Why Doesn't my Computer Start on First Try??

Total Refected Power

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
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My computer will consistently not boot on the first try. Power is supplied, fans start running but no posting. I have to flip power switch off and on on the back of the case and then hit the power button again. At this point it will boots up just fine.

What could be the problem?
 

Mykex

Senior member
Dec 17, 2000
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Well it sounds PSU related? As if it needs a full burst from freshly charged caps. to "turn over" your system...but this is just a guess.
 

Dravic

Senior member
May 18, 2000
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76
I had the same issue, and many others have that issue with the Abit kt7 boards. I dont know if its them or via chipset specific. I have found if I power off the system, but leave the power switch/station its plugged into on, then I can cold boot without any issues all the time. But If I cut off the power at the power switch/station, then I have to turn on the system, and then warm boot/reset it to come up.

Try leaving on the power cord its plugged into, but just power off the computer. If you PS has a seperate power switch leave it one even when you computer is off.
 

GasX

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
29,033
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81
There is rarely if ever a reason to use the power switch in the back. Given that,when you turn that switch on, many motherboards will power up and the fans will turn on and the drives will all spin and then it will power down without posting. Then you press the power switch on the front of the case and all is well.

This is normal and expected.
 

zzzz

Diamond Member
Sep 1, 2000
5,498
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Are you overclocking?
For amd cpus, that require high voltage for overclocking, this is a comman problem, the mobo can not provide enough voltage for the cpu at boot up when it is cold started. This problems goes away when you connect the L7 bridges though.
 

Total Refected Power

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
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I have a P3 @ 980. It is a 300W PS. I am running an Abit BE6.

When it happens I get no video signal as well.

What's funny, it just cold booted (gone at work all day).