[SOLVED] After pressing power button, no POST

May 16, 2007
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  1. Overview of the problem
    Computer wont POST.

  2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
    It was working couple of days ago until I decided to switch some cables around. When I press the power button, the system turns on, and the fans are spinning, but no beep or POST, and it basically hangs like that until I shut the computer off. Sometimes, when I turn the computer on, it shuts down right away, but then boots up again, and results in the same problem as earlier mentioned.



  3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
    Yes, it worked right up until I switched some cables around (fan cables). Also, I changed the settings in my motherboard so that the RAM timings matched the ones on my RAM as well as making the RAM voltage 2.1V


  4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
    It's pretty consistent now seeing that I cannot make it boot, but there is a random immediate shutdown then restart.


  5. I already tried these steps:
    I've switched RAM sticks around, taken the motherboard out of the case and plugged in only video and motherboard power cables. I put the motherboard on some cardboard while out of the case to make sure it's not a grounding problem.

  6. My software:
    • Was running Windows XP Pro


  7. My hardware
    • ASUS P5Q PRO
    • Q9300 (was oc'ed at one point but hasn't been for the last couple of months)
    • EVGA 9600 GSO
    • XMS2 DHX DDR2 800 4-4-4-12 4x1 GB
    • FSP 400W model that is about 3 years old

  8. Other information that might be relevant
    EDIT: There was a time when I knew it was gonna boot because the fan speed would slow down and the volume from them would get really soft, but that doesn't occur anymore. Just adding that in, don't really know if that is relevant or not.
    If you need any other information, feel free to ask.
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mpilchfamily

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2007
3,559
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Clear the CMOS. Your adjusted RAM settings are not agreeing with the system. Also double check all your cable cnnections. You may have knocked something loose.
 
May 16, 2007
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Hmm I tried resetting CMOS, but same problem occurs. Checked all my cable connections, and they seemed to be secure enough.
 

mpilchfamily

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2007
3,559
1
0
Then you may have pushed the RAM too far and burned out one of the DIMMS. Try some new RAM.
 
May 16, 2007
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Thanks for the replies, but after a while of trial and error, I think have finally figured out the problem. It seems that my RAM is not compatible with my motherboard. After completely removing the motherboard from my case, and taking apart everything, I started out by placing one stick of RAM into the board at a time. It worked fine, until I decided to switch out power supplies. With nothing else changed except the power supplies, I would have the same problem outline earlier. However, after removing all the sticks of RAM and putting in a stick from the same batch, it would boot up and POST again. Somehow, every time I change the wiring, the RAM must be reinserted, at least that's what it seems. If these are symptoms of another underlying problem, let me know, or else I will conclude that it is indeed a RAM compatibility problem.