New build with some salvaged parts - doesn't seem to be booting

Bwaaa

Bwaaa

Bwaaa

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Joined
23 Apr 2011
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220
Hey all, I went in to overclockers today for a new monitor and got a little bit carried away. Came out with a cpu, mobo and memory. Thought I'd try and salvage some parts from my old PC for a new build.

New parts -

Mobo: MSI B350 Tomahawk
CPU - AMD Ryzen 5 quad core 1500X
Memory - Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (2x4) 2666MHz

Old Parts -
GPU - HIS Radeon 7950
PSU - Antec TP 750

Got everything installed fine, turned it on and I'm getting no video output at all. No beeps, the only LED on the motherboard after the initial flashes is the one indicating that the CPU doesn't have integrated graphics, which I know it doesn't.

Working with an old Samsung HDD for the minute that still has a Windows 7 install on it that hasn't been touched for years. I know that will probably prevent me from booting properly but I assume that I should at least still be seeing POST visuals?

Anything immediately jump out at you as being wrong?
 
Did you remember to only install one stick of memory on first boot? As you will probably need to flash the BIOS to get 2 sticks operational.

Plus ideally, only have the CPU, memory and gfx installed first to set up the BIOS.
 
Well I didn't 'forget' to only install one stick of memory on first boot, I didn't know that was a thing at all haha. Still seems strange that that would lead to no video at all though? Any suggestions on how to fix?
 
Bwaaa said:
Well I didn't 'forget' to only install one stick of memory on first boot, I didn't know that was a thing at all haha. Still seems strange that that would lead to no video at all though? Any suggestions on how to fix?
Click to expand...
Only install one stick of memory and, as mentioned, ideally only have your CPU/heatsink (make sure fan header is plugged in) and the gfx card installed. Then try to boot.

What lead are you using to connect to the monitor?

Also double check all your connections:
  • power to the gfx
  • 24 pin
  • 12v 8 pin
 
Taken out everything except what you suggested, no change aside from the "boot" debug LED being on but I guess that's because there's no hard drive. Also checked power cables and reset CMOS, no bueno. Connecting with HDMI, the monitor connects to my macbook and displays no problem.
 
Have you checked that the monitor is set to pick up the right HDMI output in the control setting?

It may have defaulted to another setting when you swapped.
 
Bwaaa said:
Settings all look correct. Guess I'm hunting for another GPU to test with then.
Click to expand...
Possibly :/

Unfortunately, the next logical step is to remove the motherboard from the case and run a skeleton setup:
  • CPU/HS
  • 1 stick of memory
  • GFX
  • PSU
  • NO case connections attached.
Then short the PWR-SW pins with a clean screwdriver - just touch the pins at the same time briefly to power it - they are clearly marked and side by side.
 
Was going to get a new GPU eventually anyway so I'll just bring that forward to Monday, will report back when I get it in. Cheers for the help.
 
Just had a bit of a breakthrough actually, I've plugged it into my TV instead of the new monitor and I'm now seeing BIOS. Good news I suppose? Now to figure out why it doesn't display on the monitor that works fine with my PS4 & Macbook...

Edit: It's already seeing both RAM sticks as a bonus too
 
Bwaaa said:
Just had a bit of a breakthrough actually, I've plugged it into my TV instead of the new monitor and I'm now seeing BIOS. Good news I suppose? Now to figure out why it doesn't display on the monitor that works fine with my PS4 & Macbook...
Click to expand...
That is odd.

Have you tried a different cable?

What's the make/model of the monitor?
 
If I turn the PC on while it's plugged in to the TV, then switch the cable over to the monitor the BIOS displays on the monitor as normal. If I switch the PC on whilst plugged in to the monitor, I get nothing. It's like the monitor isn't receiving the "hey, I'm turning on now" message from the PC.
 
Bwaaa said:
If I turn the PC on while it's plugged in to the TV, then switch the cable over to the monitor the BIOS displays on the monitor as normal. If I switch the PC on whilst plugged in to the monitor, I get nothing. It's like the monitor isn't receiving the "hey, I'm turning on now" message from the PC.
Click to expand...
That's similar to the cold boot issues when using DP with some nVidia 9/10 cards.

The nVidia problem could sometimes be resolved with a different cable - but you've done all you can with regards to that (unless all same make/model cable?)

I cured mine by the odd method of turning the monitor off at the wall for 30 seconds (and depleting power fully via off switch while off) -then reattached and then it works. (also disconnected from monitor)

Odd, i know - but worth a try?
 
Additional - you could flash to the latest BIOS while attached to the TV and see if that gives any positive results?
 
No luck with the power thing. Going to install Windows and flash bios this afternoon. Reckon it's worth flashing the GPU BIOS too if it's still dead or is this more likely to be a monitor thing?
 
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