I built a PC and it won't boot up

[Anne S]

The components are:

Antec Sonata case
Intel motherboard D865PERLL
Intel 3.0 GHz processor
Western Digital Serial 120 MB HD
Plextor DVD Writer 708A
Kingston memory - two 512 MB
Matrox P750 video card
Audigy 2 ZS Platinum sound card

I very carefully followed all instructions from the Antec case manual
and the Intel MB manual, and am fairly certain I've got the power
cables connected correctly. When I plug in the power cord and turn on
the rear case power switch, a green LED lights up on the MB. When I
hit the power switch on the case, the green LED next to the switch
comes on, but nothing happens - no fans come on, HD doesn't spin, no
other case front panel blue led lights - nothing.

The Antec case power switch connector is a 2 pin connector - I tried
turning it around - ie, switching pins it was connected to; but no
luck.

What's the best way to search out the problem?


Anne

 

[)-()-(]

The components are:

Antec Sonata case
Intel motherboard D865PERLL
Intel 3.0 GHz processor
Western Digital Serial 120 MB HD
Plextor DVD Writer 708A
Kingston memory - two 512 MB
Matrox P750 video card
Audigy 2 ZS Platinum sound card

I very carefully followed all instructions from the Antec case manual
and the Intel MB manual, and am fairly certain I've got the power
cables connected correctly. When I plug in the power cord and turn on
the rear case power switch, a green LED lights up on the MB. When I
hit the power switch on the case, the green LED next to the switch
comes on, but nothing happens - no fans come on, HD doesn't spin, no
other case front panel blue led lights - nothing.

The Antec case power switch connector is a 2 pin connector - I tried
turning it around - ie, switching pins it was connected to; but no
luck.

What's the best way to search out the problem?

Anne

I would remove/disconnect the Audigy, DVD, and HD and see if it will
post-BIOS screen.

 

[)-()-(]

I would remove/disconnect the Audigy, DVD, and HD and see if it will
post-BIOS screen.

Also,before you try this, make sure the AGP card is fully seated in its'
slot.

 

[ray hartman]

The components are:

Antec Sonata case
Intel motherboard D865PERLL
Intel 3.0 GHz processor
Western Digital Serial 120 MB HD
Plextor DVD Writer 708A
Kingston memory - two 512 MB
Matrox P750 video card
Audigy 2 ZS Platinum sound card

I very carefully followed all instructions from the Antec case manual
and the Intel MB manual, and am fairly certain I've got the power
cables connected correctly. When I plug in the power cord and turn on
the rear case power switch, a green LED lights up on the MB. When I
hit the power switch on the case, the green LED next to the switch
comes on, but nothing happens - no fans come on, HD doesn't spin, no
other case front panel blue led lights - nothing.

The Antec case power switch connector is a 2 pin connector - I tried
turning it around - ie, switching pins it was connected to; but no
luck.

What's the best way to search out the problem?


Anne

Ms A:

I'd remove ALL, but the CPU. Turn on power switch and listen for
ERROR_BEEPS. If ya hear them prolly alls_well. Then install RAM_stick and
repeat. Then install the VidCard. Etcetcetc ...

 

[jimbo]

Be sure the CPU is seated. That caused me a problem with an upgrade a
while ago. It looked seated, but it went in another 1/8 inch on the
second try, after it wouldn't boot.

Regard, jimbo

 

[Andrew Portess]

Ms A:

I'd remove ALL, but the CPU. Turn on power switch and listen for
ERROR_BEEPS. If ya hear them prolly alls_well. Then install RAM_stick and
repeat. Then install the VidCard. Etcetcetc ...

Check the clear BIOS jumper.

Andy

 

[DaveW]

The first, and easiest thing, to try is to one at a time remove the RAM
sticks and try them individually in the #1 RAM slot, and then boot up each
time. This will give you an idea as to if one of the sticks is bad.

 

[Anne S]

I took Jimbo's advice first and removed the heatsink and rechecked the
cpu (I kinda remember not being sure it was in tight) - and good news
- this time the fans came on as did the front blue led case lights.
My only concern is that I may have rubbed off some of the thermal
compound in the process. I did not add any add'l goo during the first
installation, I just went the pre-applied thermal stuff that Intel put
on the heatsink. There is still quite a bit still on the heatsink, so
I hope I am okay.
I also added an additional fan in the case, so maybe this will help
too.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Time to do the full boot up
process.


Anne