Computer Shorting - works outside of case but not inside :(

NeoVo

NeoVo

NeoVo

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Joined
2 Feb 2009
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1,004
Hi guys.

Been assembling my computer and have come across a major problem (specs in sig).

The computer appears to be shorting out, and as a result i have no output via dvi and to my monitor (not the problem).

I am using the copper risers and screws which were provided with the case but i dont think this is causing the problem. I am using a zalman cpu cooler which has a back plate which i thought may be causing the problem, so iv loosened the screws. As silly as it may sound iv tried placing blue tack and paper selotaped to the backpanel to prevent contact but to no avail.

I have managed to access the bios, but this has been when the motherboard, cpu + cooler, graphics card and relevant psu cables have been outside the case.

Im really stuck on this one. Thanks in advance.

-NeoVo-
 
If the cooler doesn't cause the problem outside the case I can't see how it would do it inside: unless it has one or more screws which are isolated from each other?

Is there any unusual looking lump on the motherboard tray? Between risers?

Try taking components other than the MB out of the case and resting them on a wooden block or similar. See if it's a problem in the GPU for example.
 
my best guess would be stress on the gfx card when installed in the expansion slot. have seen it happen before usually you will find it hard to install the gfx card and you can feel stress on it. failing that you may have some back solders which are unusually long that could do with a file.

my best guesses anyway
 
Audigex said:
Is there any unusual looking lump on the motherboard tray? Between risers?
Click to expand...

The case is brand new and is evidently a flat surface, i tried the talcum powder trick on the base of the motherboard to help indicate any contact, and it was evident that the backplate of the zalman cpu cooler is touching, i covered the backplate using insulation tape which still failed to output to the monitor.

I think the next step is to cut a square out on the back panel around the cpu block, unless anyone has a better idea?
 
Are you 100% certain you don't have any extra spacers installed? That's the only time I've ever had a problem like this - it just takes one in the wrong place to totally stop it booting up.
 
WJA96 said:
Are you 100% certain you don't have any extra spacers installed? That's the only time I've ever had a problem like this - it just takes one in the wrong place to totally stop it booting up.
Click to expand...

There are nine holes on the motherboard, and 9 copper risers on the case and 9 screws which when tightened screw into the copper risers, im certain this isnt the problem.

I have the computer and all parts running at the moment on the floor, which obviously isnt ideal (though on cardboard and anti static bags). Must surely be the case? iv never had a problem with previous antec cases so cant really get my head around it.
 
Hey NeoVo,

when it's inside the case what chassis wires are you connecting (power on, IDE etc) . . . any other wires i.e USB etc? (seen a similar problem where someone connected a USB header to firewire pin-outs).
 
Presumably the heatsink backplate shouldn't be contacting the chassis?

If it is contacting the chassis is there any chance that the motherboard is bending as you tighten down the screws into the risers?

Do you have a spare heatsink that'll attach without a back plate that you could try?
 
As I said before, try installing components one at a time.

Leave the rest on the floor, then put the GPU in and try it then.

Then try the same thing with only the MB inside the case (you can put the other components on stacks of books next to the open case if the cables are too short)

As any programmer will tell you, unit testing is easier. Trying out each item in turn is the best way to find the source.

Or to check the HSF backing plate, get a rubber glove, cut out a decent sized square and put it in behind the backing plate. That should be enough to insulate it and check if it's working. Don't leave it in there though :-)
 
The only connections to the motherboard throughout testing are:

CPU + cooler
GPU (due to no onboard graphics on this motherboard)
Memory
8 pin power connector
24 pin power connector
and power cable to front of case.

The above procedure has been carried with no screws (just resting on copper risers) and also with the screws, either makes a difference.

The graphics card, memory and psu have all been tested in another system and have been proven to work.

I thought that the backpanel of the HSF was supposed to be resting on the backpanel to take the strain off of the motherboard.
 
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