Won't Bootup - CPU?

lorkp

Member
Jul 7, 2004
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Hi,

I sent in my motherboard because the computer would turn on for a couple of seconds then turn off. I got the replacement today and the computer won't even turn on. I just read a thread that says that the a bad CPU can cause a computer to turn on and off quickly. I'm thinking that this has been the problem all along and that the CPU has gotten worse during the RMA process. I do not have another AMD64 processor to swap. Is there anyother way to check for problems?

P.S. I've been able to swap PSUs and it has not fixed the problem
 

theMan

Diamond Member
Mar 17, 2005
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swap out everything except the cpu. then, when that still doesnt work, you'll know its the cpu. take the ram out, and see if it will go. sounds like cpu to me. that sucks.
 

lorkp

Member
Jul 7, 2004
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What are the essentials to get the computer to boot? I've taken out the RAM, and Videocard. Right now, I'm trying to boot with only the CPU in the motherboard.

And is there a way to test the CPU? I don't want to buy another one if I don't have to, and my friend can't swap until this weekend.

Thanks
 

sivart

Golden Member
Oct 20, 2000
1,786
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you need CPU (heatsink fan), RAM, Video card and of course motherboard. Hook up your speaker so you can hear any beepcodes.
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
30,699
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Try benchtesting it on cardboard outside the case like shown on this page. For it to POST, you'll need the video card, CPU & heatsink, and memory. No drives, no keyboard, no mouse, no PCI cards, no case wiring other than the power button.

If that doesn't shed any light on it, then post full specs of the whole computer in detail. Include the brand & model of the power supply. Good luck! :)
 

lorkp

Member
Jul 7, 2004
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I've tried benchtesting with all of the basics. Here are the specs:

Athlon64 3200+
Epox 8KDA3J
2 x 512 Mushkin Basic 3200
Seasonic Super Tornado 300
ATI 9800 Pro

I RMAed the Motherboard because the computer would start up and shut down immediately. I got a brand new motherboard from Epox and now I can't get it to start whatsoever. I think it's the CPU. Thoughts?
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
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Did you try it outside the case on cardboard, with only the absolute essentials attached? No front USB, no PCI coffeemaker controller, no anything :D
 

lorkp

Member
Jul 7, 2004
107
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yeah, I've tried everything through the bare essentials to just the CPU. The computer shows no signs whatsover of activity.
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
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Ok, brace for next silly questions:

1) do you have the ATX12V cable plugged in :)

2) also, got your 9800Pro's auxiliary power cable pluggified?

3) the Clear CMOS jumper (JCMOS) is in the proper Run position, not the Clear position?

4) for that matter, did you try unplugging the system, removing the CMOS battery, and clearing the CMOS?

5) does the onboard LED readout show any error code after the power-up attempt?

6) tried a different video card yet? Maybe an old PCI card?



It could be the CPU, yeah, but if I were throwing money at the problem, I'd start with a new good-quality ATX2.0-compliant PSU in the 400W+ area if it were me taking the chances. Down the road it'll probably end up useful to have some more headroom in the power department anyway.
 

lorkp

Member
Jul 7, 2004
107
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I have the atx12v and 9800 Pro cables plugged. The Clear CMOS is in the run position and I have tried unplugging the system, removing the battery, clearing the CMOS. The onboard LED never lights up after the power attempt. I haven't tried a different video card yet, but I feel it won't make a difference because the the mobo leds won't even light up. I have tried two different PSUs and the system doesn't work with either. Thanks for the tech support! Any more suggestions?
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
30,699
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Any more suggestions?
Lemme look at my list :)


What core is your 3200+ built with, if you happen to recall? Sort of grasping at straws here, sometimes a BIOS revision is needed for a certain core to work on a board, and EPoX's last BIOS update for your board added the rev. E cores. But typically the board stays running when it has a non-recognized core, rather than powering off again... just no display, is all.

Heck, you could grab an Abit NF8 if you solidly suspect the mobo :) They're about $85-ish.