Woo 2nd computer won't post

[Scouzer]

Argh, I had the same trouble the last time I used the K7S5A.

I can't get it to do anything. No power, nothing. I'm thinking I'm not hooking up the power switch to the mobo right.

The manual

Page 11 tells me how. I'm doing it the way I think it is...but I could be wrong. Hell, I could be reading the wrong section of the manual

P.S. This is the 3rd computer I've built, so yeah my expirience is rather limited...

Pics of the manual section:

What it says
What I'm doing

 

[TROGDORdBURNINATOR]

Why don't you use a screwdriver to see which pins you are actually supposed to use? Some ECS boards are actually PC chips which are not pinned the same. Also, make sure that the jumper isn't set to Clear CMOS.

 

[Scouzer]

Can't use a screwdriver, as the power button cord thingy from the case has to be connected?

 

[TROGDORdBURNINATOR]

No it doesn't. Use a flat head screwdriver to connect all of the pins two by two until you find the real power switch. You don't need the case to be connected in any way.

 

[Scouzer]

Hmm...well I tried, it didn't work...I guess the problem lies somewhere else...its a cheap untested PSU. Thats my other guess..

 

[TROGDORdBURNINATOR]

Could be. Have you tried the CMOS jumper position. Do you even have a cpu and ram installed? If so, try reseating them?

 

[Scouzer]

Originally posted by: TROGDORdBURNINATOR
Could be. Have you tried the CMOS jumper position. Do you even have a cpu and ram installed? If so, try reseating them?

This is a working pull so I know the CPU and RAM are fine. I've pushed the ram in a little more which didn't change anything. The CMOS position is fine.

Dang it

 

[peter7921]

I have used these borads at work and have found that the way the manual describes the pins is sometimes wrong. But i don't remember how i use to do it. Try different areas until it works and if that doesn't work try a diferent PSU(from you main system maybe). The screwdriver trick is a good idea are you sure you tried all the combinations?

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: Scouzer
Hmm...well I tried, it didn't work...I guess the problem lies somewhere else...its a cheap untested PSU. Thats my other guess..

That could be your problem, k7s5a loves a great powersupply..

 

[TROGDORdBURNINATOR]

are you sure you tried all the combinations?

This is the problem for most people even though they swear they've tried them all. Since you describe this problem with the same board once before I bet that's what it is.

 

[Scouzer]

Originally posted by: TROGDORdBURNINATOR

are you sure you tried all the combinations?

This is the problem for most people even though they swear they've tried them all. Since you describe this problem with the same board once before I bet that's what it is.

I just tried again no go...hmm...is there a way I can see if my PSU is even powering stuff without killing myself?

 

[TROGDORdBURNINATOR]

Yes. You can make it turn on while connected to nothing. I wouldn't recommend it though. Since you didn't know that you could jumper the pins while not connected to the power button I think it might be a little dangerous to you. Not to be insulting, just practical.
The best way would be to try either the power supply in another computer or another power supply in this one.

 

[mechBgon]

On top of the good advice already given, also try running the board outside the case on cardboard. The K7S5A did develop a reputation for wanting a decent ~300W power supply, so you might consider a 300W Sparkle Power from Newegg.com (about $33 shipped IIRC).