Help!! Expensive new build won't work!

[rpthomas]

I followed the advice on the forum, and bought the following:

1. Asus P5N-E SLI 650i Socket 775 Onboard Audio ATX
   
2. Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 (2.13Ghz) Socket 775 FSB1066 4MB Cache Retail Boxed Processor
   
3. Corsair 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 XMS2 Memory Non-ECC Unbuffered CL4(4-4-4-12) E.P.P. Heat Spreader Lifetime Warranty
   
4. Antec Basiq Power 500W ATX 12V PSU
   
5. Gigabyte GeForce 7600GS 256MB PCIE DVI Silent Pipe RoHs

I got all the parts assembled in the case, and when power switches on, the green light on the Mobo comes on and the fan starts. In fact, its the quietest rig i've ever had.

But nothing comes out of the video card. The little green light on the bottom of my flat screen just keeps on blinking - it normally goes solid green when my last computer switches on - and the screen stays dark.

I've tested the flat screen with another puter and it works fine, so its not the screen. My problem is:

1. Have I assembled something wrong? (well possible)
2. Is the Video Card dead on arrival? (would have thought unlikely)
3. Is there a problem with the Mobo?

I am strongly tempted to think the video card is DOA. But if i return it to DABS, and its not that, I have (a) lost time, and (b) cost myself a lot of money in carriage.

I pawned the family jewels to get the bits, so I'm completely stuck with a non working new build.

Anyone offer any constructive advice? How to I trouble shoot this?

R

[blue60007]

Give this a try:
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

[rpthomas]

Thanks, yes, but I did that before posting. But since posting, have had a bit more luck....

I left the machine running with no POST whilst I went for a coffee, and when I got back, it had started its POST - ten minutes after switching on. It counted up the memory very slowly, and completed the POST.

I switched off and then on again to see if I could replicate it, and no POST. Remembered that some people said that this board can be a bit picky about memory, so tried different sticks in each of the slots - but so far, no replication of the POST

At least I now know its not the Video Card, and presumably not the Processor. I have tried each memory card separately in each slot. I am beginning to suspect either the memory or the mobo. And as its unlikely to be both memory sticks, then the mobo? Is my logic sound?

[Cricket]

It counts the RAM up really slowly? Have you tried clearing the CMOS yet?

Cricket

[rpthomas]

This is a brand new build. Please could you explain why the CMOS might need clearing?

R

[Cricket]

The RAM should count up very quickly with what you have (in fact, the first BIOS screen is usually just a quick blink) so something is definitely not running properly. Clearing the CMOS resets the motherboard to a "like-new" condition and may give you a chance to get things going. Did you buy a brand new in-the-box motherboard or a white box or open box motherboard?

Of course if your motherboard is defective the problem will remain.

Cricket