New build - Nothing on monitor on startup

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kadiskot

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Oct 30, 2013
7
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10,510
Hello. I just put together a new system:

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card
Case: Cooler Master RC-912-KKN4 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor

When I plug the computer in to power, everything seems to start up.. all fans turn on (CPU & case & graphics card), optical drive opens and closes, and lights come on on motherboard. So it appears to be powered correctly.

But nothing comes up on the monitor screen.. no BIOS, no nothing. I've tried different cables, VGA & DVI & HDMI, from the motherboard to the monitor, and from the graphics card to the monitor. I know the monitor is working because I plugged that into my old PC, and got picture.

The only thing off is, at the moment I only have 2 SATA cables, so I have the SSD and the optical drive plugged into the motherboard (not into slots 1 & 2 tho, if that matters), but I have power running to the SSD and the optical drive AND the 1T hard drive (which I'm waiting for a 3rd SATA cable to connect to the Mobo).

Not sure what to do here. Please and Thank you!! for any help!
 
Solution
C
Well kristian knows what he is talking about.
the steps forward are simple:
* If you have only 1 ram connected then connect the other and see if the PC is responding as it needs to.
* No need to start messing with the SATA cables, just connect the SSD as you wish BUT for a clean OS installation disconnect the HDD until you are fully finished with it . Note: about the SSD been in achi mode - The UEFI (BIOS) changes it by itself, but you can double check if you want.
* If everything worked good so far, Its time to connect the HDD.
* As kristian wrote above - Install all the latest updates (Its better to download them from the Manufacturers Sites and not from the CD's) ON THE HDD - Do not install anything that is not critical (or personal...
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charmer

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Aug 18, 2013
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10,960
Well then start from the Beginning (Some of those might look useless but im just making sure):

** Make sure you pluged the Pwr cables into the GPU (The 6 pin + 8 pin cables) **

1. unplug ALL the cables from the PC including the Pwr cable.
2. Press the pwr button (while everything is unpluged), to relese the remaining pwr left in the PSU.
3. remove the CMOS (the small battery that is on the mobo).
4. remove the GPU, RAM, SSD and HDD.
5. be sure to wait 10~15 mins after the removel of the CMOS and plug it back.
6. Plug in only 1 RAM card + the HDD.
7. Plug the Monitor in the mobo's DVI/HDMI (Do not plug the GPU).
8. Plug in All your cables.
9. Press the pwr button and tell me what happend.

Good Luck !
 
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K

kadiskot

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Oct 30, 2013
7
0
10,510
OK! That worked charmer! Thank you!! I have a startup screen now. It recognizes the HD and the optical drive in the SATA ports. I don't have the SSD plugged in, and I don't have the GPU plugged in.

Does this mean the GPU is bad or not receiving power correctly?

Also, my goal had been to install the OS on the SSD. So I'm glad things are connecting now, but I don't want to do the initial install on the HD. Should I wait to get the third SATA cable to plug in the SSD before I go on? Or can I unplug the HD and put the SSD into SATA1 port? Or do I need to get an mSATA cable for the SSD (I have that port on the Mobo, but wasn't using it).

So many questions I know. But thanks so much for your help!!
 
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C

charmer

Honorable
Aug 18, 2013
477
0
10,960
Well kristian knows what he is talking about.
the steps forward are simple:
* If you have only 1 ram connected then connect the other and see if the PC is responding as it needs to.
* No need to start messing with the SATA cables, just connect the SSD as you wish BUT for a clean OS installation disconnect the HDD until you are fully finished with it . Note: about the SSD been in achi mode - The UEFI (BIOS) changes it by itself, but you can double check if you want.
* If everything worked good so far, Its time to connect the HDD.
* As kristian wrote above - Install all the latest updates (Its better to download them from the Manufacturers Sites and not from the CD's) ON THE HDD - Do not install anything that is not critical (or personal decision) On the SSD !!
* Download the CCC (Radeon GPU prog') as well and try pluging your GPU.

** Update us pls Good Luck!
 
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Solution
K

kadiskot

Honorable
Oct 30, 2013
7
0
10,510


I want to keep the SSD as basically on OS drive, so yes, as little as possible on there. You would recommend the updates and drivers go on the HDD too tho? Do you have any advice then, for how to direct Windows to load certain program files and updates and drivers and all personal files to the second harddrive? With the initial install everything is set for C: (which is obviously the SSD). For new programs I can designate the load onto the D: (HDD), but how do I alter the set filepath designated by Windows initially? Thanks!
 
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C

charmer

Honorable
Aug 18, 2013
477
0
10,960
The Windows/Microsoft updates would go obv on the SSD, as for the standard mobo/GPU etc' drivers, there is no need for them to be on the SSD because there is no need for loading or Read/Write speed for them.

As for automatic updates, they usually will be installed where you 1st installed the program so make sure to install it on the HDD in the 1st place.
You do not need to worry about thins been installed on the SSD - it's just for storage saving :p

Before you continue pls take a look at this Linux vid just to close any gaps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMo8krAJd5Q


Guides!

* Guide for changing the Default Installation Directory:
http://www.intowindows.com/change-default-installation-directory-in-windows-7-vista/

* If you want to Change the default location of user folders in Win' 7/8 :
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

* last, redirect any folder to a new location:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Redirect-a-folder-to-a-new-location


Enjoy !
 
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