Curse

refer · Aug 18, 2009, 08:27 PM // 20:27

Hi guys. I'm attempting to build a computer but it's not going well. Here is the setup.

- Foxconn A78AX-S AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
- AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX245OCGQBOX
- MSI R4670-2D512/D3 Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBNT
- Rosewill R909SL Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with 24 pin &1 x SATA Connectors 350W Power Supply - Retail
- Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
- LG DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS50

The monitor is some crappy/old Dell but I like CRTs and don't want to spend any more money. I do know that the monitor works though, I'm using it right now. Anyways, when I turn on the computer I get no video signal. The monitor turns to that orange state, such as when you walk away without doing anything for a while.

Could it be bad videocard? I thought it was the connector so I tried another one and it's not that I got the parts over a week ago and it's still not functional. I'm not sure what else could be the problem. Before I know it, I won't have any time to send parts back and this will never be built. I really need ideas on what to do.

Painbringer · Aug 18, 2009, 09:55 PM // 21:55

Check to make sure the card is seated properly on the board it should be level. I had an issue once when the actual bracket that connects to case was bent enough that the card would not seat.

Also double check the manual / box on the pwoer requirements for you card you have 350W to work with currently

moriz · Aug 18, 2009, 10:26 PM // 22:26

could it also be an incompatible CPU+mobo combination? i'm pretty sure the motherboard CAN support that processor, but it might require a BIOS update.

Betrayer of Wind · Aug 18, 2009, 10:35 PM // 22:35

Well that problem can be alot of things.Since the monitor is working,it has nothing to do with it.
I'm assuming it doesn't make any beep sounds since you didnt mentioned it.
1.Unplug everything from your motherboard except video card,1 memory card,the processor,cooler and power supply.Try to turn it up.If it doesnt work,then you already cut down the problem to one of those parts.
2.If problem is still there,switch the memory card for the other one.test it again.
If you can,keep testing it with another video card and see if it works.Then another power supply.
No results?dead MB or processor.

EDIT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by refer

- Rosewill R909SL Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with 24 pin &1 x SATA Connectors 350W Power Supply - Retail

Looks like your power supply cant handle all that,i'd recommend a 500W or higher.Anyway,test it with step 1 to see if it powers up.

refer · Aug 18, 2009, 10:55 PM // 22:55

OMG, it needs 400watts after all. *tear* I wish I had known. Not on NewEgg's site but on the back of the box. Here's what I'm gonna get though:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341016

moriz · Aug 18, 2009, 11:48 PM // 23:48

don't pay attention to the wattage requirement. it is seriously inflated. the 350W is easily enough. this is not a power issue.

to put it in perspective: my system with a HD 4890 runs perfectly on 500W.

Burst Cancel · Aug 19, 2009, 01:46 AM // 01:46

Look in your motherboard manual to see if there are any diagnostic LED codes; then you can figure out if your board is failing POST, and if so, why.

If you have another PCIe video card (borrow one from a friend?) you can try that.

Also, AM2+/AM2 motherboards usually need a BIOS update before they can use AM3 processors. Here's the link for your motherboard: http://www.foxconnsupport.com/downlo...rds=&sort=BIOS

Support for AM3 processors was added with the 79BF1P12 BIOS released on 20090116. I would have thought that manufacturers would update the BIOS at the factory, since you bought these parts just a week ago, but perhaps not. If you're updating, just get the latest bios (20090727).

Elder III · Aug 19, 2009, 04:39 PM // 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by moriz

don't pay attention to the wattage requirement. it is seriously inflated. the 350W is easily enough. this is not a power issue.

to put it in perspective: my system with a HD 4890 runs perfectly on 500W.

Moriz is right - the wattage reqs are often seriously inflated - but at the same time the PSU that came with that case is not to be considered a quality PSU - total watts is what everyone looks at when buying a PSU, but the amount of amperage in the +12volt rail or rails is a more important consideration. Look for 18amps or more per rail and a total of 35-40 at least.... that will give you allot more system stability, even on a "basic build"

refer · Aug 20, 2009, 07:39 PM // 19:39

OK, so I installed the NEW PSU and guess what

THE MONITOR STILL WON'T TURN ON.

