PC Builder Newbie - PLEASE HELP!!!

[lago24]

I am a first time builder and I need some help.

System:
Thermaltake Golden Orb II Cooler for Intel 775 AMD
EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB PCIe w/Dual Link DVI
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66Ghz 4MB 1333FSB CPU
CoolerMaster 750W PSU Real Power Pro SLI Ready
Samsung 750GB SERIAL ATA HD 7200/32MB/SATA-3G x 2
Intel DP35DPM Socket 775 Motherboard
Crucial Ballistix Tracer 1024MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz x 4

I was having some issues on my first attempt so I went to the basic hookup: CPU, 1 stick of RAM, heat sink, and video card.
I have the 2 power cords into the mobo - 2x12 pin and 2x2 pin.
I put the thermal paste onto the heatsink and have that hooked up to the mobo with the power cable.

Here is what happens.
I plug the power cord in and then turn the power supply switch on. The heat sink fan kicks on immediately for about 4 seconds and then turns off. It then turns back on after 2 seconds and keeps repeating until I turn the power supply back off.

I am getting ready to roof test this PC and could use some guidance.

Thanks in advance.
~disgruntled

[shadowpr]

Do the out of case build. It could be shorting out.

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

[lago24]

I have also tried the out of the case trick on a cardboard box.
It does the same thing.

[shadowpr]

Ok, so with the build out of the case, and only the mother board, cpu with heatsink, 1 stick of ram, and the video card and power supply, it still won't post?

And you have both the 4 pin, and 24 pin plugged into the mother board?

Did you plug in the 6 pin power cable into the video card?

How much thermal paste did you use?

[lago24]

Yep, everything is hooked up like you described.
When I have forgotten to plug in the video card I get the nice long beep.

I used a small dab of paste.

[shadowpr]

Double check to make sure the heatsink is on completely and making good contact.

After that, it's time to try substituting parts. Do you have any other parts that you could try?

If you have two sticks of ram, try each, and switch the slot you try it in.

I would then try a different power supply.

[lago24]

I am planning on trying a different power supply. I have tried changing out the 4 RAM sticks.
Then I am probably going to replace the mobo.

[shadowpr]

Your on the right track. That's what I would do too. First the power supply, then the mother board.

Keep us updated.

[lago24]

If the power supply doesnt work I am going to go to a local computer repair shop and have them run diagnostics on all the components. Its only $30 and thats worth the time I would spend trying 100 other scenarios.

[Cricket]

LGA775 heatsink installation tutorial.

When you had the motherboard on the cardboard box, you didn't have it on the plastic bag the motherboard came in, did you?

Cricket

[lago24]

No, I read somewhere that the bag can have static charges when placing mobo on top.

[lago24]

i am back up and running. i tried a new power supply and that didnt change anything. So i decided to head to the local repair shop to run some diagnostics. He tried booting up my board with their components and same symptoms. He then went and got a new board and everything fired up! I bought it on the spot went home and got everything running.
Thanks for all the help.

[shadowpr]

Glad you have it up and running.