Member Avatar for kamikaz1_k

hey, I realize there are plenty of threads with same problem (read them all) but i figure that getting advice for my specific situation would be better. I recently made some upgrades to my computer and after fitting up all the parts I attempted to power up. However I get a blank screen, with no beep confirming a post. The fans are spinning, and hdd are running. When i attempt to turn of the computer by holding the power button it does not turn off, only way to power off is switching off the main switch at the back of the psu.

My specs were:

P4 630 @ 3.0 GHz + Aftermarket Heatsink
GA-8I945G Pro
2 X 1GB DDR2 @ 667 + Heatsinks (*)
2 x 512 DDR2 @ 533 ( realized bad mix, thats why i take it out after)
2 x 7200 rpm WesterDigital HDD (160 GB+250 GB)
2 x 5400 rpm WesterDigital HDD 80 GB
Floppy + Multidrive (SD, compact flash, etc.) + LG CD/DVD combo drive
AcePower 520 W (12V @ 35 A)
onboard video
Monitor - VGA
80 mm + 120 mm Fans

Specs are after upgrade:

P4 630 @ 3.0 GHz + Aftermarket Heatsink
GA-8I945G Pro
2 X 1GB DDR2 @ 667 + Heatsinks (*)
2 x 7200 rpm WesterDigital HDD (160 GB+250 GB)
Floppy + Multidrive (SD, compact flash, etc.) + LG CD/DVD combo drive
PC P&C 750 Silencer (*)
BFG 8800GTS 512 OC (*)
Monitor - VGA
80 mm + 120 mm Fans

The starred items are the recent upgrades, rest of the computer is august 2004.

So far i've tried the following:
-took out hte 8800 and is tried running it on onboard gpu
-plugging everything back to my old psu
-i was thinking of doing a processor swap with a friend who has a T socket, to see if the mobo is dead. I figured i should get some more info before going drastic.

If it is my mobo, i would also love suggestions for cheap alternatives around same league as what i am trying to run. I'm going to upgrade later in the year so nothing expensive please : )

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by kamikaz1_k

Dani AI

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Quick summary for and follow-up to : since returning the system to a known configuration did not restore POST, focus next on a tight, methodical minimal-boot and on-board checks that most people miss. The steps below are deliberate, low-risk, and will tell whether the motherboard, PSU, or a peripheral is the culprit.

  • Remove everything nonessential (drives, cards, front-panel USB, extra fans). Leave only motherboard, CPU + cooler, one RAM stick, PSU, and video (onboard or one known-good card). Use the single RAM stick in the primary slot.
  • Fit a small system speaker to the board header (many cases omit it). Power on and listen for beep codes; no speaker = no beeps even if POST runs.
  • Verify both main power connectors are seated: the ATX 20/24-pin and the 4-pin/8-pin CPU 12V plug. If either is missing or loose the board may spin fans but never POST.
  • Test the power switch/header: unplug the case front-panel wires and momentarily short the two power pins on the motherboard with a screwdriver to rule out a stuck/broken switch.
  • Clear CMOS (jumper or remove battery for several minutes) and try again.
  • Bench-test outside the case on non-conductive surface and check for standoffs touching the PCB. Look for bulging caps, scorch marks, or a burnt smell.
  • If available, use a PSU tester or multimeter to confirm +12V/+5V are present. Swapping in a known-good PSU is still one of the fastest diagnostics.

If none of the above yields POST, suspect the motherboard (or a badly seated/damaged CPU). Before buying, confirm socket/chipset compatibility with the CPU and RAM if you plan a cheap replacement. Small repairs (reset, reseating, bad standoff) are common causes and often fix the exact symptoms described.

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Member Avatar for Phaelax

Seems odd that a motherboard would die at the same time as upgrading new hardware, so I doubt that's the issue. (although, something could have shorted while you were swapping parts).

I would put all the old stuff back in, to the point when you know the computer last worked. If that boots up ok, starting added parts 1 at a time and powering up to make sure it works. Slow, but process of elimination is sometimes the easiest method.

Member Avatar for kamikaz1_k

Hey phaelax, thanks for helping out, i appreciate it.
yuh i just finished returning everything to the old configuration (to when it ran). The POST is still non existant, along with the beep and any type of screen activity whatsoever.

this can't be processor problem though would it? i mean did some heavy over clocking prior to christmas but since then i returned it to stock speed and everything was fine. I was thinking it was a motherboard problem because when i hold down the power button it doesn't turn off (only way to turn of off is main switch at psu). That is a motherboard function (right?) so i've been just looking for ways to confirm that i guess.

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