HELP! Enigmatic problems with new build!

N

NauticalJohn

New Member
Hello everyone,

Yesterday I received my new components in the mail. My new build looks something like this:

Motherboard: Asus Crosshair IV
CPU: AMD Phenom II 1100T
GPU: AMD Radeon 6970 (manufactured by saphire)
RAM: 8gb (2x4gb) corsair "vengance" DDR3

My problem at this point is that, when I turn on my computer, everything powers on but there is no display and the "problem LEDs" fluctuate between "DRAM" and "CPU" and the fan speeds up and slows down.

The problems began when I first attempted to start the system. I turned it on and it began to make a high pitched beeping sound. Turns out I was just being stupid and hadn't plugged in the graphics card. I turn it on again and it still it wouldn't display (the beeping stopped though).

I thought to myself that since there was no display, that maybe they sent me a defective video card. I tried to plug in my old graphics card only to display the same results as with my new card.

Then I realized I forgot to plug in the power to the CPU- fixed that. Now the "Problem LED" was lit up as DRAM. So I took out the RAM and realized I had put it in wrong, so I put it in right and now the problem is as mentioned above: Powers on but there is no display and there is weird fluctuation.

Any help is appreciated. Oh, and I hope I'm posting in the right board, I'm new here.
 
Did you plug in the 2 pci express power connectors going to the video card? If you put the memory in wrong which can't happen as it only goes in one way, you may have damaged the memory or motherboard or both.
 
Yes, both connectors are connected. To explain how I put the RAM in wrong, I only had it fully inserted in one end. As for if the possibility of damage to the motherboard or RAM, I suppose it would be worth testing.
 
remove power from unit
ground yourself
remove ram
hold power button for about 10 seconds (the machine should still be unplugged)

resinstall ram
plug in
boot up

anything?
 
Thanks for your help guys! The problem as posed has been fixed. When I took the machine apart and ran it with only essential components, it ran perfectly. I have no idea what the problem was, but seeing as Murphy's law is clearly in effect with this project, I may be back with more problems.
 
This problem only gets more mysterious. After I have put the components in the case, certain components refuse to work. Now its the video card that doesn't work and the RAM works fine. I'm beginning to think this problem lies deeper than just a defective component. I know the motherboard, video card, and RAM all are fully operational because when I have them laid out in a simple "tech station" type build (not in the case), it boots all the way.

I think you may be on to something johnb35. Is there a way that improper installation of case standoffs could cause some sort of short circuit causing a components not to work? If so, what is the proper way to install case standoffs (is there some sort of buffer I need between the mother board and standoffs)?

Another thing that I thought could possibly be the problem is that the Power Supply is not delivering enough wattage. I am currently running at 700W power supply and have never had this problem with my old machine. Is it symptomatic of not having enough wattage for single components not to work like this? However, I have done some experiments and disconnecting "less necessary" components such as the optical drive, fans, and hard drives does not seem to allow the computer to become functional.
 
Sigh... Ok. I fixed the damn problem with the damn video card, now there's a new problem (you've got to be kidding me!). This time I am fairly certain the problem is the power supply.

When I boot the computer and I try and configure the bios etc., the computer spontaneously shuts down. I am prepared to buy a new power supply, but I would just like to confirm with experienced users that this is indeed a power supply problem. Thanks guys, with any luck this will be over soon.
 
What brand and model 700W power supply? Plus your only suppost to have standoffs under the grounded holes on the board.
 
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That board requires 9 standoffs I think. And that power supply is one of Best Buys brands and not sure if I would trust it. I would definately get a corsair psu or something similar.

Only put standoffs where the red circles are located in the attached image. Putting them any where else under the board will short it out.
 

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Ok, so I think I have the standoffs correct so I don't think that is the problem.

From my research, It seems this could either be a power supply problem (as suspected) or the motherboard (crossing my fingers it's not). I will probably go buy a power supply that can handle more wattage. I can always return it if it's not the problem.

I'm wondering though if it could be a motherboard problem? I read on some forum that it could be a bios problem that is easily fixable, any thoughts?
 
That power supply is made by Huntkey and under Huntkey name its sold as a 650W. It ony has 500W on the 12V rail. Dont know if thats your problem, but I would definitely get a better quality power supply. After all your pulling a 1100T and a 6970 off it.
 
Ok guys, it works for real this time. The problem was in the last place I would have thought to look: the processor was overheating because the thermal paste was applied improperly to the heatsink by the factory. I re-applied thermal paste and voila, it worked like a charm. I am also going to buy a new power supply for good measure.
 
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