First Time Build Problems

[BigDave]

This is my first build and I am having problems.

Components:
ECS nForce 570 SLIT-A v5.1
Core2 Duo E4300
Corsair Value Select DDR2 2x1GB (533MHz)
EVGA 7600 GT
Thermaltake 400W PSU
WD Caviar 120GB EIDE

The system powers up (CPU fan, Case Fan, Graphics Card Fan, etc), but I get no output to my flat panel. I also hear no beaps. It seems the board is powering up but not posting. I took everything off until I had only 1 DIMM and the graphics card, but no change. Lastly, the board seems to be locked up, because the only way I can get it to power down is by holding the On/Off button form ~4 sec.

I tried resetting the CMOS (assuming I did that right), but no difference.

Any ideas?

Thanks.
-Dave

[minsonngo]

Do you have the processor heatsink/fan installed correctly?

Do you have the power supply connected to the motherboard right? The 24-pin main connector + the 4-pin (square) ATX12V connector.

Do you have the motherboard standoffs installed between the case and the motherboard?

ECS motherboards are not very good either. Could be a DOA. (Dead on Arrival).



Many are going to suggest the "outside of case build": Having problems with a new build? Try this.

[BigDave]

Heatsink/Fan Appears to be OK (it is running and appears firmly attached to CPU).

Power Connector should be OK, I double and triple checked it.

It is a Thermaltake Matrix case and has built in standoffs, so none to install.

I was afraid of DOA, but I bought this MOBO before I found this board. I also wasn't sure since everything was getting power. I may try and return it. The place I bought it from has a pretty good return policy. If I do, then I need to figure out what to get in its place. I will only buy locally, because I don't want to deal with snail mail for RMA.

Thanks.
-Dave

[minsonngo]

Yeah ECS are a hit or miss.

Go with an ASUS. They are highly recommended here on the forums too.




EDIT: Double check and make sure the CMOS jumpers on the motherboard are NOT set on the CLEAR position (pins 2 and 3). They should be jumpered to pins 1 and 2.

[BigDave]

I just completed the whole out of case debug scenario. No Luck. I guess it is DOA.

Time to return and try again. I just found out that I can only exchange, and not return the board. I guess I will need to get thermal putty as well since the pad on the heat sink is now damaged. I will try one more time and then I will just "eat" this board.

-Dave

[BigDave]

Returned the ECS MOBO today and got an Intel DG965WH. POSTed with no issues and I am running MEMTEST right now. I will stick with better brands in the future.

[minsonngo]

Glad it worked out for you. Intel boards are a good choice too.

Have fun with your new toy!

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by BigDave I will stick with better brands in the future.

That's one sure way to avoid headaches when building.

Cricket