System does not post or give beep codes

[wyvrn]

This is the first time I have seen this happen. I bought several parts from FS/T here and added some of my own. I am using an ECS K7S5A v 3.1 motherboard, Athlon XP 1700 processor, two 256MB PC2100 modules, and ATI Radeon 7000 vid card. The system gets power without a problem, fans spin, hard drive kicks in, and the cdrom works. But I get no video and no beep error codes. I built the system down to mobo, processor, vid card, and 1 stick of brand new memory and the same thing happens. I have switched the ram and video card for ones that I know work. I tried using a power supply that I know works. BTW, my power supply is a 300watt. What could cause this? Since I am getting no beep codes, I am guessing it is the motherboard or processor.

 

[Joemonkey]

if you take out the RAM entirely, do you get a no-ram beep code?

I would guess motherboard, CPU, or a long shot on power supply. you know anyone with any of these items that you could borrow from? at least somehow test your CPU on another MB

 

[Zepper]

Boilerplate-01:
. Most frequent causes of failure to boot:
1- RAM, CPU or AGP video card not seated properly, or a bent pin.
2- Drive data cable on upside down or only on half the pins or shifted . a pin or two (usu Floppy or Zip drives).
3- CMOS needs to be cleared (AC power must usually be disconnected or . attempt to clear CMOS may fail) Unless your mobo does not use a power-off CMOS clear - check your mobo manual for specific info.
.bh.
4- On some new mobos there is a CPU protection feature (esp. on Athlon/Socket A mobos) that will not allow the system to start if there is no fan (or a fan without a working speed sensor wire) connected to the fan power connector on the mobo (specifically marked "CPU Fan"). If you tried to start your machine without a fan properly connected, you have to attach a proper and working fan and clear the CMOS before it will boot. Also CPU overheating due to not having the heatsink mounted properly or forgetting to plug in the fan can do this.
.bh.
Also there was a report in this forum recently of a bad floppy drive causing the no-boot, no-beep, black screen pattern - it was an internal short or something.
And another reported having accidentally put in an extra mobo support post where it wasn't supposed to be and it was shorting the mobo. Try running the mobo outside of the case and see if it works that way. Then start looking for potential shorting spots.
.bh.
:moon:

 

[wyvrn]

If I take out the ram entirely, I get the same response. Everything powers up but no beep codes or display.

I have reseated everything on the computer multiple times. Nothing has any bent pins and everything is seated firmly in slots.

I am not running a floppy drive. I double checked the hard drive cable.

I disconnected the power cable, took out the cmos battery for a minute, and tried the clear cmos jumper. None worked.

The cpu fan spins and is connected to the cpu fan connector on the mobo. I reseated the motherboard in the case and I don't think it's being shorted anywhere.

I have read many of the K7S5A threads on AT and tried everything suggested in those. I am gonna buy a stick of PC133 and see if that works. Thanks for your ideas. Any others?

 

[wyvrn]

Bought new PC133, Sparkle 350w power supply, and Athlon XP1800 processor today from Fry's. Switched out PS first, then ram. Same thing. Then I hooked up the new processor and viola, it's working. I switched in the old PS and ram and it still works flawlessly. So, case closed and thanks everyone for your help