Faulty Motherboard?

malfiore

malfiore

malfiore

Associate
Joined
13 Feb 2007
Posts
4
To start off, system components:

Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe Pci-E MB
BFG Geforce 8800 GTS 320MB
2GB Geil Ultra DDR800
OCZ GameXstream 700W PSU
Amd Athlon 3800+ AM2

I ordered these parts in order to build a new system. The parts arrived today and i assmebled the system, however when i tried to boot for the first time (open case without monitor or hard disc) the fans started for about a second then stopped and i smelt a burning smell coming from the system.

I tested the PSU in another system to make sure it wasnt faulty and it ran fine. I also removed the graphics card to make sure it wasnt playing up, however the problems persisted. I tried to start the system various times, and during one startup i saw lots of smoke coming from what i think was the northbridge (beneath the end of my 8800).

What do you think i should do? Is it a faulty motherboard or is something else wrong? Could i have possibly of installed the system wrong to cause these problems? I need to know whther i should RMA the item.

Thanks in advance :)
 
did you remember to screw the spacers in between the motherboard and the case? If you didn't you may well have short circuited it
 
I dont think i did put any spacers in however it doesnt state in my instruction manual about spacers. How would this cause the MB to short btw? Im a bit of a newb at these things.

Also could a short circuit on the MB damage my other components?
 
Last edited:
the spacers screw into the motherboard and then the motherboard screws into them. If it was screwed directly into the case the motherboard would short because the metal bits on the back would come into contact with the metal case, causing the current to go through the case rather than the components

not entirely sure but it could well be possible for a motherboard short to damage other components
 
And if you hadnt used spacers ypour expansion cards wouldnt fit properly in the slots.

Hiowever, not all cases use spacers, the previous barebone system i had had raised mounting holes as has the thermaltake mambo im using now
 
Yes you guys are right, thanks a lot for the help. My GFX Card wouldnt quite fit into the slot i wondered why :) I Installed spacers earlier today and to my suprise i was able to boot, and the bios functioned properly, it also noticed all my other hardware so i suspect no damage has been incurred. I believe this may be due to the shortcircuit protecion on my OCZ power supply.

I am however a little concerned that the smoke and burning smell might mean damage has been incurred to my board, even though it boots. Is it possible for it to boot even if it is damaged? I could still send the item back under DSR although you are not supposed to once you have used the item :P

Again, thanks a lot for the help, its a big relief to know what the problem was.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom