self built computer fault finding

[j50jwr]

Hi There, I've just screwed together my first self built computer, but it refuses to fire up.

I've checked all the connectors, the only ones not connected are the front panel audio sockets.

The only sign of life is a power light in a card reader fitted in the front panel, which is connected to a internal usb connector, and these are enabled on the motherboard (unintentionally) to give a USB wake up facility, this I suppose confirms that at least part of the PSU is working.

 

I suppose my first real question is what should happen to start with. I assume there is a default video driver in the Bios to enable the screen to work, to enable the Bios setup and driver installation to be done.

 

any ideas??

[danzil]

what happens when you press the power button.

re check your front header wiring for the power switch/reset./hd led etc it maybe that.

 

what is the full spec of the system,,,,,is the yellow n black 4 pin p4 connector plugged into the motherboard as well (if its a pentium board).

 

is the psu known to be working.....

have you tried dissconnecting all internal cards then leaving the system as barebone. ie jsut the the one stick of RAM CPU power supply and motherboard....then re try

 

regards

danzil

:)

[j50jwr]

reply

 

Hi There, Many thanks for prompt reply. I tried unplugging all except MB, still no life.

Tried replacing the new 450w PSU with a known old one (300w) now sign of life in board with processor fan working and sounds from "speaker" now going to attempt to get a replacement PSU.

 

The system I'm building for reference is

 

AsRock 4core1600-glan MB

Intel core2 duo E7500

2MB Kingston 5300cl5 Ram

350g Sata drive

Samsung sh-s223b DVD writer

N-880D case with 450w or 0w psu

 

John

[snow]

Hi John,

 

What sounds was the on-board speaker making? These will probably be beep codes that you can look up in the manual that came with the motherboard. They should help narrow down the fault.

 

It doesn't sound like the PSU is the issue here, and as you have already tried a known good one, I wouldn't bother replacing it again.

 

Disconnect everything except the motherboard and the motherboard's power connectors, make sure the RAM is fitted and seated correctly, take out all PCI or PCI express cards, and try to turn on the computer. If it beeps, make a note of the number of times and the lenth of each beep, and then look in your manual for the meaning of the code.

[j50jwr]

Thanks Snow,

It looks as if you have misread / misunderstood my 2nd message, The computer did show signs of life with the proven PSU, ie the processor fan started and the motherboard beeped. I didn't make a note of the code, but there is no mention of code meanings in my MB manual.

I am intending to wait until tomorrow when the replacement unit should arrive, and then start again. Under normal circumstances is the board likely to be able to output to screen at first boot?

 

John:)

[danzil]

need to know what beeping you got....

 

normally on boot up the pc will give 1 beep then continue to POST then load your OS....

 

did you get more then one beeping....like 1 constant lng beep or a constant beep beep....(sorry sound like road runner right now).

 

if the board does have on board graphics try using that,,,basically want to use onboard grahics with 1 stick of ram and power supply then power on to test.

 

regards

danzil

[j50jwr]

Problem solved, for now.

 

Hi there,

Just to let you know that the new PSU solved the problem. As suggested I connected up just the MB, Ram and switched on, the speaker gave one beep followed by a series of 4 or 5. I then switched off and connected the rest of the components, loaded windows and the drivers from the MB and Graphics boards discs. All seems OK although I'm presently having trouble communicating with my router, as the instructions only goes up to XP, but I'm sure Ill get to the bottom of it. If not I'll come back in the appropriate forum

 

Many Thanks for your assistance

 

John:)