I upgraded two of my computers lately.
Nearly everything is the same:
Both: Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Allendale 2.0GHz
Both: Seagate Barracuda 7200 320GB SATA
Both: 2GB memory
System #1: External video adapter, GEForce 7300
System #1: Intel BOXDP965LTCK LGA 775 Intel P96 system board
System #2: MSI 945GM3-F system board
I had both working fine. I recently installed some software and on the reboot, system #1 would not boot up.
So, I swapped the memory with the working system, #2. It works fine.
I placed the processor in system #2, and it works fine.
I placed the external video in system #2 and it works fine.
So, I determined it must be the system board. I sent off for a replacement rma, and have just installed it, and still experience the same symptoms!
I even tried the hard drive in the working computer and let it boot up to the XP splash screen before powering down.
I turn it on, and all fans run. It also sounds like the hard drive is spinning up, lights look normal, but I never get a video signal, nor do I get any POST beeps from the internal speaker.
What could I be missing? The only thing I have not tried, is the power supply from the working system, but it is getting power, obviously, so should I even bother?
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The power supply could be the problem as one of the power rails may be gone. You can get power to some of the components, but perhaps not to all.
If the system makes no beeps then it has not even started the POST (power on self test) You have tested the components in another computer and replaced the MB so that leaves the power supply or the motherboard is shorting out in the case.
I have left it on for quite some time with no response. I am certain it is not the monitor or keyboard as I am using the same on both systems.
I do not suspect any sort of short.
When I first installed it, I did not use any of the standouts, but now I have 3 of them in use, because the front side hangs just a bit, and no way to mount it from that side.
If the power supply could be it, I will try to replace it. What do you mean by power rails though? I have not heard that term before.
Thank you.
There are different voltages offered by the PSU namely 3.3v, 5v and 12v. Each are seperate and feed certain components of the motherboard these would be considered rails.
Here is some reading on the subject.
http://www.playtool.com/pa
Do not use the standoffs where there is no corresponding hole on the motherboard.
Okay, I tried power supply from the system 2 in system 1 and received the same results.
I then tried the power supply from system 1 in the system 2 and it came on fine. So, the power supply is apparently not the problem.
I know have system 2 running alongside system1, so that I can use the sata power from system 1 to see the data on system 1's drive. It all appears intact, so presumably the hard drive is okay too.
I am at a complete loss what to try next. Everything individually seems to work in the other system. What else can I try?
I would gladly offer 5000 points if someone could point out the problem. I have been building systems for years and have never had this sort of problem before.
Things to try:
*Clear the CMOS with the system unplugged from the wall and the battery out
*Disconect the Power On button from the motherboard, and jump it with a small screwdriver (of something similar.
*Take off all addin cards and disable the onboard stuff that is not needed to boot the system.
*Everything but one stick of ram, cpu, and videocard.
while i'm not saying that it is the problem >> So, the power supply is apparently not the problem << it is good to check the power you need here : http://extreme.outervision
also check the mounting studs for the mobo, one may be shorting - you can test the board outside the case
and test with the minimum connected : no disk, no cd, only mobo + cpu + 1 ram stick, video card, PS --> any display ? if no, swap video card, ram PS.
although not very likely, you may have received a bad mobo, DOA
The BIOS reset jumber has a 1-2 position as Normal, 2-3 as Configuration and No jumper as Recovery.
It really is not labeled which is 1, 2, or 3, but it was initially in the last two (from the front side looking in).
I disconnected all the other internal cabling and only have one stick of RAM installed, with the only internal card, the PCI-E video.
When I plug it in, it immediately powers on, though I can hold a screwdriver to the pins and get it to shut off after a few seconds. But still no video.
Take the MB out of the case, place it on an insulating surface (paper, wood...), disconnect everything except video (including mouse, KB etc!), hook up power and a monitor.
Actually, unless you've tried it, you can start with disconnecting everything but monitor with the MB still in the case. I've known bad mice to prevent boot-up.
/RID
I only have extra AGP video. I was thinking of picking up a PCI video (temporarily) from Best Buy, but then again, if the PCI-E is working in the other system, it wouldn't be the video, would it? I do not have onboard video with this system board.
I have only been testing with just the video. I do not have keyboard, mouse, or even hard drive connected at this point.
I will try it outside of the case now.
>> The BIOS reset jumper ... really is not labeled which is 1, 2, or 3...
OK. That should be 1-2.
Just so you will know next time, Some mobos don't have numbers, but if you look real close, you will see a small dot, a triangle, or it just might have an outline that is marked a little heavier, next to the #1 pin. That last one takes some practice to notice it. : /
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by: tryokanePosted on 2007-11-23 at 09:04:30ID: 20339817
try waiting sometime and tapping on ur keyboard.. and seeing if ur cap locks lits on and off....then you'll know if it's just your graphics card acting up on you