First build problem

[Jthe7th]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some assistance on a difficulty I'm having with my first build. The specs are in my signature below.

The issue is, on occasion, when I turn on the computer, though the lights, fans and everything within the case turn on, the os (XP MCE) itself does not initiate; there seems to be no hard drive activity. If I power the computer down, wait a few seconds and turn it on again, it will boot normally. Sometimes I have to power down a few times for the system to come on. Once the computer boots, everything seems to work fine.

Also, when I attempt to restart the computer, the same thing happens. Sometimes it will boot normally, other times there is nothing. But again I have to power down, wait a bit and try again.

Any thoughts as to what could be causing this?

[Dark Nova]

This seems to be an overheating problem. also make sure the CPU fan is well connected

having problems with new build, try this: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=12753

DID you already install the OS??

[not important]

And check ALL of your connections. SATA cables, RAM. Video etc. Did the PC boot normally before or is this a fresh build?

[Jthe7th]

Thanks for the replies. This site is awesome!

When I assembled the build, everything was just fine; I can't tell you how excited I was the moment I turned it on for the first time. Picture Dr. Frankenstein manicly screaming "it's alive!"

Anyway, it seems the problems started after I installed the OS. Initially, everything worked fine; the OS booted quickly. I have done no tweaking to the BIOS/CMOS at all other than disabling the onboard sound. Experiencing difficulty, I have taken every component out and reinstalled, double if not triple checking every connection; I even replaced the cables (especially the SATA cables) with new ones. I even re-installed the OS; a complete reformat, erasing the first install.

The frustrating aspect is that sometimes it will boot with no problem at all. I run every diagnostic I can think of (or at least have access to) and everything reports back at operating normally. Nonetheless, when I attempt a restart, or initial power on, everything lights up in the case, but I get nothing. Nothing at least until I power down and turn it back on.

If it was a power problem, wouldn't the system just shut down? This hasn't happened.

I just can't figure out if this is a hardware or software problem. I forgot to include the memory in my specs. I have GeIL Value Dual Channel PC3200 400MHz DDR. Is there the possibility that the memory is the culprit? Also, is it possible that the OS might be causing this?

[Cricket]

The problem may be the ECS motherboard.

:) Cricket

[jayb1234]

Sounds more likely to be hardware related than a problem with the OS. Try running the hard drive manufacturers diagnostic and run a memory test with memtest (http://www.memtest.org/). Might be the PSU. What brand and model is it. Could be the motherboard. The two diagnostics will narrow it down to PSU motherboard or video card. Edit: Couldn't see the list while adding to my post. PSU is a good one so not as likely to be the problem.

[Jthe7th]

Well, I reset the CMOS and replaced the motherboard battery. Then I took everything out and replaced it, making sure all connections were secure. Voila, no more difficulties. I think maybe I had a connection wrong or something...those little arrows are hard to see sometimes.

Anyway, thanks so much for the input.