No Image upon Startup

[bouyeeze]

Hi there,

Firstly, specs:

PSU: OCZ GameXStream 700W
Case: Cooler Master Elite 341 Black Micro ATX Tower Case
Memory: OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 1333 MHz Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits 6GB (3x2048MB)
Motherboard: MSI X58M
CPU: Intel Core i7 920
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 5770
Harddrive: Seagate ST31000528AS Barracuda 7200.12 Hard Drive 1 TB

I put this together last night, and after hitting the power button the fans/LEDs and HD turned on, but I couldn't get an image to the screen. I tried both dvi outputs from the video card, and 2 different monitors, both proven to work on my old computer. Both monitors stayed in stand-by mode, although they seemed to recognize being connected to something because if I unplugged one from the card then plugged it back in it would say "no signal" before returning to standby.

I tried resetting the CMOS, but it didn't help.
I removed the CPU and put it back in to ensure it was sitting well but that didn't help.
As far as I can tell, the MOBO isn't touching the case anywhere it shouldn't be but without fully removing it I can't be entirely sure.
I triple checked all power connections and as far as I can tell they're all hooked in correctly.
The first time I turned it on I had forgot to plug in the power for the CPU in the MOBO...could that damage something?
I forgot to connect the internal speaker and was limited for time last night, so I'm not sure if there were any beep codes...that's a job for tonight.

I'm also going to do the bare-bones, out-of-case build that is suggested on these forums to see if that helps.

All the components were bought new within the last 2 weeks. Unfortunately I don't have another PCI-E video card to use in the mobo, nor another mobo with a PCI-E slot to test the video card.

Was hoping that perhaps somebody had seen a similar issue and had an idea for a fix.

Thanks!

[glc]

I'm also going to do the bare-bones, out-of-case build that is suggested on these forums to see if that helps.

That is the FIRST thing to do. That's why it's a sticky thread.

[bouyeeze]

I understand that, but I find it unlikely that it is a case short given that everything is receiving power, which I believe is the primary reason for doing an out-of-case build: to confirm there are no case shorts.

I thought somebody out there might have some insight. I will update the post if I discover something new after the out-of-case build.

[glc]

I have been building computers for 15 years, and I do this on EVERY BUILD before assembly to validate the core components. I also do it again after mounting the motherboard in the case before installing or connecting anything except the video card. Does this add time to the build? Absolutely. However, it has SAVED me time in the long run because I've spent a lot less time tearing my hair out like you are doing right now.

Examine the port block and I/O shield carefully to make sure you aren't shorting a port out with a spring finger where it isn't supposed to be. Just because everything appears to be receiving power isn't that meaningful.

[bouyeeze]

Finally got around to the out of case build.

Mobo, PSU, CPU, 1 stick of RAM, Video Card and CPU heatsink/fan are the only things hooked up.

Seems to be the same issue. All the fans and LEDs power up, but no image to the screen. I tried different sticks of RAM, in every DIMM slot which didn't help. The RAM is on the qualified memory list that the mobo builder provides.

Tried the video card in each of the 2 PCI-E slots, didn't help.

I noticed after letting it run for a few minutes that the CPU heat sink wasn't getting even moderately warm. I did the unthinkable and removed the CPU heat sink entirely and turned it on, ready to turn it off at a moments notice if the CPU let of any amount of heat. Alas, there is no heat coming from the processor at all.

Would anybody know if this is a clear cut bunk CPU, or could the Mobo be damaged and just not getting power to the CPU somehow?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[glc]

It's more likely the motherboard - it's not completely starting.