Premature Question?

[54fighting]

So I've built the computer using the following:

Case: Haf X
PSU: Corsair AX1200
MOB: ASUS P7P55D-E Pro
CPU: Intel Core i7-870
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 580
HD: Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive
RAM: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMP8GX3M2A1600C9
DVD/CD: ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Burner
Wireless: Rosewill RNX-G300EX IEEE 802.11b/g PCI Wireless Card

Everything powers up and looks good, with one exception. The memory ok light stays lit and the computer shuts down after about 20 seconds. I checked the manual and reinserted the ram per the diagram in the manual. I've held down the memory key, and although it blinks for a while it eventually stays on and the computer shuts down.

I haven't hooked the computer up to the monitor yet and so maybe my question is premature (but I'm wondering if I will be able to do anything in the brief period before the computer shuts down). Would this issue have anything to do with needing to over-clock the model of Ram that I am using?

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

[alanebro82]

Sounds to me like your fan may not be installed correctly. Computers shut down if the processor gets to hot, in order to prevent damage.

Try jiggling your CPU fan a bit. If it jiggles even slightly, you don't have it installed correctly.

[Staren]

Alanebro should be on the right track. I've had this same problem and it turned out to be the heatsink not locked down well enough, on a couple of different systems. You usually do need to use a bit more force then feels comfortable to get those things seated right.

[54fighting]

Ok, thanks. I will try that tonight.

I'm surprised that this would cause the Mem Ok light to stay lit, but after putting this rig together (first time build), I'm no surprised by much any more (even if I don't understand it).

[54fighting]

Originally Posted by 54fighting Ok, thanks. I will try that tonight. I'm surprised that this would cause the Mem Ok light to stay lit, but after putting this rig together (first time build), I'm no surprised by much any more (even if I don't understand it).

You were right. The fan was lose. So now the rig powers up and stays on. However, the mem ok led stays lit, and I get nothing on the monitor. Also, I don't get any beeps from the speaker.

Any thoughts?

[Staren]

Reseat the ram and video card. I would assume one of the two is not slotted all the way in. That should get you to POST. I went through the exact same thing on my first build. You get a feel for installations after the first time.

[54fighting]

Originally Posted by Staren Reseat the ram and video card. I would assume one of the two is not slotted all the way in. That should get you to POST. I went through the exact same thing on my first build. You get a feel for installations after the first time.

Thanks so much for your patience.

I was dreading reseating the video card (screwing it into the back of the case was a pain) so I figured I'd retry the ram for the tenth time. I was getting a very secure click on the end with the clip and neglected to give the other end a good firm push (it just felt like too much pressure to apply).

Got my beeps, no red led, and it posted. Very excited to move on to the next step. Thanks again.

[Staren]

Good to hear. Ya, you have to put more power into instaling some parts then you really think you should. I'm not a profesional builder, but I've done a good dozen systems now and the heatsink click still makes me a little nervous. I buy ram with heat spreaders on them now simply to save my thumbs because I can't get enough leverage holding them sideways.

Oh by the way, there is a trick with the ram. When you seat the sticks, check that the tabs on the motherboard will click onto the sides of the ram. If they don't, you know you need to check they are lined up right and push a little harder.

[glc]

I ALWAYS do this with EVERY system I build before I start putting things in the case:

PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

[54fighting]

Originally Posted by glc I ALWAYS do this with EVERY system I build before I start putting things in the case: PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

This makes a lot of sense, and would be my MO for future builds, but as a newbie the process seemed overwhelming as is.

This has been a great experience so far, and it would not have been imaginable (at least for me) without this site and its members.

Although I'm sure the industry has come a long way, it seems that the companies that produce the instruction manuals for the various components could do a much better job in guiding novice builders and in doing so, expand their customer base.

For example, the Haf X has proved to be a great case for a build, but the instruction manual left much to be desired (even Coolermaster's Youtube instructional video was deficient from a newbie's perspective as it essentially overlooked the wiring).

[Staren]

Unfortunately that's not a new experience. CPU manuals are usually pretty good in my experience, but everything else is pretty minimal. Experienced builders don't need them at all, and new builders need much more so they are the worst of both worlds. That's why groups like PCMech exist. Basic builds aren't so bad, there is just some background information and some hands on experience you need to pick up. You go from a weekend project to being able to go from boxed parts to installing an OS in a couple of hours very quickly.

[glc]

The manuals are all written in China these days. Translations can actually be quite funny.