is plugged into the mobo. I reseated the RAM and video card numerous times, switched what sticks of RAM i put in, switched the number of sticks, but to no avail. I tried booting with just the CPU, mobo and RAM, and just the CPU and mobo to see what happens, and no go. I even took the mobo out of the case to see if that was the problem, but it wasn't. I'm planning on going down to best buy and pick up an Antec, to see if the power supply is the problem. I'm just wondering how that could be the problem when it worked 15 minutes before. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[DukeFan21]

Anyone?

 

[Buz2b]

It could be the PS; I've seen one take a dive just between boots. However, that is pretty rare. If it starts then stops, it sounds like a CPU related issue is possible also. Is the heatsink firmly attached, centered on the die, using thermal paste, plugged into the correct header on the MB and using a fan that has sufficient rpms to register with the board? Are you (sorry, have to ask) securing the lever in the down and locked position on the socket? Did you happen to drop a screw onto the board that might still be "hanging around"? Have you cleared the CMOS by unplugging the MB ATX connector and placing the jumper in the "Clear" position for a few minutes before plugging everything back in? That would be extremely important.

 

[DukeFan21]

Originally posted by: Buz2b
It could be the PS; I've seen one take a dive just between boots. However, that is pretty rare. If it starts then stops, it sounds like a CPU related issue is possible also. Is the heatsink firmly attached, centered on the die, using thermal paste, plugged into the correct header on the MB and using a fan that has sufficient rpms to register with the board? Are you (sorry, have to ask) securing the lever in the down and locked position on the socket? Did you happen to drop a screw onto the board that might still be "hanging around"? Have you cleared the CMOS by unplugging the MB ATX connector and placing the jumper in the "Clear" position for a few minutes before plugging everything back in? That would be extremely important.

I did all that. Now it isn't even doing the start up and restart thing. The HSF powers on and keeps going, but I get no beeps or response. If I plug the PS into my drives and other fans, they all power on and stay on as well. And I tried 2 CPU's, and doubt that is the problem. I have cleared the CMOS, but it did nothing. Heatsink is on fine, and CPU is locked in there. I haven't checked for a screw somewhere, but I highly doubt it. Now I'm leaning towards a mobo problem, but I'm getting another PS tomorrow just to make sure.

 

[Buz2b]

Now I'm leaning towards a mobo problem, but I'm getting another PS tomorrow just to make sure.

Good idea to check the PS. However, since you tried with just the "bare essentials" I would think, however good or bad that TurboLink is, it would have at least booted then. Here's hoping that the new one works though.