Agh! New build - help!

Ole · 14 Dec 2011 at 08:18

I just finished my new build with specs as follows:

- Gigabyte Z68AP-D3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3
- Corsair VX 450W ATX PSU
- Intel Core i5-2500K
- HD4890
- Kingston HyperX Genesis Grey 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9
- Crucial RealSSD M4 128GB
- Samsung 2TB Sata HD
- Gelid Tranquillo CPU Cooler
- Samsung SH-S222AB/BEBE 22x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter

I finished the build last night and, after a small hiccup (I only put one 6 pin power into the graphics card), the system booted up and I installed windows etc. All was well. I set off SWTOR to download and went to bed content with my nights work.

This morning I checked the computer and the screen was black and the fan on the CPU was going like mad. It sounded like the thing was trying to take off! This is similar to what happened when I tried to boot without the graphics card plugged in properly (black screen and loud fans).

I have no idea what to do, so any advice here would be greatly appreciated.

RJC · 14 Dec 2011 at 08:36

Try a CMOS reset just in case, if not try single memory module in various slots and possibly try onboard graphics.

Plec · 14 Dec 2011 at 09:00

As above, also check and re-check all connections and HS is seated properly - re-seat them if in doubt (Don't forget to check the PSU lead too).

Ole · 14 Dec 2011 at 09:01

Plec said:
As above, also check and re-check all connections - re-seat them if in doubt.

When you say re-seat, does that just mean pull out and plug back in?

Thanks for the responses guys, much appreciated.

Plec · 14 Dec 2011 at 09:04

Ole said:
When you say re-seat, does that just mean pull out and plug back in?

Yes, sometimes with new builds/parts, post manufacturing residue can cause poor contact or just that the connections/harware will not have made full contact with it's new home/slot (for whatever reason.)

It's surprising how often reseating cables and cards etc can cure a problem such as this with new builds - not guaranteed of course.

But don't forget to clear the CMOS first as this is a good place to start - and memory modules are always a contender (even just the reseating).

Ole · 14 Dec 2011 at 09:08

Plec said:
Yes, sometimes with new builds/parts, post manufacturing residue can cause poor contact or just that the connections/harware will not have made full contact with it's new home/slot (for whatever reason.)

It's surprising how often reseating cables and cards etc can cure a problem such as this with new builds - not guaranteed of course.

But don't forget to clear the CMOS first as this is a good place to start - and memory modules are always a contender (even just the reseating).

Brilliant, thanks.

I am at work now so will have to wait until I get home to see if this work. Very distracting sat here worrying about! :eek:

Plec · 14 Dec 2011 at 09:22

Not a problem.

If you find you're still having problems after a: CMOS reset, moving memory modules around and reseating HW/cables etc... You will then need to disconnect all non essentital components from the PSU and motherboard- leaving just the CPU, gfx and 1 stick of memory installed.

If you can then get into the BIOS - load optimised defaults and monitor the systems vitals for a few minutes. Then change relevent settings back for your HD and other HW (leave the memory on default for now) save and exit.

Then slowly add componets back incrementaly and see if/when the sytsem buckles.

If it doesn't post with a stripped down rig inside teh case i'm afraid you'll have to do a stripped out version outside of the case - but hopefully it wont come to that.

Additional: Check that the motherboard is secure and that there is no movement between it and the risers.