Initial Boot Problem

[FunkMan44]

Hi everyone,

I was directed here after reading the step by step walkthrough for building your own PC. I finished assembly last night, then turned the machine on. The boot sequence started, but the machine would only stay powered on for 5-7 seconds. All the fans were spinning and no strange noises were coming from inside the case. I am very confused, and I don't even know where to begin diagnosing the problem. Any suggestion would be extremely appreciated.

[vtfanmv5]

Do this: PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

And I would also re-seat the CPU heatsink/fan.

[FunkMan44]

So there's no real indicator as to why the system would lose power after just a few seconds of operation, huh. I somehow thought that would be the case, but I was hoping that that might be a signal of a single thing wrong.

[vtfanmv5]

Could be any number of things, unfortunately. That method should allow you to determine the problem with the least hassle.

I built my fourth system last week and had my first issue. DoA power supply . The buzzing noise coming from it made it pretty easy to diagnose, though.

[FunkMan44]

By the way, I'm running an Apevia X-Cruiser case, Asus P5N-D Motherboard, Intel Q9550 Quad Core CPU, 2x2GB Corsair DDR2 RAM, Geforce 260 Core 216 GPU, Western Digital 320GB 7200 HDD, Monster 650W PSU.

In case that helps at all.

[FunkMan44]

Yea I was listening for any strange sounds but nothing happened, I was almost ready to jump and cheer cause it just powered on with the faint hum of the fans, but then it just powered down and the buzz was officially killed

[vtfanmv5]

What heatsink/fan, stock intel? I would check all of the push-pins and make sure they're all firmly seated and they all click.

[FunkMan44]

The CPU fan I'm using is the one that came with the processor, and I checked to make sure it was spinning. Do you think it's not making full contact to the CPU and that's why it powered down?

[vtfanmv5]

It's possible that if it's not seated correctly it could overheat in just a few seconds and power down. I would go ahead and reseat it and confirm that all of the push-pins are fully clicked in. If that doesn't solve it, the outside the case setup is probably your next course of action.

[FunkMan44]

By pushpins you means the 4 pins on the CPU fan that go through the motherboard right? And the CPU fan came with these 3 rubber strips on the contact for the CPU. That means I have to clean that off now and buy that jelly stuff (can't remember the name) to make the new contact, right?

[vtfanmv5]

Originally Posted by FunkMan44 By pushpins you means the 4 pins on the CPU fan that go through the motherboard right? And the CPU fan came with these 3 rubber strips on the contact for the CPU. That means I have to clean that off now and buy that jelly stuff (can't remember the name) to make the new contact, right?

Yes, those pins. Those strips are thermal pads, which melt a bit after use and are basically the same as thermal paste. I don't really think there's any reason you would have to clean off the paste and apply new paste for a quick re-seating.

[FunkMan44]

It's amazing that the heat would get up so quickly in a few seconds that not having a good seating would cause the system to power down in just a few seconds.

[vtfanmv5]

Originally Posted by FunkMan44 It's amazing that the heat would get up so quickly in a few seconds that not having a good seating would cause the system to power down in just a few seconds.

Not for sure that's what's happening, but it's a possibility, and a fairly quick problem to check/fix. But yeah, modern processors will exceed their temperature thresholds in a matter of seconds if the HSF is not making full contact.

[FunkMan44]

Well hey, I'm gonna give that a try when I get home from work, and if that's the issue, I most definitely owe you a beer. Just a shame I have to wait 8 hours to test it out. Damn work...

[glc]

Remove the motherboard from the case to reseat the heatsink and support the backside with your hand.

[FunkMan44]

Is that necessary? I would have to remove the motherboard from the mounting plate as well?

[vtfanmv5]

I always install in CPU, HSF, and RAM outside the case. Much easier. So yes, that's what I would do.

[FunkMan44]

I guess I'll just unplug everything and take out the mounting plate then. You say I should hold the back of the motherboard with my hand when I push the fan pins through? I won't damage anything doing that?

[glc]

That's the way to do it to AVOID damage. Otherwise, the board is going to flex, which can crack solder traces. If you simply set the board on the table, the pins won't go all the way through.

[FunkMan44]

This is true, I battled with ideas on how to do it when I first did the installation, and it didn't seat the way I wanted to, which is why I removed the fan and tried again in the first place. I guess my problem was that I didn't make sure the thermal paste was evenly spread when I put the fan back on.

Also, is the stock fan that came with CPU good enough? Or is it considered flimsy and a different one recommended?

[vtfanmv5]

The stock HSF isn't the best, but it's more than enough unless you're really overclocking it hard. It also voids your warranty to use any HSF other than the stock HSF.

[FunkMan44]

Whoa, I did NOT know that. Haha good thing I didn't run out and buy a new one on lunch break.

[Brencog13]

If the stock fan wasn't good enough, why would Intel give you a 3 year warranty when you use it?

[FunkMan44]

Good point, I didn't think about that. Thank you for your patience, first time build.