First Build VGA Probs

[coldfront212]

Hey all,

I have built my first diy computer. My specs are as follows:

Asus P5VDC-MX motherboard
Intel P4 3.2 Ghz processor
2GB DDR2 533 Mhz Ram
Asus N6800 512MB AGP GFX card

I built my system completely, confidently connected all the cables, and tried to boot the system. I got 1 beep from the system speaker and eagerly awaited the POST screen to come up, but my Acer AL1711 monitor merely said, "no signal" and went to power save mode.

I have read on other posts about stripping the system to ram, processor, gfx and mobo, and tried this, but still no luck. I then tried the integrated gfx, but still no display. The monitor behaves as if nothing is there. When the whole system is assembled, the DVD drive spins up, the HD reaches rpm, and the temps on gfx/processor/hd all go up to 28-30C.

I tested the monitor with a laptop and it functions fine, so it has to be a VGA comm issue (i think). After the first boot, the system speaker will sometimes give two beeps at startup, and when I hold the power button to shutdown. Not sure what that code is for however.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

[Cricket]

Did you remove the motherboard from the case when troubleshooting?

Did you plug in both power connectors on the motherboard?

Did you connect the power to the video card (if necessary)?

Cricket

[coldfront212]

Hey~

Thanks for the response. Yes, I did remove the mobo for troubleshooting to check and make sure ti wasnt grounding (put it on the box like hal said).

I plugged both the 24pin and the 4 pin connectors to the mobo, and the 4 pin power to the GFX card. I continue to have the probs, have verified RAM and processor work (tried in other pc), but i cant test AGP graphics, cuz i dont have another mobo with an agp slot. Tried the onboard GFX port, but still no luck.

Any suggestions?

Thanks again...

[Cricket]

What brand power supply are you using?

How are you getting those temps if the monitor doesn't show anything? Does the case have a LCD screen with temp sensors?

Are you sure the CPU is supported by that motherboard?

Cricket

[coldfront212]

My power supply is a 500W Rosewill. I have an Atrix case with the temps on it, so thats how i got that info. I called ASUS this morning and verified that the mobo supports the Intel 640 (P4 3.2Ghz) that im using, supports the RAM im using and supports the GFX card. I am now trying to boot with the integrated graphics after a friend told me you have to disable the integrated before you can use a separate card.

Thanks for ur help!

[coldfront212]

Just got off the phone with ASUS. They suggested something similar to Hal's list of removing parts to a box and trying that. They also suggested that I try to remove individual parts to see what error codes I got. I'm continuing to get one beep which would mean a normal POST, however I still get no signal on the monitor. Thanks for your help...

[Mesaeus]

One beep still means the POST considers everything to be ok. Your video card remains suspect number one but it's weird the integrated video also doesn't work. Did you try booting with only the ram, cpu and psu plugged in (and also integrated video disabled) ? You should get a different set of beeps indicating no video card present. Aslo, it's possible the psu can't deliver enough power to the video card.

[coldfront212]

I know, it is wierd because the the POST beep sounds great, but there is no dice with the monitor. I did have a strange exp tho. When i booted the mobo outside the case with just the cpu/ram and int gfx, it would power on (no beeps at all) and then power off after about 10 secs. It wouldn't power on at all without the cpu. I don't know if any of this info helps u guys, but I figured i would post it anyway.

I can't disable the onboard graphics b/c i have yet to access the bios. Is there a way to diable it manually?

Thanks for all your help, i must admit, im getting a bit discouraged.

[Cricket]

At this point I would try a different power supply.

Cricket

[coldfront212]

Ok, will give a new psu a try, will let you know what happens.

coldfront

[coldfront212]

Have yet to be able to grab a psu. Tried to boot again without the different parts. This time, i heard the two beeps for a missing ram, so thats good. Im guessing that the onboard graphics works. Im gonna run to compusa to grab a psu, and im really, really hoping that the processor is good. other than that i cant figure it out. should i try to rma the mobo if the psu turns out to be fine?

thanks a lot-

coldfront

[coldfront212]

Hey all-

Finally was able to give a new psu and DDR1 ram a try. Still would not post, still good system beeps. Gonna give ASUS/Itel a call and find out what I need to do to get an RMA. If anyone has any other suggestions that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help, and i'll post back with my results from my RMA requests.

-coldfront

[hotice]

I am having a similar problem as well. I'm "upgrading" my system after a mistake i made. I burnt out my mobo and a few other parts. I exchanged all the bad parts and now have all new parts except for my video card. I was told by a friend that theres a solid chance the video card is fine. I began piecing my computer together using a new asus mobo and a pentium d 820. I tried to power everything on and i too got a signal on my monitor saying "no signal". i know the monitor works, and my video card's onboard fan seems to work as well so i think everything is working properly. I'm 90% sure all plugs are in correctly. I would love some help on this. I seem to remember having the same problem when i first built a computer using the same video card, but had no hardware problems and the problem was easily fixed...i just can remember how. please reply

[Alaron]

hotice, please start your own thread so we can follow more easily.
PS, try another video card to see if yours is the culprit.

[hotice]

Sorry, im kinda new....can you tell me how to post my own thread?

[Kareeser]

Right here

For future reference, you can make a new thread by clicking "New Topic" in the list of topics in a forum. Welcome to PCMech!

[coldfront212]

Hey all-

Thanks for all your help. I just got all my parts back from newegg (including an upgrade to the intel D 830) and put the whole deal together.

I am pleased to report that i am currently posting on my new and fully funtional system!

According to newegg, the processor was fine, but the mobo power connector was broken/ malfuntioning. But they are amazing, so they took both back anyway .

Thanks again for all your help!

coldfront