Finished building PC - power turns on but no video signal

[Killerwalski]

Hey all,

I just finished putting together my new setup. Everything appears to be connected fine, but for some reason - I have no video. I've built several PC's before and never had a problem like this. I've tried reseating the video card about 10 times, reseating the memory, checked power supply connections, nothing works.

The motherboard has no onboard video.

Video: XFX PVT73GUGF3 GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
Mobo: ECS KA3 MVP (V1.0A) Socket AM2 AMD 580X CrossFire ATX AMD Motherboard
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 Windsor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor
PSU: Sunbeam PSU-BKS580-US ATX 580W Power Supply 100V - 120V/200 - 240V cUl, CE, CB, FCC
MEM: WINTEC AMPX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model

I've tried two different monitors. I've also tried a PCI card to no avail. Tried the DVI input as well as the SVGA. When I power the PC on, the LEDs go on and the fans spin, but I hear no beeps (Don't think my Mobo has audio???), and no display. What else can I try?

[minsonngo]

Are your sure you have the CPU heatsink and fan installed right?

Do you have brass standoffs set between the motherboard and the case?

Try the outside of the case build with only the essentials installed... motherboard, processor, ONE stick of memory, processor heatsink & fan, video card, and power supply... if it still gives you issues... then one or more of those components are bad and you need to test them one at a time in another working compatible build to find out which component is faulty.

I am not familiar with your PSU brand either... you may want to try another working PSU in the build to confirm that is not the issue also.



EDIT: ECS boards are usually bad news... I have experienced symptoms such as yours before with ECS boards... and it turned out the board was DOA (Dead On Arrival). You may be looking at a dead board.

[Killerwalski]

I have standoffs installed, but they are plastic. The board is not touching the metal.

I'll try it with one stick right now.

Thanks for the reply, I'll keep you updated.

[minsonngo]

Make sure you are doing the test build OUTSIDE of your case with only the essential components. This makes it much easier.

You can short the power pins with a screw driver to power the system on. And set the motherboard on a non conductive surface like a wooden table or cardboard.


My guess is it is a PSU or motherboard issue since those are the brands are generally known for issues.

[Killerwalski]

Yep one memory didn't make a difference.

My mobo came with this Top Hat Flash chip. Would that have something to do with it?

I've also tried resetting the CMOS... No help.

TIA

[Killerwalski]

Thanks for the help minso, I'm almost convinced my mobo is crap. The LED's on the mobo come on, but still a good chance of something else being fried.

[minsonngo]

If you are thinking about returning the motherboard... swap it for an ASUS motherboard instead. They are recommended by many on here.

You should also replace the PSU with a QUALITY unit... something made by FSP, Corsair, Seasonic, Sparkle, OCZ, Antec, or Enermax are good.



EDIT: I take that back... you SHOULD definately replace the Sunbeam PSU. Remember... you get what your pay for. $15.99 for a 480 watt PSU or $19.99 for a 580 watt PSU should already raise the alarms. Bad PSUs not only does not work half of the time... when it does work... it provides "dirty" power to your components which can cause damage to them over time... AND when the PSU dies... it can kill other parts with it.

A good PSU is definately worth the investment.

[Killerwalski]

Thanks for the advice minso. I'll order a better PSU.

I fixed the problem. One of my esteemed builders forgot to plug in the CPU -> PSU 4-pin connection.

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by Killerwalski Thanks for the advice minso. I'll order a better PSU. I fixed the problem. One of my esteemed builders forgot to plug in the CPU -> PSU 4-pin connection.

Glad you got it working.

[jer888]

yeah get that psu replaced, if it dosent die soon it will ruin your components