I have an ASUS P4PE with P4 2.53GHz. New build. When I turn on the PC, I get power and fans for about 1.5 seconds and it shuts down. Green light stays on, but nothing spins. When I pull the only memory module, this doesn't happen. I do get the beep every few seconds that I believe is trying to tell me that I have no memory installed?

Based on this info, would you think it's the memory that is the problem, or something about the power supply. I'm leaning towards memory, but since I'm a newbie, I'm having trouble thinking a memory module could make the PS shut down in 1.5 seconds. Thanks for your help.


John

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When it shuts down, do you get a beep first? If it is not beeping at all, it could mean there is something wrong with the CPU or motherboard. I would try it out of the case on a nonconductive surface to rule out the possibility of a short. This would be a minimal config, just the mobo, CPU, power, video and one stick of RAM. If it POSTs, it suggests that there is a short and you need to reinstall very carefully to avoid creating it again.

If you are not getting a POST beep, it is unlikely to be a RAM problem and/or a power supply problem.

Budfred

Also, is this a recent build? Has it worked before?

Would you post back what PCI/AGP devices you have and especially what PCI cards and what slots you have them in?

No PCI/AGP cards installed whatsoever. This is a new build, and this is as far as I've gotten.

As for beeps, I get a beep when there is no memory installed. WIth the memory (1 piece) installed in any of the three slots, the power supply shuts down within 1-2 seconds and I get no beeps.

Thanks for your help.

Whose the manufacturer of your RAM? ASUS boards can be finicky about what RAM you feed them.

You say you're trying to power up without a video card? Why?

I'm using Kingston 256MB DDR.

Yes, this was literally the first time I powered on, I just wanted to see if anything happened, and so far, based upon the power supply shutting down, and hearing no beep, I was hesitant to plug in anything else.

Best way to initially fire up a system is barebones...RAM, Video, Keyboard, and monitor...Better yet, if on a non-conductive surface outside of the case which helps to isolate any potential problems with the MB shorting to the case.

OK, just tried the basic build, outside the chassis, with video.
Same problem. Noticed that once the PS shuts down and I turn off the power, I can't turn it right back on.

That leads me to believe that the reason it is shutting down is some
thermal protection, and it needs to cool down before I can switch it on again.

When you assembled the heatsink to processor did you make sure that the protective film, often used to protect the thermal tape, was removed?

It can sometimes be missed during installation...

I just took the heatsink assy off, and noticed what looks like grease all over the processor, no signs of plastic.

Did you assemble heatsink processor combo...or was it already on the MB?

Before you go from here...you'll want to get yourself some thermal (greasy stuff your found is often used instead of thermal tape...non greasy stuff) compound for the reassembly. If you can get some ArticSilver that would be best. This is important for transfer from the Processor to the Heatsink.

OH, slick way to apply the thermal compound is to use some cellophane tape to form a box on the bottom of the heatsink. Use a razor blade to smooth the compound level with the cellophane tape...remove the tape and you've the correct thickness for the compound...

What do you think the problem is? What would cause my power supply to **** down in a little over a second?

I bought the proc and motherboard separately, through newEgg, and they tell me I have to go back through the manufacturer for warrant after 7 days.

Freudian slip there ;-), that was supposed to be "shut down"....

I was looking for the manual...couldn't find...

You would want to check your manual and determine if there is a CMOS jumper and make sure it is in the correct position for normal operation.

It's possible that you could have a bad power supply...but since there is power to the board right now...let's work from the assumption that it's working...and try and isolate possible MB/processor problems.

Here is the link for the board:

http://www.asus.com/mb/socket478/p4pe/overview.htm

It seems unlikely that heat is the problem because it would take longer than that to heat up even without a heatsink/fan.

Also, another way to do the heatsink to CPU install is to put Post-it notes around the thermal plate part of the CPU to prevent overflow onto the chip. This is easy to remove and less likely to leave a glue residue. Arctic Silver suggests putting only a thin glaze on the heat sink and putting the main coating on the CPU thermal plate. As you might know, this is crucial for good cooling of the CPU, of course, that won't matter if you can't get the thing running.

Budfred

Did you assemble the Heatsink CPU initially? You seemed unaware that there would be thermal grease on the sink/CPU interface? Many heatsink/CPU combinations come with thermal tape already afixed to the heatsink...very often with a clear film to protect the tape until installation.

I missed the 1.5 seconds first go round...Budfred's assessment regarding the quick shut down would definitely make CPU heat pretty much a non factor.

Finally poked around enough and found the manual download...sheesh...was pressed for time earlier (oh, that's a good excuse for my sloppiness :rolleyes: :D)

On page 2-17 it shows the default position for the CMOS Jumpers...that's where you want to make sure the jumper is set for normal operation.

Do you have the heatsink fan connected properly to the motherboard header?