Won't turn on!

Just got a new CPU, mobo, PSU, RAM, and video card, and the darn thing won't turn on. At least, not for long.

I press the power button, and the lights go on and the fans spin, but literally a half second later, it all turns off again. I've quadruple-checked all the power connections. Pressing the power button again does nothing UNLESS I turn off or unplug the PSU, plug it back in, and do it again. Half second of power, no more.

I've consulted the mobo's manual for what the little lights might mean and I can't find anything useful there. Does anyone have any advice? Does this sound like a motherbaord or CPU problem? I looked at the chip to see if it's cracked/burnt/etc. but it looks fine. I'm taking it to the Geek Squad today to see if they can test each item in another system or something, just to see if it powers on.

Motherboard: MSI 975X Platinum v.2
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 6600

It might be that crap Intel Processor possibly!

If there aren't enough "bubbles" for the number of screwholes on your motherboard, then that might be the problem. Put some risers (or standoffs as some people call them) in the holes that need them and try that.

for those geeks who 'love' their computer

sounds like mobo's grounded, those assembly instructions are useful in preventing these little mishaps!

What video card? What PSU, make & model. PSU may not be high enogu output!

Mike.

No. You need the standoffs!! Remove the mobo, ps, ram and video card. and put them together outside the case, on a counter, stat bag, piece of cardboard etc. And for Gods sake get the standoffs and install them on the mobo tray (only where the mobo mounting holes are).

It sounds like you are using an old case.I would invest in a new case and use the standoffs. The speaker wire that is cut is also a clue to an old case.

I also had the same problems with a bad capacitor or 2, but nowadays that is unlikely, are any caps bulging or have brown junk ?

Before you do anything reset the CMOS as per the manual. The coin sized battery holds up the changes that are made to the BIOS. It is a watch etc. battery. If it is really old it should be replaced, but first make sure the mobo isn't dead before you waste your money. Just remove it temporarily for testing.

The standoff post was for gmacpurifier. The following assumes a new mobo. If your case has "bumps" you need to make sure that there aren't any bumps where the are there isn't a screw hole, because that would mean that the mobo is grounding to the case through that bump. It is safest to get the ultra short standoffs and use them. I just looked at your specs. I'll assume this mobo was in the case for several years. If so, then the bumps probably aren't your problem. The trouble you are having is consistent with a short. However, old weak PSs or bad mobos can exhibit similar symptoms. To rule out a short build it outside of the case according to my earlier post. I was a little brief in the explanation but there are plenty of posts on the forum that go into greater detail. If it doesn't boot, start swapping parts starting with the PS.