External build works, internal does not

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
C

Consider

Honorable
Jan 1, 2013
9
0
10,510
Hi all,

A few months ago I built a computer. It worked for two days and then stopped booting. I've since replaced the motherboard and the PSU, and there's been no improvement.

Earlier today I put together an external build and it was successful. So then I connected everything inside the case, and now it won't boot. The case LEDs flash and nothing else happens. I've checked and double-checked the standoffs, and it shouldn't be shorting. The motherboard has holes for nine standoffs, though the case only has six. I've matched up all six, and there aren't any standoffs where there shouldn't be one.

I know I must be missing something, but I honestly just don't know what's causing this. Other than it shorting, what could possibly cause this to happen?

I cannot stress enough how grateful I will be to everyone who responds.

Thanks for reading. :)
 
Solution
MauveCloud
Those are good quality parts. The only other question I can think of is: how are you turning on the power for the external build? If you're connecting it close enough to the case that you can use its power button, I think I'd be stumped, but if you're using a paperclip on the psu's 24-pin connector, then possibly your case's power button is faulty, or you're connecting it to the wrong pins on the motherboard.
Sort by date Sort by votes
MauveCloud

MauveCloud

Splendid
May 7, 2010
2,830
0
21,960
Two things come to my mind as possibilities:
1. Since you didn't add standoffs to match the motherboard, you might have unknowingly bent the motherboard while inserting expansion cards or connectors near the unsupported edges.
2. You might have missed or inadequately attached something, such as the cpu 4/8 pin power connector.
There might be other possibilities that I don't know about, though.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

Consider

Honorable
Jan 1, 2013
9
0
10,510
Thanks for the response. :)

The PSU is hooked up to everything, and I've re-inserted everything just to double-check. The side of the motherboard which isn't supported is on the inside of the case if you know what I mean; it's beside the HDD rather than being at the back of the case. I've taken it apart a few times now, and I've no idea what's causing this. It shorts every single time without fail. :/
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MauveCloud

MauveCloud

Splendid
May 7, 2010
2,830
0
21,960
I'm not certain I'm understanding you correctly, but if you've successfully booted with the motherboard outside the case after it failed inside the case, then you probably haven't bent the motherboard. However, the side you describe is where the 24-pin atx power connector usually is, so I hope you made sure that was all the way in (since that can be difficult without the standoffs there). It might help if you provide a complete list of the components you're using.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

Consider

Honorable
Jan 1, 2013
9
0
10,510
The case is an Antec 900.
The PSU is a Corsair 750 GS.
The motherboard is a GA-Z77X-D3H.
The processor is an i5 3570k.
The cooler is a Hyper 212 Evo.
The RAM is Corsair Vengeance 4GB (x4).
The video card is a Radeon HD 5850.

I've just done the external build, and once again it worked perfectly.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MauveCloud

MauveCloud

Splendid
May 7, 2010
2,830
0
21,960
Those are good quality parts. The only other question I can think of is: how are you turning on the power for the external build? If you're connecting it close enough to the case that you can use its power button, I think I'd be stumped, but if you're using a paperclip on the psu's 24-pin connector, then possibly your case's power button is faulty, or you're connecting it to the wrong pins on the motherboard.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
C

Consider

Honorable
Jan 1, 2013
9
0
10,510
MauveCloud,

Thanks again for responding, and I'd like to apologize for disappearing on you - I've been really busy over the last few days.

I tracked down the problem. The backplate of the Hyper 212 Evo was causing the issue. Once I replaced it with the stock Intel cooler, I put everything back into the case and it booted without any problems. I've used the computer a few times and everything seems fine now.

I'm honestly very grateful for you taking the time to help.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom