Member Avatar for harpo123

Hi, I build high end video editing capture systems. I have come across a problem that I just can't wrap my mind around. All the symptoms said it was the power supply. I changed the Antec out and put a Kingwin in. Hooked up everything, PCI-X theh hole 9 yards. Still dead. Started trouble shooting each device. Even with just the new power supply hooked` up to the board, I still get no power? Besides`the CPU any thoughts?

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Good catch by — forgetting a front-panel power action is one of the most common “oh, duh” moments in builds. Below are additional, practical checks and quick methods that go beyond the basic checklist already suggested by . These are intended to help when a system still shows no activity after obvious things have been looked at.

  • Front-panel wiring and the switch itself: confirm each tiny connector is on the correct header pins per the motherboard manual. If uncertain, swap the power and reset leads; if the reset button then powers the board the power switch is bad. Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity if available.

  • CPU/CPU-power connector: some boards will appear dead if the EPS (4/8 pin CPU) connector is missing or not fully seated. Verify latches fully engage and wires aren’t pushed back in modular cables.

  • Motherboard-to-chassis shorts: check standoff placement. One extra or mislocated standoff can short the PCB. If you suspect a short, bench-test the board on an insulated surface (cardboard or non-conductive foam) with minimal components installed.

  • Visual and smell inspection: look for bulging or leaking capacitors, scorched traces, or a burnt smell on both the PSU and motherboard. Physical damage often points to a specific failed part.

  • Minimal bench test and diagnostics: try a minimal configuration (CPU, one RAM stick, PSU, and speaker). Use the motherboard’s debug LEDs or a system speaker/beep codes to narrow down failures. If available, a dedicated PSU tester or a known-good spare PSU speeds isolation.

  • Safety and tools: unplug mains when moving connectors, avoid metal probes across live pins, and ground yourself for ESD-sensitive parts.

Credit to for prompting the basics, and to for keeping the thread tidy. A simple build checklist (cables, standoffs, front-panel pins, required power connectors) saves time and headaches on future builds.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

a) is the psu on
b) is the fuse in the psu cable (if it has one) blown?
c) does the green light on the motherboard come on?
d) try manually starting it (short the pins with a insulated screwdriver) in case the power button is broken
e) is the motherboard bad?

Member Avatar for harpo123

a) is the psu on
b) is the fuse in the psu cable (if it has one) blown?
c) does the green light on the motherboard come on?
d) try manually starting it (short the pins with a insulated screwdriver) in case the power button is broken
e) is the motherboard bad?

Ok, I had a very stressful day yesterday. Will not even begin to explain. This should have been a cakewalk for me. Yes the light is on the MOBO. I trouble shooted every device etc. I deserive a smack for this one. I forgot a very important step. After having a fresh mind this morning and reviewing everything and this is a system I built, I realized I NEVER TURNED ON THE POWER FROM THE POWERBUTTON!!!!!!! This is why I should be smacked for this. Thanks for your help. Diane

Member Avatar for jbennet

;) thats why i made it point a) - you would be surprised how many people have it off either on the psu or at the wall

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

is this the same post as the "let me Re-Phrase"

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