System won't power on

MachTwo · 27 Apr 2012 at 10:47

I've just bought a new rig as my previous system stopped powering on - it would short when the power button was pressed.

I've put together a new Asus P8Z68 Gen 3 and a new Crossfire TX750M PSU, G.Skill 1600 DDR3 8Gb and i7 2600K.

The same thing is happening. So I've taken it out of the case, removed the D14 cooler and backing plate, and exactly the same thing happens.

The only thing I haven't replaced is my GPU (Gainward 8800 GTX). Can the P8Z68 power up without this, as it still shorts when I try to power on with or without the GPU on the motherboard. If not, maybe it's the GPU that's burnt out?

Appreciate any help. I'm really lost as to what to do next.

Spenty · 27 Apr 2012 at 10:51

You've most likely shorted the motherboard, thus rendering it useless.

MachTwo · 27 Apr 2012 at 10:57

Should it be able to power up without the GPU?

Cythx · 27 Apr 2012 at 11:07

Spenty said:
You've most likely shorted the motherboard, thus rendering it useless.

Just out of interest, how do you short a motherboard?

MachTwo · 27 Apr 2012 at 11:55

Have just benched the PSU with a paperclip and the same thing happens. Guess its faulty.

BuToNz · 27 Apr 2012 at 11:58

Can you explain this 'Short'? Does it power on briefly?

MachTwo · 27 Apr 2012 at 12:26

Yes, some of the LEDs on the mobo flash and then power off.

When I bench test the PSU, the same thing happens - the fan starts to move (maybe 1/4 turn) and then stops. So I guess the unit is tripping out.

My old PSU passes the paper clip test but isn't working with the new mother board.

BuToNz · 27 Apr 2012 at 12:47

MachTwo said:
Yes, some of the LEDs on the mobo flash and then power off.

When I bench test the PSU, the same thing happens - the fan starts to move (maybe 1/4 turn) and then stops. So I guess the unit is tripping out.

My old PSU passes the paper clip test but isn't working with the new mother board.

You are testing it outside the case without anything plugged into the PSU right?

MachTwo · 27 Apr 2012 at 15:17

Yep!

Returned the faulty PSU and replaced with a new one. System works fine now!

What are the chances of replacing a faulty PSU with a new, but faulty PSU!

Seven hours wasted, but at least it's working now. And it was a good excuse to upgrade the rest of the kit too

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Cythx · 27 Apr 2012 at 17:31

.....How do you short a motherboard...?