citizensmurf

Here's what I put together (everything new):

MSI 945GM3-F (onboard video)
Core 2 Duo E6550
Kingston ValueRam 2x1GB PC2-5300
Antec Earthwatts 500W

Also have DVD writer, HD and Video Card, but from what I read already in this forum, those aren't essential to getting things going.

(BTW, this is my first build)

I put everything together, was careful to ground myself before touching parts, and so far no beeps at startup, no video signal to monitor, but both CPU and case fan are running, HDD felt warm after a few minutes, DVD writer opened and closed.

Here's what I've done to check for problems so far:

-Triple checked that any standoffs are shorting the board
-Removed all but the Ram, Processor, and PSU
-Reinstalled the CPU (I can't see it fitting any better) and heatsink/fan
-Removed the CMOS jumper to 'clear' the BIOS
-Removed the CMOS battery to 'clear' the BIOS
-Tried each RAM seperately, in both slots
-Using onboard video instead of GPU
-Removed mobo from case and hooked it up on the bag it came in (static-free stuff, whatever it's called)

Everytime, the same result. My other system is an AMD and too old to swap other parts to tell if something isn't working. The only things I can think of (which are out of my control) are:

-The 24 pin cable to power the mobo only has 23 pins (and wires). Not sure if this is normal (again first build) or if that's a red flag. According to the mobo manual, this pin is "PWROK".
-When I put on the heat sink (and yes, I used a thermal compound, and followed the directions), the board was slightly curved from all the pressure. A quick search let me know this is a common problem, but I wasn't sure how common.

Got everything from Memory Express (in Calgary, AB) so I can always go back if something's wrong, but I wanted to try building one myself and gain some knowledge/experience (looks like I will eventually). I wanted to try and sort out the problem at home, but you (anyone) are my last hope.

INTELCRAZY

Did you connect the CPU power connector?

citizensmurf

Yes. It was the ATX 4pin 12v.

paratwa

According to the link I am providing, the motherboard might not support the E6550 chip. Hard to tell.

http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?f...ncat_no=1#menu

Also, did you check your ram timings and voltages in the bio's? Make sure they are the same as what your ram is.

citizensmurf

Hmmm...

I originally picked the E6420, but it wasn't in stock anymore and the sales guy recommended the E6550. That could be the problem. Thanks.

I can't even get into BIOS, it's like the system turns on but doesn't boot, and there is no video signal.

paratwa

Without your keyboard working there is no way to get into the bio's. You need to get that working first. Did you find an adaptor?

OOPS, Wrong thread! hehe That was a question on another one, disregard!

citizensmurf

How do I know I'm in BIOS if I don't have anything on screen. It literally says 'No Signal' then goes to sleep mode. Did this with my video card and with the onboard video. Also there are no beeps at startup to indicate what error there might be.

paratwa

yeah, sorry for my last post, in another thread someone was having problems and even his keyboard was not working. Disregard my last post please.

oscaryu1

If the processor has an higher FSB than the mobo can handle, its not gonna POST. If the motherboard was bad, that could also be an problem.

23 pins is NOT normal. I suggest you go back and get one with 24pins.

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citizensmurf

I think the 23 pins might be normal. Another forum suggested it was, and the picture on the box looks like its missing it as well. I'm thinking that the mobo was the only problem, so I'll take it back.

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