Not starting up

Aruffell · 25 Jun 2009 at 09:32

Got a jetway ma3-79gdg motherboard that i took the cpu out of yesterday to give it a fresh coat of thermal paste. Maybe i put too much on? But this shouldn't effect this.

Upon connecting the ATX24 pin and 4 pin (into 8 pin socket so 4 are still exposed) and placing the CPU into the motherboard and fixing the heatsink into place. I proceed to press the power button.

the PSU spins up, the CPU fan spins up a bit then stops, then spins a bit more.

On the screen - Nothing, not even POST.

Any ideas?

Andy

Ucof · 25 Jun 2009 at 10:15

Are you using spacers between the motherboard and the PC case?

Plec · 25 Jun 2009 at 10:15

Re-check all connections - i realise you probably have but do it anyway as it's really easy to overlook.

It may be shorting - check that the motherboard is securley fitted and has not become lose on the spacers - it's not uncommon for the screws to become lose over time and the motherboard to start moving about slightly. If it has, reposition the MB and re-tighten the screws.

If you don't have any luck with the above strip the rig down to a skeleton setup - cpu, memory, gfx - everything else disconnected and see if it boots up. If it does start attaching things until it buckles...

If that doesn't work i would rebuild the rig outside the case - but try the above first and see waht happens

Aruffell · 25 Jun 2009 at 10:24

Forgot to mention it's sitting on it's box so shouldn't be shorting on anything lol

Still not sure why the fan is reacting like it is. It's struggling to spin.

Andy

Plec · 25 Jun 2009 at 10:37

Have you tried unplugging the memory to see if you get any error beeps?

How old is the PSU - it may be worth testing another just to rule it out?

Aruffell · 25 Jun 2009 at 11:21

PSU is brand new but will try another one.

Andy

dUcKy · 25 Jun 2009 at 11:26

dead CPU?

Aruffell · 25 Jun 2009 at 11:33

Just tried another brand new PSU, and i'm getting the same problem.

Andy

Aruffell · 25 Jun 2009 at 11:38

Just tried another CPU, brand new Phenom II X4 955 and was trying X2 3500.

Andy

Plec · 25 Jun 2009 at 12:15

If you've tried all of the above and you're still getting the same result I would start giving the motherboard some very hard stares.

Did you try a different kettle cable when you tried the diff PSU?

Also is the PC plugged directly into a wall socket rather than an extension lead?

Aruffell · 25 Jun 2009 at 14:29

Working now, how odd lol

Andy

Plec · 25 Jun 2009 at 14:39

I'm sure MB or CPU designers hide an algorithm somewhere which randomly instructs the computer to 'now play dead and confuse the s*** out of the owner for a few hrs'.

Glad it’s magically come back to life – I’ve experienced a few of those ‘Lazarus’ moments myself. And agreed – they’re odd - but always greatly appreciated.