Frustrated, fried and egg on my face

[kd-n-ikes-daddy]

Hey guys. This is my first post and my first build though I have quite a bit of computer experience both hardware and software. I'm building this computer for a friend. He bought the components and I'm building it. It's all built now but the only sign of life I get is a the CPU cooler fan and the power supply fan spin up and stop and nothing! I yanked the PCI cards- no good. I took out the motherboard to case screws and removed the paper grommets that they had behind the screwheads. I unplugged power to all the drives. I moved the memory stick to a new spot. Arrrggggggggg! I don't really want to take it all apart because the temp probe on the processor was hell to get on and stay in place and the clamp on the heatsink seems so weak and chinsy.
Thanks
Scott
mailto:kd-n-ikes-daddy@mn.rr.com

PowerUP 400W ATX Switching Power Supply
Biostar M7NCG 400 Mobo

[trulad]

I would check the processor/heat sink for good contact. Did you use a heat paste,like Artic Silver for instance? Sounds like maybe the processor is shutting down to prevent overheating.
trulad

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by kd-n-ikes-daddy I don't really want to take it all apart because the temp probe on the processor ...

If you placed the temp probe ON the cpu before afixing the heat sink, that may be as trulad suggests, the source of your problem. The temp probe can lay along side the cpu and still provide adequate info. Laying it between the hsf and cpu will prevent proper contact and instant overheating.

Another commonly missed item is the 2 x 2 wiring connector that provides 12v for the cpu.

Before we can provide any more suggestions it would be best if you posted your full system specs so we know what parts we're dealing with. And, as much as you don't want to disassemble, this thread is the best way to begin the troubleshooting. And one last thing, you don't need the fibre washers under the mobo. Just make sure all the standoffs are in place and no extras are installed that may contact the bottom of the motherboard.


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

[Cricket]

I'd try another power supply...PowerUp power supplies are rubbish.

Cricket

[kd-n-ikes-daddy]

I agree. My client chose this computer- I reviewed it not realizing it was a PowerUP deal- and he ordered it. Once I was done with the build I fired it up and nothing! I tried the power supply on my test PC that I know works and nothing. So I ended up fighting with about 10 Tiger Direct reps before I finally got the power supply replaced. After this I will be steering everyone far far away from PowerUP.
I'm goin to try pulling the cooler off and move the temp probe. And yes I did use thermal grease (just the stuff that came with the cooler since my client is tapped out). I'll also check the power to the processor.
Also- the fiberwashers go between the mobo and the standoffs? Why and how do you keep them all on the standoffs without them falling off?
Thanks so much. Sorry I sound like such an idiot. Or maybe its just that I feel like an idiot.
Thanks,
Scott

[Panama Red]

You DON'T need the fiber washers. Just mount the mobo directly to the brass stand offs making sure there are no extras that may contact the mobo and cause a short.

[kd-n-ikes-daddy]

okay. thanks. i was kind of thinking that i didnt need them since the mobo has metal washers built into the board around the screw holes and i assume those are for grounding the board to the case.
thank you for all the help. im learning a lot (especially patience lol)
-scott