Warnings and tips for mobo?

[Ricemarine]

Well, I already went through 2 motherboards, so now I am going to be extra cautious. So now, I am asking you guys for tips. Both my mobos wouldn't signal the monitor, which I don't know why? The thing I did though, was clear the CMOS, and then turn it on, and then return it to its original positon. Was I supposed to do that? Plus, what other tips do you have? Like recommended standoffs, etc...

 

[mechBgon]

Clearing the CMOS:

1) Unplug the computer from the wall

2) Remove the CR2032 watch battery from its holder (sometimes necessary)

3) Move the Clear CMOS jumper to the Clear position for about 10-20 seconds, then move it back

4) Put the battery back in

5) Plug in the computer and start it


Check your motherboard's owner's manual if you're not sure on this type of thing, because that's always covered. FYI, there isn't usually a need to clear the CMOS on a brand-new motherboard in the first place.

The motherboard should be mounted on standoffs. I have a page showing standoffs, and you might just wanna go through the whole guide here for good measure. Standoffs: Caseprep, page 2.

Hope that helps. Don't give up, but be careful-er

 

[mechBgon]

Thinking more about your report, also click the first link on this page, which is a document in Rich Text Format with some things you can check to troubleshoot the no-video situation. Hope that's some help too

 

[fredtam]

Using an LCD by chance?

 

[Ricemarine]

Nope, a bulky CRT monitor. Thx for the advice... more careful-er... But if I cleared the CMOS when its still plugged in, will it damage? Cuase if that's the case... uh oh..

 

[mechBgon]

Not necessarily, no. It could be some other issue causing it to not run. You might want to print off that document I made and go down it with a pencil and check stuff off as you go, because there's quite a bit jammed in there

By the way, if you have any case USB ports plugged onto the mobo's headers, unplug them for now. I think there's something about the MSI's pinout.

 

[imported_Nacelle]

2 things that have caused my builds not to post.
-memory not pushed in all the way.
-standoff's shorting out the board. If all else fails put electical tape between the m/b and the standoffs. The screws will go right through the tape if you push a little. Also don't forget to use the paper washers, that came with the case, on the top side. Maybe most have never had this problem. But it's worth a try if you can't get it to work.

 

[Blain]

Test the MB on the box before installing it in the case.
Use brass stand-offs where they are needed to support the MB.
Make sure you don't have stand-offs where they aren't needed.
I've never had a MB go bad because of the installation. Just double check the location of the stand-offs vs. the MB mounting holes.

 

[Ricemarine]

Uhh... My mobo IS on the box... Heh... no shortages, just the video card, HSF, CPU, and ram plugged in.

 

[mechBgon]

Do you have your ATX12V cable plugged in, and do you have your auxiliary power cable hooked up from the video card to the power supply?