New rig crashes at setup

[Xarath]

My new rig:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz
RAM: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Mobo: EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
GPU: BFG Tech GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB
PSU: Corsair HX 520w Modular Power Supply

I've been assembling this baby all day (this is my first ever custom PC) using the PC Mech BYOPC guide. Its very late right now so I'll just get to the point. I've installed all the above components (removed HD for now until I can get the computer stable). To the best of my knowledge, most of the proper cords are linked to their proper spots on the PSU, Case, and Mobo. However, when I boot up my computer, the entire PC turns off about 15-30 seconds after entering the setup. I am able to view the options and navigate the setup, and from what I see, everything is working fine (although being a newbie, I'm not quite entirely sure what is normal). What could cause this problem?

[liambl]

Make sure that all four of the heatsink mounting pins are fully installed. Refer to the LGA775 Heatsink Install Guide for instructions. Can you get to the hardware monitoring page to see the system temperatures?

[Cricket]

Yeah, sounds like the CPU is overheating and the system is shutting itself down to prevent damage.

Cricket

[Xarath]

All right, I took the entire machine apart and reassmbled it. It did look like the heatsink/fan was on improperly, but I am sure it is correct now.

Now when I boot up the PC, I do not get the *beep* that indicates a successful boot, or do I get any display from the video card. The only things plugged in are the RAM, CPU, Motherboard, PSU, and GPU. None of the case features are plugged in (I am turning the PC on using a button on the Mobo).

Why would my PC suddenly refuse to boot? I've ruled out the CPU because I have not touched or moved it since the last time I booted it.

[shadowpr]

PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

[Cricket]

Troubleshoot the problem with the motherboard out of the case. Follow the instructions that shadowpr linked to.

Cricket

[rjfvillarosa]

Have a good read of the "out of case build" that shadow has linked you to and while your at it reset the CMOS via the motherboard jumper, often when you have a situation like this the BIOS info gets a bit scrambled after a few unsuccessfull initial boots.

[Xarath]

I have tried all the above solutions. No luck when assembling outside the case, nor when resetting the CMOS jumper.

By the way, all of the LEDs on the motherboard that previously illuminated still do illuminate. However, the panel on the motherboard displays the code "FF" instead of flashing through various different codes like it did when it was working (but overheating).

[minsonngo]

Do you have the 6-pin PCI Express power supply connector hooked up to the 8800GTS?

[Xarath]

Originally Posted by minsonngo Do you have the 6-pin PCI Express power supply connector hooked up to the 8800GTS?

Of course. It really beeps at me loud if it isn't.

[chuck4456]

Originally Posted by Xarath I have tried all the above solutions. No luck when assembling outside the case, nor when resetting the CMOS jumper. By the way, all of the LEDs on the motherboard that previously illuminated still do illuminate. However, the panel on the motherboard displays the code "FF" instead of flashing through various different codes like it did when it was working (but overheating).

In a lot of cases, if the system doesn't cycle thru the codes prior to reaching FF and is simply stuck at FF, it is due to a borked BIOS chip or a faulty PSU.
I would try another compatible PSU first.
You didn't try updating your BIOS before this happened?
Did you?

[Xarath]

Originally Posted by chuck4456 In a lot of cases, if the system doesn't cycle thru the codes prior to reaching FF and is simply stuck at FF, it is due to a borked BIOS chip or a faulty PSU. I would try another compatible PSU first. You didn't try updating your BIOS before this happened? Did you?

Not sure where I'll find another PSU to test the system. I guess I can try to pull one out of my other computer, but I'm not positive if its compatible. Either way, sounds like there may be a problem with the BIOS and I'll just need to RMA my Mobo.

I did not try to update my BIOS by the way. I hadn't had the chance to install any sort of CD, DVD, or Floppy drive.

[minsonngo]

Do you have both the 24-pin and 4/8-pin psu connectors hooked up to the motherboard as well?

[Xarath]

Do you have both the 24-pin and 4/8-pin psu connectors hooked up to the motherboard as well?

Yeah.

[Xarath]

Before I start RMAing stuff, is there any way I can be sure that my CPU is working properly without putting it in another machine?

[minsonngo]

Is the heatsink warm to the touch when system is ON?

Are you sure the cpu heatsink/fan is installed correctly and working?