First Build - Troubleshoot for likely power up problem?

[eponymous1212]

:confused: Newbie. Just built first computer. Problem with power up?? :confused:

- Power LED - on
- Power SW does not power up/turn off
- PU Fan OK
- no beep
- no video

Checked:
- CPU heats without fan - presumably OK
- memory heats - presumably OK

- IDE ??
-- CDD only powers up with IDE cable disconnected??
-- IDE Activity LED does work when CDD IDE cable connected??
-- IDE Activity LED works when HDD connected (permanently on??)

Double-Checked FP Connectors on Connector Block

- Power LED (colours match Mobo manual + indicate White = Ground)
- IDE Activity LED (assume White = Ground)
- Power SW - clearly marked
- Reset SW - clearly marked
- Speaker - clearly marked

Seems likely it's some kind of electrical fault which is preventing the ATX Power SW from functioning properly - though cannot track the source of the problem?? Would welcome a trouble-shooting routine and hoping this is just a fixable electrical problem. Any help much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Denis

[Marzman]

Honestly, I didn't understand allof your post, but on my first build I didn't mount the mobo properly and it was grounding out, preventing the system from powering up. So check it's mounted properly with the correct screws and those cardboard washers (although I don't know how important they are :)).

Also, just one point:'CPU heats without fan'. I wouldn't power up a Cpu without a fan. Some modern Cpu's can only last seconds.

Anyhoo, enough blabbing. An experienced user of these forums has created some diagnosis flow charts which can be downloaded from: http://www.erniek.eclipse.co.uk/downloads/sylvanderdiags.zip

[Sylvander]

SOME POINTS
[Relates to the START UP chart.]
1. Your PC is not dead. [You have LED and PSU fan working.]
2. You hear no single short beep. [Therefore the PC has NO POST.]
3. Since the video card is only enabled after successful completion of the POST it's no surprise that there is no display seen on the monitor.
4. As shown on the NO POST chart you should disconnect all unnecessary hardware [HDD's, CD drives, PCI cards, USB peripherals, mouse, keyboard, printer etc] leaving connected only PSU, MB, CPU, heatsink & fan, 1 stick of RAM in 1st slot, video card, monitor, internal speaker, power button. Make sure the power supply's voltage selector switch is set to the correct voltage and the PSU power connection to the MB is securely seated.

Hopefully the system will complete the POST, you will hear a single short beep and the monitor will display white text on a black background.
If you don't hear the beep and there is no display, then:
Make sure the 'Clear CMOS' MB jumper is not in the 'Clear' position.
If the jumper is in the proper position, then turn off the power, disconnect the power cord, and clear CMOS either with the MB jumper or by removing the CMOS battery for at least 30 minutes. Check the CMOS battery for the correct voltage (3V).
If no luck with the above, then power off, remove the motherboard from the case, place it on a piece of cardboard and reconnect. If there's now a beep & display, then the MB is shorting out when installed in the case. Check for a loose screw, standoff, etc., inside the case, and also remove any standoffs that do not line up with MB holes. If none is found, then remove all MB screws and metal standoffs, and install paper washers (manila folder paper works good for this) between the MB and the screws/standoffs.

Lets see how that goes before we proceed.

[eponymous1212]

Marzman,

Many thanks - the flow charts are superb and provide a clear, straightforward, systematic troubleshoot. Thanks for CPU tip. Did it very carefully and switched off at the first sign of any heat. Thanks again.

Eponymous1212

[eponymous1212]

Sylvander,

Many thanks. Very comprehensive. It will be interesting to see if clearing CMOS works. Something else I discovered since original message was that after testing with another working speaker - still no beeps which suggested possible short. Removing and placing on cardboard didn't resolve. Will run CMOS clear in morning ... fingers crossed. Thanks again.

Eponymous1212

[Sylvander]

As per chart instructions:
Remove all RAM and startup to see if the BIOS will generate warning beeps heard via the internal speaker. If you hear beeps you know the speaker works.

[eponymous1212]

Sylvander,

Many thanks. Discovered why so problematic. Picked up board at computer fair. Lash up job. Pentium III 600/512/100 was not compatible/too high a spec for mobo. One to watch out for in the future! Guess I won't be first newbie to fall for that one and hopefully this might act as cautionary tale for others. Many thanks for all your help.

Denis

[Marzman]

The first stage of a new build is always the most important- compatibility!