Help with troubleshooting problems in a new system?

Gideon Lorr

Gideon Lorr

Gideon Lorr

Associate
Joined
2 Feb 2008
Posts
777
I've just created my first build today, with the following specs:

Mobo: EP45-DS3P
Processor: Q6700
Cooler: Artic Cooling Freezer 7
Memory: 4gb OCZ
HDD: 500gb Samsung drive
GPU: XFX 4870
Case: Antec 300

All was fine until I turned it on (usual story :p). Two warning lights come on the motherboard, one saying the CPU is at fault, and one saying the PCI slot is at fault too (not the slot the x16 slot the GPU is in, but the x1 slot). Trouble is, I'm not sure what to do- I've double checked the cpu cooler is on properly, and the CPU is in fine as it can only sit properly in the socket one way.

When I turn it on, the gigabyte loading screen comes up, looking...'dotty', like it's artifacting? Then no matter what I press on the keyboard to go into bios, the screen flashes off, then flashes on, and then the gigabyte logo comes back on once more, this process repeating over and over?

I'm hoping I've not got a dead component, and it's something simple I've missed.
 
Sure you have added the 4/8 pin plug at the top of the mobo? Check you have every wire that it tells you to in the mobo manual.
 
Firstly try booting it up with bare minimum components. CPU, Single stick of RAM and using onboard VGA if it has one.

If still no joy remove the board from the case and test again using the same components on a wooden table or cardboard.

The artifacting might be indicitive of a problem with the graphics card or the slot - make sure it's securely seated and any power cables are firmly in place.
 
Right, I've tried the GPU from my current system, and the exact same thing happens, i.e. gigabyte logo screen comes on, then off, so it seems the 4870 is fine. The CPU and PCI warning lights are still flashing on.

The 8 pin connector is in :)

So, I'll try the bare essentials, I'm guessing that means remove the optical drive and hdd, and use just the one stick of ram?
 
That would be best, a word of advice my motherboard won't let you get into the BIOS without a HDD attached.

What PSU are you using?
 
Lay out on a wooden table:
Your mother board with 1 stick of ram and your cpu & cooler (stock one if you have it)
Your boot HDD
PSU
Graphics if you dont have onboard

Connect it all up, use a paper clip on something to act as the power button
 
Just placed/set up the mobo, one stick of ram, the hdd, the gpu, cpu/cooler on a wooden table as suggested....same thing happens :(

Would appear something is dead? Or is there something else?
 
Did you try both sticks of RAM individually? You could also try clearing the CMOS, disconnect the board from the mains and hold the button down (If you haven't got a button there should be a jumper on the board). It's a long shot but I've been doing with my recent problems.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom