I have searched these threads oh so long, but haven't been able to find my answers. Anyway, here's the deal: I'm trying to build a new computer. Everything seems right, it powers on, the CD drive spins, the hard drive spins, all the fans (including the cpu fan) spin, but nothing on the monitor. The monitor isn't hooked up to a graphics card, just the motherboard monitor output. It seems like everything is connected properly, all the LED lights go on, and so on, but nothing happens after that. No beeps, nothing. From what I've read, certain motherboards/cases don't necessarily beep if there is no RAM, so I don't know whether that has anything to do with it. But it seems like it doesn't POST, or anything. I've pretty much tried replacing everything (I'm a bit of a newbie at this, and I guess a bit gullible, but the computer repair store guy suggested replacing this, then replacing that, then replacing the other thing, so I went with it (expensively, as it turns out (which is why I really want this to work))) including CPU, PSU, and motherboard. So I guess I have a couple of overall questions. First of all, how easy is it to fry a motherboard/CPU/RAM? I have actually built a couple of computers without much trouble, and I don't seem to remember too many problems with static electricity. Are computers really that delicate? Also, how can I tell what might be the source of the problem? Like I've said, I've pretty much replaced every major component out of the box, with no appreciable results. And finally, was that computer store guy just out to get my money, like I suspect? Any input would be very appreciated. Linux rules(if I could get my computer to work)!

One that gets missed a lot on the newer motherboard is that there are two separate power plugins on the motherboard. The behavior you are describing would fit this error.

Make sure the cabling is correct. Yes static electricity can damage a MB but it is difficult to tell. With PC components being basically throw away items it is cheaper to remove and replace until the unit works vs actual troubleshooting / repair. So it is doubtful that the repair guy was out for your money.

A good diagnostic tool is a postcard. This will depending on the units capability verify the power supply voltages and show where the POST is failing if it is actually trying to boot.

If you have replaced everything including the MB then it might be time to take the PC down to the repair guy for a look.

I am confused. You mention that you have heard that some computers don't beep without RAM. Are you attempting to boot without RAM? If so, it won't boot. You need to have at least one stick of RAM installed.

Now for your questions:

1. If you take some precautions, it is unlikely that you fried any of your components. I built my rig (see Signature) last May. Though I know that it is not manly to use a wrist-strap, I did. I spent too much to fry something.

2. No, computers definitely are not that delicate. Of course, the techs want you to believe they are, so you pay them their $50 per hour to fix it.

3. Have you cleared the CMOS? This will solve many problems. Also, reset all of the settings back to default.

If I were you, I would buy a wrist-strap. Then, start from the beginning and do a complete rebuild. Make certain that you check every connection twice.

One last thought, what PSU are you using (brand, watts)? One of the biggest mistakes most folks make when building a computer is they don't consider how important it is to have a good PSU. Today's computers use a bunch of watts. The PSU is the backbone of your system. Not having enough power will act exactly like what you describe.

Actually, give us a list of the components: mobo, CPU, RAM, PSU, etc.

Michael, in you ever want to throw something away, that you haven't taken the time out to trouble shoot, I'll be glad to give you a shipping and handling fee to ship your components to me...


.... Also, this might sound a little crazy, but, bare feet on your kitchen floor is a very good anti static method. Actually, it's much faster at disapating static than a wriste strap, as wriste straps are 1M Ohm. But, also keep your computer plugged into the wall too for the chassis to be grounded.

There are lots of things that can cause the problems you are having. would first disconnect hard drives, cdroms and pull non-essential cards (modems,network and such) and see if you can get a boot screen with ram,processor,mb,monitor,kb and mouse. (also check and see if there is a jumper on the mb that disables the onboard video). also would help if we had more hardware info, mb, processor and ram type if available

It's nice to know people will actually help other people just for the sake of helping. I'm trying most of the suggestions (except for the one about the kitchen, my wife is already peeved at having computer parts all over the study, I don't think she'd appreciate having them in the kitchen as well, but I do like the idea), but it seems like so far nothing has really helped. The motherboard is a Geforce 6100SM-M, the cpu is an AMD A64 X2, and the RAM is GSkill DDR2 800, if that information helps. The RAM is listed as supported by the motherboard but only for DDR2 533. But would that really be a problem? I'm thinking the manufacturers just haven't tested that brand at DDR2 800 on their board, so didn't list it as officially supported. But I have pretty much taken out just about everything but the board, CPU, and RAM. The power supply is hooked up correctly, with the 24 pin connector in its slot and the 4 pin connector hooked up near the CPU. It is a 450 watt ATX PSU, so I think it should be fine. Anyway, I may be taking a very humbling trip over to the repair shop if I can't get this thing going before Mama San puts her foot down and tells me to clean up this mess. So, any extra advice would be appreciated! Thanks again!

Insert the mb, processor, ram on the mb, connect power to mb, plug in the keyboard, mouse and connect the video card, turn it on and see if it posts. leave all of the drives disconnected. well connect them later. Might want to install the mb into the case if its not already.

Depending on the video card 450 may not be enough. Some of the newer video cards also require a separate power connector too. It is not necessarily about total watts, it can be the load on that specific channel(not the right word). Some of the video cards almost have to be on their own channel or they will overload it.

Motherboard could be grounding out on the case.

I meant troubleshooting to the component level (i.e. ICs etc) vs board level. If you have access to test equipment and have the time and knowledge then sure.