New AMD System Won’t Post – HELP!

Greetings all!

I finally decided to take the plunge and dive into an AMD system – I have always been an Intel sheep before I received my online component order yesterday and proceeded to put my dream machine together. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the system up and running. Here are the component specifics:

Asus A7A266 motherboard
256mb Crucial PC2400 DDR ram
AMD Athlon 1.2GHz Thunderbird
Asus V8200 Deluxe GeForce 3 - 64mb DDR
IBM Deskstar 75GXP – 27.3gb
Promise Ultra 100 IDE controller card
Soundblaster Live Value
Sony 24x CD ROM
Enlight case w/300 watt power source
Several case fans

Following the hardware installation, I proceeded to plug in the power cable, at which time the motherboard led lit up (my heart quickened). One last check of the connections and on with the power switch – my speakers popped and the motherboard fans spun for ½ a second – then nothing. I double checked the connections and made sure the dip switches were all set to auto, reconnected the power cable, but again the same problem. Immediately I thought it seemed like a power source problem. However, I checked the motherboard manual and it states a 300 watt power supply with a +5vpn (or something) is adequate. The power source label indicates it is a +5vpn. I even tried removing the power cables from the HD and CDROM to see if the extra juice would get this box to post – still nothing. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Hardware Junkie

I'd take out everything except the proc. and ram. Unhook all the extra fans. Check where you have the heatsink fan plugged in. Most mobos have at least 2 connectors and not sure which one the A7A requires as primary. I didn't see a heatsink listed and pretty sure it'll shut down quick if not plugged in.

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Those aren't pillows!

You also want to get the latest BIOS update for your motherboard too. I just read that your board that the anandtech site used had problems until they flashed the BIOS to the latest verison.

Thanks for all the replies! I can't wait to get home and try to get this baby up and running. To answer your question regarding how was I able to post this message, I use a laptop at work.

Thanks!

Hardware Junkie

Ok cool. Good luck!