1st built computer

[johnebb]

I have a p4 1.6, ati radeon 8500 64mb,512 pc133 ram, and a fic vc11 motherboard. The first time I tried to turn it on the processor fan would spin a few revolutions and then everything would stop. I carried the computer to an a+ certified technician and he told me the motherboard was bad. I carried the motherboard back and it was replaced. I have no luck with motherboard #2. Same problem. Do any of you guys have any suggestions for a 1st time computer builder ? I personally feel that my power supply is the problem, but I have no way of checking.

[Dazman]

These problem are like trying to fond a needle in a hay-stack..

Try these few suggestions.

1)Do a "out of case test". Just take the board out, and only have cpu(heatsink/fan etc), and power connected..See if you get a few beeps and the fan working.

2)If this works then place each device back one at a time, to see where it goes wrong..this will usually give you clue.

3).If still no joy, try different fan.

4).Try clearing the CMOS, using jumper.

5).Double check all Jumpers and settings on board.

6).Try different Power supply.

7).I heard some where that some boards are shppied with a jumper that needs to be set to "activate board",, i dont know if this is true..but worth checking

good luck

[andyswork@beci.net]

I would try another power supply.
Most computer shops will take it back if it does not solve your problems. I have one shop here that will let you borrow a test power supply.
I have my own, but most shops will work with you.
Best to you and welcome to the PC Guide.
I also would try and get my money back on the motherboard.

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One day I will be a pro, Thanks Andy

[This message has been edited by andyswork@beci.net (edited 03-24-2002).]

[Paleo Pete]

Dazman is close, but missing a detail or two...

When running an "out of the case" test, (which I call a bench test) use motherboard, CPU & fan, memory, video card and keyboard. If it powers up at all the forst thing you want to know is whether it gets a picture. You can also get into BIOS and make changes if necessary at this point, which might be a very good idea if using a motherboard that has BIOS settings for the CPU.

The main purpose of this test is to check for a short between motherboard and chassis, which sounds like a very good possibility. If you get a picture at this point some cardboard washers will be needed between the motherboard and chassis. Computer shops should have them.

After getting video on a bench, reinstall the board in the case and try it with the exact same components, make sure you have video still then add one hardware component at a time starting with floppy drive. Be sure and turn the power off or unplug the power supply cord before adding or removing any cards.

See if you get that far and let us know how it goes.

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[johnebb]

I carried it to a shop, and they changed the power supply. Still no luck. He tried another processor and bam, it fired right up. How does a brand new boxed processor turn out to be a dud ?

[Arctic Silver]

It happens. In fact, I had two 1 GHz AMD's in one day that were bad out of the box. In total, I made three trips to the store, driving 125 miles total until I got one that worked. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

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