New build - No image showing

[PoWdA]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Troubleshooting starter

1. Overview of the problem
   I just built a new PC and there is no video. I have already replaced the motherboard thinking that is the issue. Still no image.
   
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   I built the PC about 2 weeks ago, fired everything up, all the fans come on, lights come on, but no video is showing. I tried both PCI-e slots and tried a different video card and still no video. Obviously I checked and rechecked all cables 5 times and tried swapping ram, etc... No image at all on monitor. The monitor doesn't even drop the detecting screen when the PC is powered on. I spoke with ASUS and they agree that the motherboard sounds bad. I shipped it back to newegg and my new mobo showed up last night.
   
   Again, same issue after replacing the board. I have tried everything I can think of and nothing.
   
   
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   Never worked, even replaced the motherboard and still not working.
   
   
4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
   Repeatable. Plugging it in and powering it on causes the problem.
   
   
   
5. I already tried these steps:
   I have replaced the motherboard. Tried both PCI-e slots for the video card. Tried a different video card. Tried the RAM in different configurations. checked and triple checked all connections. Tried connecting only the motherboard and video card to the power supply to see if I get any video and get none.
   
   
6. Steps I am taking today:
   
   I plan on buying a power supply, a different video card, and a DVI cable. At this time the PSU is one that came with the case and I don't know if I trust it. I don't think the video card is the issue as I tested a different one before but it could be. Also right now I am using a DVI to VGA adapter (I have 3 and have tried them all on 3 different working monitors). I doubt it, but it is worth a try.
   
   
   
   
   
7. My software:
   • None yet but Vista 64 is ready to load.
   
   
   
8. My hardware
   • ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
   • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 (not clocked.. yet)
   • EVGA 256-P2-N761-TR GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
   • G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
   • Okia ATX 550W Power Supply (this power supply came with the case)
     
     
   • Other information that might be relevant
     
     One thing I should mention is that there are 7 standoffs that came with the case and 9 screw holes in the motherboard. I spoke with ASUS and they said that this shouldn't matter or cause any issues. Is this correct?
     

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[PoWdA]

okay so I got video. The 4 pin connector was not plugged in.. my bad. New issue though. Now when I power on the PC it starts to boot, I load my wondows disk and then it jsut powers off. The PCU fan is plugged in corectly and is powering on. I am thinking the PSU. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Thraxen]

Did you remember to plug in the second motherboard power cable?

 

[daw123]

Consult the motherboard manual and make sure everything is connected correctly. This includes the RAM DIMMs. Make sure that they are all firmly seated in place. Ditto for all the cables connected to the MB and the PCI cards.

Also check that the cables are the connected in the correct orientation; compare the pin assignments in the manual to what is physically shown on the MB sockets and cable connectors. All pin assignments are referenced to pin 1. The MB will have a number 1 stamped by pin 1 on the socket. The manual will tell you what colour cable to the connector should be connected to which pin.

Any IDE cables (HDD and FDD) you may be using have a red stripe on the cable ribbon, which denotes pin 1.

If this doesn't work and the PC still won't post, then listen to any beeping sounds during POST and then post it here, so that we can help you. The number of beeps indicates what the problem is.

All else fails, disconnect everything except for the basics and see if the PC will POST.

The basic components, which are needed for the PC to run are:
1. PSU.
2. MB.
3. CPU in the socket, with a HSF over and a thermal medium (paste or pad) in between the CPU and HSF.
4. HSF fan connected to the CPU fan header on the MB.
5. PSU; 20/24 pin ATX power connector and 8-pin power connector connected to MB.
6. 1x AGP/PCI graphics card (AGP GPUs are old tech) in AGP or PCI slot on MB. If the graphics card also needs an additional power supply(s), make sure the 4- and/or 6-pin power connector(s) are connected. Consult your PSU and GPU manual for which connectors to use (mine has dedicated PCI power connectors).
7. 1x RAM stick in DIMM slot 1 on the MB.
8. 1x IDE/SATA HDD (IDE type HDDs are old tech) connected to SATA or IDE connector on MB. Make sure the HDD is connected to the PSU. If you are using an IDE cable set the HDD to Master using the jumpers on the back of the HDD.
9. Ditto item 9 for an optical drive. This is optional if you only want the PC to POST.
10. Connect all the case fans to the PSU.
11. Make sure the case Reset switch and Power button is connected to the MB. Consult your MB manual and case manual for this.

The above is a very generic guide, which I have done from memory (please inform me of any errors or omissions). I haven't tailored it to your components, OP.

Once all the basics are connected correctly, if the PC doesn't POST, then you have a problem.

First of all look to see if the MB has power (any LEDS lit on the MB). Does the CPU HSF spin up? Ditto the HDD? Is the fan on the GPU spinning? This will tell you if components have power.

You can also try a different stick of RAM. If it still won't POST, try the same stick in a different DIMM slot. This will determine if your RAM sticks or DIMM slots are knackered.

If all goes well with the basics connected, then start adding components until you find the one at fault. Make sure that you try PCI cards in different PCI slots (but with the correct physical size for the card of course) to determine if the PCI slot(s) is/are knackered.

Edit: Welcome to the Forum.

Edit: Check your PSU using a tester like this: http://www.quietpc.com/gb-en-g...rsupplies/x-psu-tester

 

[PoWdA]

Allright I am getting an image now but of course.. there is a new problem. Now the PC powers on, I can see an image, I can go into BIOS, but about 20-30 seconds in it powers off. I am going to try new thermal coupound... any other suggestions?

 

[daw123]

Does it switch itself off or reboot?

It could be that the PSU is faulty; as I mentioned in my previous post, try testing it or try another PSU in the case (if you have a spare).

 

[Mortac]

I had a similar problem. New build, no image, no sound from the computer, fans running etc. Reinstalling the CPU + cooler fixed it for me. Perhaps you should try that another time.