New build boot-up problems: Checking NVRAM

[Nickstah]

Having got fed up with a Dell laptop, I decided to build my own desktop. I've put it all together and am experiencing the all-too-familiar problems following the first switch on. I will detail my system at the end, but basically, the computer hangs at "Checking NVRAM". At this point, the screen background flickers red and black.

Here is exactly what happens when I switch on (power, reset switch and lights all appear to be working fine):

1) Power on and fans activate
2) DVD Drive light flickers
3) All three keyboard lights flash once
4) Screen displays:
Amibios etc
Intel Celeron D CPU 3.33 Ghz
Press F2 for Setup
Press F11 for Boot Menu
Dual channel memory mode
Auto detecting Sata II 1.....IDE Hard disk
Auto detecting Sata II 2.....ATAPI CDROM
SATA II 1 WDC WD2500AAKS
Ultra DMA Mode-5, S.M.A.R.T Capable not disabled
SATA II 2 TSSTCorpCD/DVDW
Ultra DMA mode-2
Checking NVRAM
5) One Beep from speaker
6) Screen goes blank for less than a second and then returns with the same text on screen but with the screen flickering red
7) nothing further happens

I know that this is a common stumbling block so I've done some research. So far I've done the following with no success:

reset CMOS using the jumper and by removing the battery
disconnected all non-essential parts
re-fitted all the parts
tried each stick of RAM separately

I am able to access the BIOS and Boot Menu with no problems and the keyboard works. Any suggestions would be gratefully received, I've really enjoyed researching this and building the system and I think I'm close to getting it working.

Thanks in anticipation

Nick

I only need a basic system for browsing, pictures and music:
MB Asrock ConRoe 1333 DVI/H, integral Intel GMA950 graphics and sound cards
Intel Celeron D 356 (3.33 GHz) 775 FSB533 512KB
2x Kingston RAM 512MB DDR2 533 MHz
Western Digital WD2500AAKS Caviar
Samsung SH-S183 SATA DVDRW
Antler SK353 ATX Mini Tower with 350W PSU

I have put the HDD Sata into SATAII port 1 and the DVD into SATAII port 2

[Cricket]

What brand power supply are you using?

Sounds like you have a defective motherboard.

Cricket

[Nickstah]

The power supply is an Allied ATX 350W

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Nickstah The power supply is an Allied ATX 350W

Allied power supplies are some of the poorest quality power supplies out there...I would replace it on pricinple.

Cricket

[glc]

You should be using an ATX 2.0 power supply with a 24 pin or 20+4 pin main connector and a separate 4 pin CPU connector. You don't need a powerhouse but you need decent quality. Allied is made by DEER, which is the worst you can get - but the Allied line is the best of the worst, if you know what I mean. I have used one out of necessity, it did work and it did last, but I do not trust them. Treat yourself to a new PSU on general principles, check out our sticky threads on power supplies in the General Hardware forum. Probably the best budget units are made by Sparkle Power/Fortron/FSP.

Procedure to follow with build issues such as this is:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409