New Computer Build - Not Working
New Computer Build - Not Working
with your front panel connectors connected, the "power led", hdd led, and power switch should be oriented so the labels on the cables point downward. the reset switch needs to face upward. (check the wires if they lack markings—look for a triangle on the cable... it indicates the left pin, as shown in the manual. when reset, the switch reverses direction, allowing you to power on and off. if the reset is set incorrectly, it won’t switch off properly, and without display it’s likely because the bio setting is set to "PEG" (external graphics). you could try clearing CMOS to reset it, or add the graphics card to bios and adjust in settings.)
Thank you Steve B., this situation is becoming quite frustrating. To clarify, the power switch wire has some writing on it—specifically "Power SW." It should be positioned so that the letters point downward, toward the outside of the cabinet, like the edge of the motherboard. Alternatively, they could face inward toward the board itself. Fortunately, I don’t have a reset or HDD light wire to work with.
Regarding the display, I was expecting the onboard screen to help identify which component might be faulty one by one. If I rely on the GPU, I need to ensure it isn’t contributing to the problem. When I plug the GPU back in after returning home and it doesn’t appear, I’ll have to go back to post 1 without any clear direction.
I’m planning to visit town today for about two hours, which isn’t something I usually do. Would anyone have any advice on whether I should try swapping parts or should I start with a compatible model? Since my RAM wasn’t listed by the vendor, I thought I’d begin with a known working product.
You might begin by checking the RAM. I’m not sure about am5, but it looked like memory problems persisted until am4 fully developed. If the board is still outside the case, you can test the power switch idea by using a flat blade screwdriver to touch the two power switch pins with the end of the tool. This should send a signal to activate the system regardless.
Ohio_buckeye, yes, the screwdriver trick does work. It does turn it on as does the switch. However, the switch isn't turning it off. Who knows, maybe there's some odd undocumented way to turn it off.
I was in town and switched up my RAM with a set deemed compatible for that motherboard. We'll see. I had a chat with the tech there, stumped just as much as everyone else here. I'm not all that with the new lingo, but he was under the impression that depending on the CPU, the onboard GPU should accept signal and not have to rely on a GPU card. I don't get it, but whatever. They were very reluctant to think the motherboard at fault. I figure they don't want to deal with the return. They suggested bringing it into service to have a look at it.
Once I'm home, with the mobo out of the case still I'll reseat a module of RAM (just one to start), and the video card and hope I get some activity other than a glowing board. Has anyone heard of RAM having to "learn"?
CPU power? Or motherboard power?
If looking down onto the top of the board, the motherboard power plugs in to the top right of the board, right of the DIMM slots, which are right of the CPU. This would be at the front of the chassis. On the opposite edge of the motherboard is the rear exterior panel. It's quite a distance from the top right to the bottom left where the PSU is, and no direct way to get there.
Check the second image, at the very top of the board on the left beside the VRM heatsinks near the back panel. I believe they are referring to it as a procool connector with solid pins. Who knows, but that might be for CPU power and wouldn't allow posting if not connected.