Help! New build is killing me...

[nzchris]

OK now that I have the dramatics outta the way...

Originally built it into the case then when it didn't post followed Hals great suggestions from the sticky http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

* Have reseated the RAM- swapped with another new module I received and tried that
* Reseated the CPU but really cant see how that could go in wrong as it only fits one way!
* Video card reseated a couple of times
* Changed the CMOS jumper to no avail.

However my system still wont POST.
Fans run; screen is black (NOT saying can't get signal just black).
All items NIB removed for this install. Here's the system specs:

ECS nForce 570 SLIT-A Socket 775
Intel Pentium D 940 3.2Ghz DT 800FSB Socket 775
Ultra 500w V-Series PSU Black
CPUCOOLER|ARCTIC P4|ACFZ7-PRO R - Retail
VGA EVGA GF 7100GS 128-P2-N411-LX R - Retail
Ultra 512MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz

I have no other components connected.
Unless both sticks of Ram are bad I doubt that is the issue so Im guessing power or video card and here's my thoughts:

POWER
I can't see power as the issue. More than enough and using the 24 connector.
I dont seem to have a 4VPin 12V connector for the MOBO from the power supply even though its illustrated. Issue?

Video card
Its seated and reseated etc. Cant see any outlet to add additional power for the card- does it need it?

I feel like I'm missing something so obvious.
Ideas?
Thoughts?
Musings?

Even a good joke would do...

Thanks in advance.
PS. Yes I'm a newbie so no suggestion is too ridiculous as a step I may have missed!

[Alaron]

That power supply should have the 4pin connector, it is required for the board to boot up.

A number of your parts are sub standard quality. I'd start with the Ultra PSU, it could very well be a lemon. Do you have another unit to try?

[nzchris]

Originally Posted by Alaron That power supply should have the 4pin connector, it is required for the board to boot up.

Well that would seem to be the issue for non booting. Umm just to clarify-
1) Thats the 4-PIN 12V thats supposed to be for the MOBO thats missing. I have a ton of 4-Pin Molex connectors.

2) If that's a yes to the above then any suggestions for a better PSU? How about an Antec SP450 SmartPower 2.0 450 Watt?

BTW system is for a non-gamer -building a system for my young <8 yr kids where they *may* play some 3-D graphically games in the future but most likely will destroy the system before they get there!

Yeah I wish I had found these forums sooner and I would of had a better system for prob the same price...but such is life.

Thanks

[waterman]

I've had the same problem with a build that I'm doing now. After taking it to a shop for help we found that the only thing wrong was that I had not connected two 12v 4pin power supplies for the motherboard. One connection fed the CPU and the other fed the graphics card. Hope this helps.

[nzchris]

OK to keep all in one thread...I would like some parts recommendations while I'm still inside my 30-day window where I can return items.

My first stab at this build was newegg and tigerdirect parts with good reviews. While it might be good for individual parts I doubt this approach works best as a whole.
I hope some of the experts here can give me feedback on the selected components- (I know I will be returning some based on other feedback- TY Alaron). Feel free to suggest other parts!

"Best" is based on use of course so here's what it will be used for.
PC will be used for very low end games- not a gamer- some 3D AOE type stuff perhaps- but really it will a pre-teens machine for surfing- but I want the option to upgrade to better stuff later on. Budget is tight at around $600. With rebates this list is at around $540.

Heres my existing list:

Power Up Black 2525 Atx Mid-t Case
ECS nForce 570 SLIT-A Socket 775 Motherboard
Intel Pentium D 940 3.2Ghz DT 800FSB Socket 775
VGA EVGA GF 7100GS 128-P2-N411-LX R - Retail
Ultra 500w V-Series PSU Black
CPUCOOLER|ARCTIC P4|ACFZ7-PRO R - Retail
CPU THERMPASTE|ARCTIC SILVER5 3.5G% - OEM
Dlink DWL-G510 Wireless PCI Adapter 802.11g
Ultra 512MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz (x2)
Lite-On 20X DVDRW Super-Multi Lightscribe LH20A1H
Maxtor 80GB Serial ATA HD 7200/8MB/SATA-3 (only wanted one "smaller" HD for now)
Logitech Cordless Desktop S510


Going back so far:
The PSU- should have 4-PIN 12V connector for MOBO but doesn't

Cant go back- (no return policy)
CPU

Thanks for looking!

[Alaron]

The Antec 450w is a good choice, but this FSP is great quality and a lower price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954

The ECS motherboard might work alright, but I would highly recommend swapping it for an Asus. ECS boards are low quality, and Asus is one of the best. Here is the Asus P5B, we recommend it often: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

The P4 is fine for now, and the Asus will let you upgrade to a Core 2 Duo when you need more power.

Ultra memory is usually not very good either, we recommend Corsair. This is the kit we recommend: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145568 and you can reuse it with a CPU upgrade.

The rest of the list is fine. If you feel ambitious, you could go for the Core 2 Duo chip now, will last a long time for your needs. The E6300 is only $183.

Also, stick with Newegg for purchases. TigerDirect has a bad reputation for service. Check www.resellerratings.com to compare the two and you'll understand.

[nzchris]

Great feedback. Making the changes now.

I don't know if you guys feel you get enough kudos for helping out others and contributing to the forums but here's a BIG kudos to all!

I'll drop a line with hopefully good news when it's all together.

[nzchris]

Originally Posted by Alaron The Antec 450w is a good choice, but this FSP is great quality and a lower price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954 The ECS motherboard might work alright, but I would highly recommend swapping it for an Asus. ECS boards are low quality, and Asus is one of the best. Here is the Asus P5B, we recommend it often: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030 The P4 is fine for now, and the Asus will let you upgrade to a Core 2 Duo when you need more power.

Update:
I returned the ECS motherboard- never managed to boot from it. I suspect it was bad after all the etsting and retesting I did. The same components on the ASUS one booted the first time.
FSP Fan recommend above is super quiet and was a great recommendation.

OK one more question- wireless connectivity.
I have been using an old Linksys card in my old computer. It was maxed out at 10MB and connectivity was always good. I was after something faster.

The new system is in the same location but the Dlink DWL-G510 Wireless PCI Adapter 802.11g I bought while faster, it has little to no connectivity.

Any suggestions for a wireless card for this build?

[Alaron]

The rule of thumb is to go with a wireless NIC that is the same brand as your router. I personally recommend Linksys networking products.