help please, first build.

[imsolosthelp]

Everything is connected, the computer is running but on the first start up and at the preceeding start ups, i never reach the Bois start up menu, the monitor simply goes in "power stand by mode" at first i thought the monitor might not be connected correctly, but when i disconnected the cable from the VGA card an error message appeared on the screen stating i "should chechk the connection" more olr less. All fans are working properly, everything is working it seems. Do i need to instal drivers first in order to began set up? thank you. Everything being used to construct the comp is brand new, new processor (Intel P extreme edition), new motherboard,( ASUS P5WD2 Premium) new Graphics card (ATi 256) New memory)pqi TURBO 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400)) I have no idea why its not working. Thank you

[jayb1234]

Check that the CPU heatsink/fan assembly is on securely.

Is the 4 pin power lead near the CPU plugged in? Does the Video card have a power connector and is it connected.

Check that all cards and wires are securely installed.

What brand and model is your power supply?

[glc]

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

[imsolosthelp]

I followed all the steps on hals tutorial, and i am receiving the same result. I took appartt everything and reattached it outside, including processor and heatsink/fan. The video card doesnt have a power supply connect. The power supply is ATX, 450 watt. The 4 pin cnnector near the cpu? if your refferring to the cpu's fan then yes thats connected but if your referring to the +4 attached to the 20 pin connecter then no. I have a slight idea that it might be the memory, if so how would i know for sure? thanks again.

[not important]

The 4 pin ATX12V power connector, that jayb1234 is referring to, comes from the Power supply and connects to the Motherboard. It is a square connector with 4 wires.

[imsolosthelp]

you guys have been excellent, you were correct in diagnosing my problem. It turns out my power supply was crap, and it didnt come equipt with the nessecary connector to power what you referred to, so i used another power supply and its up and running thank you very much.

[glc]

That's what usually happens when you buy a case with a preinstalled power supply - the provided power supply usually IS crap. There are notable exceptions, but most of the case makers haven't caught up with the ATX 2.0 spec yet. There are VERY few cases under $100 that come with a suitable power supply for a cutting edge build like you just did. Antec is one of the notable exceptions - they have several cases with quality ATX 2.0 units.

For now, the best thing for new builders to do is choose a case without a power supply, and buy a good unit separately. There are VERY few units under $50 that are suitable for PCI-E and a high end video card.