Help with install K7S5A Pro, AMD XP 2200,

[ronone10]

Hi,

This is my 4th computer build and my first major problem. The problem is simple, I can't the computer to boot after installing the motherboard, K7S5A Pro with an AMD XP2200 in a new case, and pulling all over the other hardware from an older computer. When I push the power button, I get nothing...dead.

So for those who have built computers, what steps should I take to troubleshoot the problem.

I already looked at the front panel connectors to see if I accidently switched the power switch on the motherboard.

I bought everything at Newegg but I don't want to return them until I figure out what is the problem.

I do have my computer that I can use as a test bench.

Should I swap the power supply, motherboard, or what?

Any help would be appreiciated....Ron

[Peter M]

You did move the CMOS Clear jumper to the Normal position? As advised in the manual about three times ?

[wallie_x]

Is the switch on the power supply turned on?
(Are you sure you're getting power to the board?)

[ronone10]

Peter,

Um, no I didn't. I am at work so I can't read that part of the manual. I thought the mb was default to not have to change the jumpers? I didn't have to change jumpers on three prior builds...(they were ESC but not the Pro mb).

When I get home I will read some more and let you know.

[ronone10]

Wallie,

Yes I did check to see if the power switch is on.

Thanks...

[ronone10]

I forgot to add one more observation...

When I unplug and plug the ac cord in the power supply and push the power button, I notice the system fan move just slightly and stop. No more than perhaps a 1/4" movement. I have to uplug and plug the cord back in to make it do it again.

Not sure what this means.

When I get home, I plan to use my other pc as a test base starting with the power supply and then try swapping the mb.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks...Ron

[wallie_x]

I'd recheck the front panel connectors, especiaslly the power on switch. Is the case fan hooked to a header on the mobo? If it is then you know you're at least getting power to the board. Dead memory, and too hot of FSB settings can cause systems to behave the way you're describing. I'd clear the CMOS, and reseat the memory. ESC boards are known for cheap and tight memory slots where the memory should be worked in and out a couple of times to seat properly. Support the mobo while doing this so as not to flex the board too much and potentially damage some of the traces. Good Luck wallie_x

[Peter M]

ECS are shipping the boards with the "CMOS clear" jumper set to Clear, to save battery life until the board is actually getting used. With the jumper in that position, the board does exactly nada.

The CPU fan twitching just indicates that the board does get (standby) power from the PSU.

Next thing to try is to take the board and PSU out of the case, put them on a flat surface and try there. If it runs then, you've been shorting it out against the case somewhere.

[ronone10]

Wallie and Peter,

thanks for the great suggestions. I have another 5 hours at work before I get home. I will start the troubleshooting process based on your input.

First, I will check the CMOS jumper, next the memory, power switch, remove the board from the case and try again and finally use my pc to swap out the parts to see which one is dead. If all this doesn't do it, I will send everything back to Newegg and start all over again.

Not going to let this get to me...just a machine right???!!!

Ron

[ronone10]

Wallie and Peter,

Well I checked the CMOS jumper and it is set at the normal position.

I pulled the memory and reseated them. Turned the computer on, no response.

I unscrewed the mb from the case, raised it off of the case and powered up....guess what? Yep, fans started, hard drive whirled and I am a happy camper.

I bought a different case, never used it before and I didn't realize that it came with these brass screws that go into the case where you screw the mb into it. The brass screws with a female end raises the mb off of the case and you just screw the mb right into them.

You guys probably new that...anyway...thanks so much for your help. You saved me....Ron