Computer reboots if you touch it, need help

[juiceyjuice]

Hi, I am not totaly new to buiding pc's. I had a setup that I built with an asus a8n32-sli deluxe motherboard , and socket 939 amd x2 4800+ cpu. I wanted to upgrade to the AM2 socket, so I got an asus m2n32-WS pro AM2 motherboard, a new x2 5200+ cpu, new ocz ddr-800 platinum ram, and a thermaltake 850w is what is in there now, other things that I am also running are dual BFG 7800 gtoc video cards , audigy 4 pro , 2 sony DRU-820 DVD/RW drives and a floppy, but to get to the point. I was very careful on installing the new components, but now everytime I touch my case (with a static charge) it will reboot, or even if it is off when I touch the case it will start up. It all runs fine until you touch the case. Ok , so I know there is some type of short somewhere , I even remounted the mobo replace all IDE and SATA cables, and took out the hardware I didn't need to run it at a bare minimum, and it still happens. I also checked to make sure the standoffs were in the right place. Is there anything else someone can think of trying? Cause I'm to the conclusion that either the case itself has a short internally (has a front swinging door) or it is the mobo. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Juiceyjuice

[Cricket]

Run your setup out of the case (take everything out, even the power supply) and then try touching the power supply to see if the problem persists or not. To power the system up just use a small screwdriver to momentarily jump the two PWR ON pins on the motherboard front panel header.

If the computer reboots when you touch the power supply casing then something is probably wrong with it.

If the computer doesn't reboot then carefully check the reset and power buttons to see if the wires are loose from the connectors.

Cricket

[juiceyjuice]

Well I know it is not the power supply, because I trie 3 different PSU'S, and I read online that someone was having a similar problem, and was told to put a static mat under the case and ground it to the chassis. So I figured I'd try that. I turned off the power supply and put the ground mat under it, and grounded the chassis, and it fried the PSU instantly. In any case I've tried 3 different PSU'S and the symptoms are still there with all of them. Which leads me to believe that the mobo or case is shorting out, but thanks for the advise! I am going to end up pulling the mobo out, and touch the case. I would have to beleive if I touch the case with the mobo out and it still happens, then there is a short in my case, but if it doesn't then something is going on with the motherboard.

One more question on the standoffs should the fiber washers be mounted under the board or on top of the board, cause I have heard conflicting things about this, I have tried it both ways and it still does the same thing.

Thanks Cricket!

[flanzig1]

Pull every thing from the case and do a minimum build outside of the case. If things work outside of the case, then before remounting things check in the motherboard manual as to which holes on the motherboard are for mounting screws. Then compare the holes with the stand-offs in the case. The holes and stand-offs have to match exactly in number AND location. Check in the case for wires that could be nicked/cut /show bare copper.
The washers would go on the screw head side/if on the other side, it could change the momo to I/O sheild alignment.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by juiceyjuice Well I know it is not the power supply, because I trie 3 different PSU'S, and I read online that someone was having a similar problem, and was told to put a static mat under the case and ground it to the chassis. So I figured I'd try that. I turned off the power supply and put the ground mat under it, and grounded the chassis, and it fried the PSU instantly.

It did? Wow, that's messed up.

Originally Posted by juiceyjuice In any case I've tried 3 different PSU'S and the symptoms are still there with all of them.

How many different cases have you tried? I can't see how the same problem can occur in several different cases with different power supplies...problem must be with one of the parts the remains the same in all the different setups.

Originally Posted by juiceyjuice One more question on the standoffs should the fiber washers be mounted under the board or on top of the board, cause I have heard conflicting things about this, I have tried it both ways and it still does the same thing.

I don't use the fiber washers at all.

Cricket

[juiceyjuice]

Thats the thing I think it could be a short in the case, because the front cover swings open like a door with wires running from it to inside the chassis, and no I havent tried another case, but I have a feeling it can be the case that has a short.
Again thanks for all your help Cricket.

[glc]

Build the whole computer outside the case to test that theory.

[Sumdumgi]

For whatever its worth I had a buddy of mine with a brand new quality build touch his usb connection on the front of his case while connecting a camera and he had static charge built up and his comp rebooted. From then on it did very strange things. He ended up with a new mobo before it was ever fixed again. Now he and I both always touch the outside of our case before we hook up anything to the front...
If its a new build and you have tried building it outside the case (psu and all) and you still have the problem then return it for a new mobo. I never use the washers either....