new build, monitor won't turn on

[FasterThanSatan]

this is my first build. the parts that i am using may be too advanced for me but here are my parts:

cpu: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.40GHz Socket 775
mobo: XFX nForce 680i SLI NVIDIA Socket 775 ATX Motherboard (A+ Version)
ram: OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
video: EVEVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit
psu: XCLIO GREATPOWER X14S4P4 750W ATX12V 750W Power Supply - Retail
hdd: Western Digital Caviar RE WD3200YS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s

i turn on the computer and everything runs. the heatsink fan, the case fans and the video card fans but the problem is the monitor won't turn on. it's like on stand by because of the orange light. if i unplug the monitor from the computer it turns on but says no connection. if i plug it back it turns off... or standby... this is really frustrating. please help. thakns in advance.

[shadowpr]

first i would try pushing the input or source button on the monitor to make sure it's set to digital and not analog (if that applies)

then you could try to hook up a different monitor to the new build to see if you get anything.

here is a trouble shooting guide if those fail: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

[FasterThanSatan]

thanks for the suggestions but i tried them and the trouble shooting guide and my monitor still won't turn on. any other suggestions?

[shadowpr]

ok, can you try that monitor on another computer?

[FasterThanSatan]

yes i did. it works. quick question though... the fan on the video card is running so that means my video card is working, right? 'cause i'm thinking that my video card is the problem...

[shadowpr]

i don't think that just cause the fan is working that it means the card is working.

we can check that by having you try a different video card with the current set up. if it works, then they problem lies with the video card.

[FasterThanSatan]

i talked to my friend and he said it might be the motherboard that is causing the problems. i just realized that when i turn on my computer, my keyboard doesn't light up even if it's plugged in. maybe that's why the monitor is not working too... i dunno but i kinda makes sense... does it?

[shadowpr]

ok. if you followed the guide above, you wouldn't even have the keyboard plugged in yet.

you're supposed to have eveything outside the case with just the bare essentials setup. we're trying to eliminate possible causes to the problem.

all you should have is the psu connected to the mb (24 pin, and it looks like 8 pin), and video card. the video card installed, the cpu in with heatsink on, and one stick of ram. and the monitor should be connected to the video card.

[Cricket]

It's possible the motherboard is defective...XFX isn't exactly a real good brand.

Cricket

[FasterThanSatan]

i did the troubleshooting. followed it step by step. did exactly what it says but it still didn't work. then i called my friend and told me to do some stuff... and we both came to a realization that the mobo could be the problem... and that's what he said too... xfx isn't a good brand. that sucks.... thanks pcmech guys for the suggestions and help.