Strange problem with computer

[this_barb]

I just recently bought some new components for my computer (CPU Heatsink and VGA Heatsink, RAM heatspreaders). After installing them, I tried to turn on the computer. The first time it worked fine (the booting screen showed up, etc). I turned the computer off to re-arrange and hide some cables but then when I tried to turn my computer on again, the LED lights that were installed in my computer flashed on and off (all of them synchronously) and I noticed the fan in the heatsink wasn't whirling either. I tried re-swapping back to the stock heatsink and the fan works on that one, but the problem is still the same (the LED lights flashing on and off, and still no boot up). Here are my specs:

Gigabyte 8KNXP-Ultra
Pentium 4 Northwood 3.0Ghz, 800Mhz FSB
3x 512MB PC-3200 Kingston Value RAM - Dual Channel (All 3 have heatspreaders)
PowerColor Radeon 9800 Pro - 128MB
80 + 200GB Western Digital 7200RPM Hard Drives
Gigabyte 3D Rocket Cooler Pro FHS
Zalman VF700-cu VGA Heatsink
Sound Blaster Audigy 2
Antec SmartBlue 350W Power Supply (Going to swap to Ultra X-Connect 500W in a couple days)

[Beachcoffee]

I'd try a new CPU. Thats hard luck. I keep a collection of older CPUs in case something goes wrong.

[this_barb]

Damn IT.

Well I got an opinion from another site and they told me it was the power supply...

[jlreich]

Welcome to the http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif forums.

Sounds like you may have knocked something loose while rearranging the cables. I would check all connections first. If that doesn't work then do a bare bones boot. Start with cpu/HSF, 1 stick ram, video, monitor, KB. If you get a successful post then add components one at a time to see what component is the problem.

BTW, you did use thermal paste when installing the HSF didn't you? If you didn't, do that first so you don't damage the CPU if it is still OK.

Also put the other PSU in if you have it, as that could definitely be the problem as well.

[PrntRhd]

this_barb,

Welcome to the PC Guide forums!

Don't panic just yet, I would wait for one of the "heavy hitters" on the site to check out your symptoms and give their advice later this evening.

[Paleo Pete]

Well, I don't know if I'd call myself one of the "heavy hitters", but it looks like jlreich has already covered most of what can cause this and the best way to isolate it, I'd agree to try the bare bones method, preferably out of the case on a non-conductive surface, and also check thermal compound and connections. More information and details on using the bare bones setup Here (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=39685)

This is a P-4, be sure and check the small, square 4 pin power connector, it has to be connected. Try only one memory stick at a time, and add one at a time if it boots with just one. I've also seen several P-4 systems that just would not boot up with a stock, brand new 350W power supply, hook up a new 400 watter and every one ran great. So your power supply might be still good and perfectly usable on a P-III or AMD XP 2500 range system but won't handle the P-4. Try a different one if possible.

If you get it to boot outside the case it has a ground problem, something is shorting out against the chassis. Computer shops generally have small cardboard washers to cure that for a buck or two (I'll usually give them to someone that's 8 washers from a usable computer).. Put them on the screws holding the motherboard into the chassis. Also on some motherboards if you don't plug the CPU fan into the right connector it will refuse to boot, the fan still gets power and spins, but since the other CPU fan plug has nothing connected, it will not boot. Check for another one and try it.

I would probably also check the video card on another machine, but I don't suspect problems with it so far, from what has been posted abuot the problem. I do think reseating the memory a few times would be another very good idea.

[PrntRhd]

It looks like Jlreich posted right before I did, and he is no slouch either.

[this_barb]

Thank you very much. I'll try these strategies today ^^.

Oh, and I did add thermal paste to both the CPU and the GPU.

[this_barb]

Ok, I tried re-seating the RAM chip and the Video Card many times. Currently, I only have a single RAM chip, the CPU, the Vid Card, and the Monitor hooked up. The first time I turned it on after "de-oxidizing" the RAM and video card, it ran fine. I turned it off to test another ram chip, but then the problem came back. :mad:

-EDIT-

I have further tested it and it seems to work and not work at random. Sometimes the bios screen and such appear and sometimes the lights in my computer just blink (more often than not, it doesn't work). :confused:

[jlreich]

Take that second ram chip out and see if that gets it going again. If it boots set that one aside and try the third one.

[this_barb]

Ok, new problem. Now the computer doesn't even start. The RAM led light turns on but nothing else runs.