Help problem solving PC that won't boot please

Plec · 4 Apr 2019 at 13:32

Drewb said:
Thanks for making me smile re weight

They puzzle me - i wouldn't even know we owned scales if i didn't trip over it periodically. Handy to know it probably uses CR2032...

Drewb said:
I will try battery first, then memory down to one stick ,then SATA.

No problem doing this incrementally.

Drewb said:
I haven't had a single successful boot today despite many attempts, I think it is getting worse.

I would only test after each amendment, from now on.

*Double check you haven't knocked the power switch on the back of the PSU - easily done when pulling it apart.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 13:41

New battery is in, it's not lithium so will have to change back some time.
Have tried 2 different sticks in D1, no joy, left it with just 1 stick.
So sata next, 2 of the connectors are under the overhang of the graphics card so that might be coming out later. I found the 4th sata drive, the cable goes under the mobo so there is obviously an ssd slot on that side of the case.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 13:43

I think they are kitchen scales, not the type to stand on

Plec · 4 Apr 2019 at 13:54

Drewb said:
I think they are kitchen scales, not the type to stand on

From how thin and fragile looking the piece of hardened glass that i trip over most mornings - i'm guessing it has the same battery. Either way, its days would be numbered if i didn't have about 10 blister packs lining my desk draw.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:09

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:12

I can't get at two of the sata cables, the release clip is under the graphics card. One of the two I disconnected from the drive end, the other goes around the other side which I can't get to at the moment. The other 3 sata power is disconnected.
No joy.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:14

If, as it looks like, that I have to remove the mobo and build outside the case I would rather leave the sata for now. One of those things where it's easier to dismantle than try to reach.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:17

As to power switch, I always use the one on the back to power off and on between any mobo connect/disconnect.

Plec · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:42

Drewb said:
If, as it looks like, that I have to remove the mobo and build outside the case I would rather leave the sata for now. One of those things where it's easier to dismantle than try to reach.

No problem - the SATA placements are awkward with the GFX beast in the way. Are you using the SATA express slots?

Change of battery?

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:46

I have dug out my old laptop, only useful fro browser stuff these days but the tablet's battery was running low and the charging lead is about 40cm long.
I am calling it a day on the PC.
Thanks for all your help so far, I feel both very grateful and guilty of the amount of time you have spent on me.
Is the next stage build out of the case on cardboard then?

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:48

Yes battery change, single memory sticks, tried 2 of the 4, and 3 of the sata disconnected and power to the drives. Still won't boot.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:49

I am going to put the memory back for now to keep it safe.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:52

Not using the sata express slots no.

Plec · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:54

Drewb said:
Thanks for all your help so far, I feel both very grateful and guilty of the amount of time you have spent on me.

Don't feel guilty - you've been a healthy distraction from is proving to be a very stressful day.

Drewb said:
Is the next stage build out of the case on cardboard then?

I'm afraid we're fast approaching that stage - although there are few switches on the motherboard i would like you to check/test first - last throw of the dice. But we'll save that for another day.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:55

Ignore that last statement, they are the sata express slots on the side below the graphics card, I am using two of those for the SSDs and two of the other sata for the HD and buray.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:56

I can try switches today if they are easy, I want to put the memory back anyway in a minute.

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:58

I only know of 3 switches, EPU, TPU and XMP, all are off, an LED lights up if they are on.

Plec · 4 Apr 2019 at 14:59

For now, could you tell me:

EPU switch position
TPU switch position
XMP switch position

Drewb · 4 Apr 2019 at 15:02

All 3 disabled,
I never got around to playing with clocking, I intended to when I bought it.

Plec · 4 Apr 2019 at 15:03

Drewb said:
I only know of 3 switches, EPU, TPU and XMP, all are off, an LED lights up if they are on.

OK - they're on the safest/default settings but something itching at the back of brain about one of those switches. I'll take a look later if i remember...