starts and then stops as well!

[dazzamaniac]

Hi, I've got exactly the same problem. I purchsed the following and assembled it together:

AMD 2400XP
Asrock K7S8X motherboard
256mb DDR2700
GF4 MX440 Graphics card
80gb Maxtor 7200rpm harddrive
CDRW
Heatsink: CoolerMaster Silence Up to XP2600

I installed only the memory and graphics card and cpu + heatsink on my motherboard. The computer boots up for 3 seconds and then STOPS. exactly the same problem! I've checked the PSU which is a 230Voltage over here in UK, so that shouldn't be the problem. When I removed the CPU, and let the motherboard runs itself with just the memory and graphics card, all the fans run fine...I think its not the PSU problem. There are no beeps whatsoever dduring the 2-3 second startup.

I wonder if its a faulty CPU or faulty motherboard?
The CPU is a 266FSB, and the k7s8x supports up to FSB333mhz. I've set the jumper setting to 100Mhz and tried all, 133, 166, 200MHz and the same result turns up.

I have separately tried the memory and the graphics card on another computer and they work fine. unfortunately I wasn't able to try out the cpu and motherboard on alternate machines, so the problem really lies in either the motherboard, cpu or psu (unlikely)

Observations: when the cpu is not inserted in the socket, the motherboard runs fine with all the fans running well. its only when the cpu is inserted that we see the "start and stop" observation. Could it be that there's insufficient power drawn to the cpu? Has anyone solve such problems before?

Can someone help? Thanks!!!

[Budfred]

Well, you have already done a barebones boot without success, so the next step is to try it out of the case on a nonconductive surface (like a piece of cardboard). Keep the power switch and case speaker connected so that you can turn it on and tell if it POSTs. If it works this way, it suggests that you have a short and you need to find that before installing back in the case.

If it still doesn't work, it suggests that either your motherboard or CPU is bad (although it is possible it is both). The only way I know to test that is by swapping with a compatible system, like you did with the video card. It could also be the power supply, but that is less likely since you are getting some power. Was the power supply a cheap one that came with the case or a better one? If it is a cheapo, it may be worthwhile to try another one if you can. Unless it is a complete piece of garbage, it is unlikely that it is not getting enough power to the CPU.

It is unlikely to be the RAM since you would usually get POST if the RAM is bad. Do check over all connections and make sure they are solid. Particularly notice if the Clear CMOS jumper is in the right position, sometimes boards come with it in the clear position and then you have the problems you are having....

[James Bond 007]

Make sure you have the correct fan and heat sink compound (not that cheep Radio Shack stuff),I baught a new fan and compound.now it starts, runs but no video or no beeps.Im not sure what to try next.

[superdrumr]

It sounds to me as though you have got a bad motherboard, especially if you have tried different RAM and FSB speeds. I would recommend replacing the motherboard and possibly the chip if replacing only the motherboard doesnt work

[James Bond 007]

I Went back a got a replacement CPU motherboard and installed both and now it works perfectly fine (I have the same problem).I think the cheep Radio shack heat sink compound melted or I used too much,so I think the CPU fried.I baught the cool master premium heat sink compound...yikes $10.Only other thing that I think it could be for you is....did you install the sdram?