Need assistance with assembling a new PC? Let me know what you're working on!
Need assistance with assembling a new PC? Let me know what you're working on!
You're just starting out with PC building. Your setup looks complete, but the build isn't showing up on the screen. When you powered it on, the motherboard logo appeared but nothing else came up—no fans, no RGB, no AIO, and the error LEDs didn’t illuminate. After reconnecting everything and checking the cables, the problem persists. You mentioned confirming your RAM, CPU, motherboard, PSU, GPU, and HDMI connection. What should you try next?
It's straightforward at first glance, yet many overlook it, even seasoned users.
It seems you're wondering if you activated the power source. The power supply and main board are separate, and the motherboard lights confirm it's getting enough power, but that doesn't mean it's powered on. There should be a switch or button on your tower to turn the board on. If you don’t have one, you can connect the BTN+ and BTN- pins as shown, though pin labels differ by model.
Apologies if this seems unclear or obvious. Since you're unfamiliar with the setup, I tried to explain it differently: The power button on the power supply links the supply to the wall outlet. Imagine a small internal power source with a switch. It doesn’t start the computer itself; instead, it ensures the supply gets AC power and begins sending a low voltage to the motherboard. On new builds, this often triggers LEDs too, likely because controllers aren’t fully initialized. The PC actually activates via a button on the case—usually on top or front—and connects through a small wire to the front panel header on the motherboard. Pressing it signals the board to power up all components and begin operation. Front panel headers and connectors remain tricky, even for experienced builders, who sometimes mix them up. TL;DR: confirm you pressed the main power button or set up the front panel correctly.