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1st build, can't POST - bad CPU or mobo?

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - 1st build, can't POST - bad CPU or mobo?

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kerm13   05-22-2009 at 05:48:36 AM

System:
Mobo: ASRock A780GXE/128M ATX (integrated video)
CPU: AMD Athlon x2 5200
PSU: BFG ATX12V 2.2 'GS Series' 550W
RAM: G.Skill DDR2-1066 2GB (x2) - Did try to post w/ one-stick/diff slots as well as no RAM.
Case: Raidmax Smilodon ATX mid-tower

No other hardware seems pertinent as I've tried to post with/without them.

I've tried everything on the 'New Build' troubleshooting checklist. My machine powers up from the front panel. All the case fans spin. The problem is that I don't get VGA signal or speaker beeps at all. The CPU and heat sink remain cool to the touch though the CPU fan spins. I can't think of anything else to try. The question I have is this a CPU or a mobo problem? I wonder which one I RMA (or both)? This mobo does seem to have a reputation of arriving DOA on newegg. For future reference, I wonder what's actually going on here.

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Bronze Home Brew badge aford10   05-22-2009 at 05:55:25 AM
- 0 +

That sounds like a classic case of the missing 4 pin cpu power.

------------------------------ CM HAF 932 - 300GB Velociraptor
GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R
E8500 - Sapphire 1Gb 4850
4G DDR3 OCZ Reaper 1333
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Bronze Home Brew badge Proximon   05-22-2009 at 06:00:47 AM
- 0 +

I don't see a speaker on your board. I do see a header for one, near the CMOS battery. Plugging in some speaker would help...

http://www.cwc-group.com/casp.html

------------------------------ My Guide to choosing parts
A big list of recommended parts
Troubleshooting Guide w/links
 Reply to Proximon
kerm13   05-22-2009 at 06:01:24 AM
- 0 +

Actually, tried with just 4-pin as well as 8-pin (4+4). Seats firmly and there's only one way it (they) seem to fit. Now, you have me woried it's the PSU. :(

I've resat the CPU a couple times now. I can't possibly see how I could screw that up but was surprised that it went in so easily (didn't have to push at all).

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kerm13   05-22-2009 at 06:05:25 AM
- 0 +

@Proximan

Case came with small detachable speaker. But, strangely, no mention of it in case manual. Did plug it in where you mentioned.

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Bronze Home Brew badge aford10   05-22-2009 at 06:08:09 AM
- 0 +

What you described is exactly what will happen if the 4/8 pin cpu power isn't plugged in. If you can borrow one from somebody, it's an easy thing to check.

------------------------------ CM HAF 932 - 300GB Velociraptor
GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R
E8500 - Sapphire 1Gb 4850
4G DDR3 OCZ Reaper 1333
 Reply to aford10
Bronze Home Brew badge Proximon   05-22-2009 at 06:15:41 AM
- 0 +

True enough, and the GS 550 is not considered a good PSU.

------------------------------ My Guide to choosing parts
A big list of recommended parts
Troubleshooting Guide w/links
 Reply to Proximon
kerm13   05-22-2009 at 06:16:39 AM
- 0 +

@aford10

It makes sense what you're suggesting. Unfortunately, the only PSU I have doesn't have a 4-pin at all. I'll ask around but how likely do you really think this is considering that the PSU seemingly works for everything else?

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kerm13   05-22-2009 at 06:18:14 AM
- 0 +

@Proximon

It looked like it had good reviews on newegg. It is indeed plenty of features for little price which should make one immediately suspicious.

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Bronze Home Brew badge aford10   05-22-2009 at 06:27:36 AM
- 0 +

It may be powering the fans through the 20/4 pin power, but if it isn't powering the cpu, the PC won't POST. Obviously I can't say for certain, I'm just going on what you tell me. The psu would be my first culprit. No friends that will let you borrow theirs for a few minutes?

------------------------------ CM HAF 932 - 300GB Velociraptor
GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R
E8500 - Sapphire 1Gb 4850
4G DDR3 OCZ Reaper 1333
 Reply to aford10
Bronze Home Brew badge aford10   05-22-2009 at 06:30:11 AM
- 0 +

I'd be careful when going by newegg reviews. I love the egg. However, there are too many buyers on there that don't know what they are talking about when rating their purchases. Too many times if the PC doesn't boot, they assume the cpu, board, psu... is DOA. It also works the other way. Just because the PC boots, doesn't mean everything is running the way it's supposed to.


Message edited by aford10 on 05-22-2009 at 06:31:28 AM
------------------------------ CM HAF 932 - 300GB Velociraptor
GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R
E8500 - Sapphire 1Gb 4850
4G DDR3 OCZ Reaper 1333
 Reply to aford10
kerm13   05-22-2009 at 06:30:50 AM
- 0 +

@aford10

I'll definently ask my friends for a loner. Otherwise, I'll have to go down to the mom-and-pop store and get them to test it I guess. Or, be sneaky, buy one at Best Buy and return it the next day...idk. Thanks for your help by the way! :)

I can see what you mean about the newegg reviews as well.


Message edited by kerm13 on 05-22-2009 at 06:32:26 AM
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Bronze Home Brew badge Proximon   05-22-2009 at 06:32:05 AM
- 0 +

Newegg reviews for motherboards, video cards, and PSUs are best ignored. :) There are only a handful PSU reviewers on the internet with the equipment and knowledge to test PSUs correctly. Here are a few:


http://www.hardocp.com/
http://www.jonnyguru.com/
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/page/power

------------------------------ My Guide to choosing parts
A big list of recommended parts
Troubleshooting Guide w/links
 Reply to Proximon
Bronze Home Brew badge aford10   05-22-2009 at 06:32:39 AM
- 0 +

Good luck....if the psu turns out good, then we can progress from there.

------------------------------ CM HAF 932 - 300GB Velociraptor
GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R
E8500 - Sapphire 1Gb 4850
4G DDR3 OCZ Reaper 1333
 Reply to aford10
kerm13   05-22-2009 at 06:33:41 AM
- 0 +

@Proximon

Terrific! Thanks for the new resources.


Message edited by kerm13 on 05-22-2009 at 06:43:15 AM
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