boot problems

[James1996]

I just built a new computer and I am having trouble getting it to boot.
It will power on and almost immediately shut down... Its not on long enough for video and the
hard drive will engage just before it shuts down. I know the motherboard is good (abit bp6) and
the memory is ok. Was running in another case before I upgraded to a new motherboard. The
case I put it in was an older case but everything seemed to work. Any help would be appreciated.

[BigBlue66]

Hi James,

It sounds like a ground or shorting out problem. Did you use specially designed washers when you attached the mobo to the chassis? I have seen other guys here recommend that. I have never changed a motherboard, but I hear that you need either cardboard, or maybe plastic washers so that the power doesn't short out to the case.

Check your 'mobo to case' connections for possible shorting or bare wires or something that would direct the power to the case.

In the meantime, maybe Pete, Reid, Chad or one of the others will have some more tips.

Good Luck,

Big Blue 66

[James1996]

Thanks for your reply.

It was shorting between the mb and the case.

I took the MB out of the case and hooked the power supply to it and it worked fine.

Agian, many thanks

[Reid]

The two (sometimes) metal posts that BigBlue is referring to, near the expansion slot openings, need to be watched. Some boards are only designed for one, so the other could short against the traces. Just remove the unneeded post, and put the fiber washer over the other (with tape or glue). I can't remember the source, but one recommendation was to only attach one post even when there are two openings, because the board needs to be able to move slightly to accomodate variations in expansion slot brackets, and stress can affect the board if both screws are tightened. If you have an extra nylon post, you can cut off the part that goes into the chassis slot, and push the nylon post into the unused hole. That will add support to the board when pushing in the cards. I have built four systems that way.

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reido@my-deja.com

[This message has been edited by Reid (edited 12-20-2000).]