2 Build

[PC Plus]

I am in the middle of building my second computer. This computer is being used for email
and word processing, no computer games. I have an AMD Sempron 1.8 GHZ processor and a K8MM3 micro ATX motherboard from MSI. My problem is that I connected the RAM (256MB), the processor, power supply and video card to the Mobo which is not in the case. I tried to start it the way GLC mentioned in his post. When I do this the CPU fan starts to spin and stops. I double checked all the connections, switched out the power supply and nothing has worked. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thank you.

[Alaron]

What are the full specs including brand/wattage of the PSU?

[PC Plus]

CPU - is an AMD Sempron 64 3000+ 1.8 GB Socket 754
MOBO - MSI K8MM3-V
Memory - 256MB
PSU - Pomax 230 watts. This came with the Powmax case.

The FDD, optical drive and the HDD were taken out of another computer. These are not connected to anything.

[kissfan]

CPU - is an AMD Sempron 64 3000+ 1.8 GB Socket 754
MOBO - MSI K8MM3-V
Memory - 256MB
PSU - Pomax 230 watts. This came with the Powmax case.

The FDD, optical drive and the HDD were taken out of another computer. These are not connected to anything.

I'd say the PSU lays at the heart of this problem.

230watts is a bit on the low side for your CPU, especially when you add in the components.

Deuce

[PC Plus]

I tried a 430 watt power supply and the same thing happened. Does anyone have any other
ideas?

[Alaron]

The wattage may not be an issue. Powmax units are notoriously bad quality. What brand was the 430w? If it was a poor brand as well, that could be the issue right there.

If the other PSU is known good, you have a defective component on your hands. The only way to track it down is to replace parts one at a time.

[Cricket]

Also make sure the CPU heatsink is installed properly and making good contact with the CPU. If the heatsink is not installed properly the CPU can overheat very quickly and the system will shut down.

Yeah, I'd like to know what brand the other power supply is too.

:) Cricket

[PC Plus]

The PSU that I used was a Turbolink 350 watt. It came with an Aspire case, but I did not use
it in that computer and it has never been used.

[Cricket]

TurboLink power supplies are low quality rubbish...same as the PowMax power supply, it's rubbish too.

:) Cricket