This is impossible. I might just ask my neighbor for their videocard but I'm not expecting any differences now.

And oh yeah, the monitor tuns on UNPLUGGED (no signal) versus when it's ever plugged into the new computer.

moriz · Aug 20, 2009, 07:56 PM // 19:56

damn, i'm tempted to fly over there and troubleshoot your system myself. i have spare graphic cards and everything.

however, since that's basically impossible, try getting a friend to loan you a PCI-E graphic card and see if it will turn on with that. i don't know what you have in your old machine, but if it is PCI-E also, you can give that one a try.

Betrayer of Wind · Aug 20, 2009, 09:55 PM // 21:55

Well like i said,it could be a variety of problems.If power isnt the issue,then one of the main components(MB,video,processor,memory) is malfunctioning.

Memory problems usually give beep sounds,so if you have a speaker and it doesnt beep,we could almost take out the memorys out,leaving with the MB,video card and processor left to test.

Easiest way is to try with another video card,you can just borrow one and plug it in.

Also,since i believe you're the one building the computer,be VERY careful about ESD's(Electro Static Discharge),you can easily fry a component with that.
Use anti-static gloves and/or make sure to use the power supply and touch the metalic part constantly to avoid acumulating static eletricity(needs to be plugged on the power line with the ground cable for the latter to work).

refer · Aug 20, 2009, 09:56 PM // 21:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by moriz

damn, i'm tempted to fly over there and troubleshoot your system myself. i have spare graphic cards and everything.

however, since that's basically impossible, try getting a friend to loan you a PCI-E graphic card and see if it will turn on with that. i don't know what you have in your old machine, but if it is PCI-E also, you can give that one a try.

Step ahead of you. Ran to Staples (aka electronic hell store) and bought a graphics card with the intent of ONLY returning it, no picture still! *primal scream* I really hope its not the motherboard *eternally crosses fingers*... I might TRY to take it to somebody else as well. I did a good deed for somebody and come to find their son knows about this stuff too!

It's just that... TIME IS RUNNING OUT. 10 days left!

If you could meet me, hell I'd do it lol.

moriz · Aug 20, 2009, 11:11 PM // 23:11

do you honestly have no local computer shops? i find that hard to imagine. do a google search or something...

refer · Aug 21, 2009, 04:46 AM // 04:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by moriz

do you honestly have no local computer shops? i find that hard to imagine. do a google search or something...

I'll do a search.

Oh and after reading reviews of that Motherboard, it doesn't' look so good. I mean it worked for some, but I am iffy on it. Anything else that anybody can recommend!? It says non-refundable... but maybe I can exchange it for another motherboard of similar price even if not the same one. Only 9 days left. Found a maybe OK Asus one but it has onboard video already, not sure how that would work with an external one too. If MSI was cheaper, i'd get one of theirs.

M @ T · Aug 21, 2009, 07:42 AM // 07:42

I might sound silly now, but,

* your Graphics Card has two sockets I believe. have you tried swapping to the next?

* Get another monitor from a friend, get to Windows, lower resolution and refresh rate to a minimum.

What I didn't understand is whether you can log on to Windows. Apparently, I mean if you can listen to the Windows theme.. I suppose not, because you would have mentioned it by now.

Secondly, when you boot, is there any bipping?

Thirdly, again when you boot, do you see anything? Like the boot up configuration screen for instance? If you do, when does the monitor stop working? When Windows start to boot?

Nerel · Aug 21, 2009, 09:03 AM // 09:03

Okay, I'm assuming the system is actually powering up fine, post beep at boot, fans spinning up, disk activity etc... the problem is just the monitor is not receiving a signal apparently?

Do you have a friend with a modern LCD/LED monitor you can try... because if everything else seems to be working, and it is an old CRT monitor... that would be the first thing to check.

Obviously if the system isn't powering up, or the mainboard is spitting out a series of 'beep' error codes, then the problem lies elsewhere.

Oh, and as an after thought, your card is dual DVI but your monitor has a D-Sub VGA connector, so you're using the bundled DVI - D-Sub adapter? Have you tried it on both the card's DVI ports?

refer · Aug 21, 2009, 10:02 AM // 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerel

Okay, I'm assuming the system is actually powering up fine, post beep at boot, fans spinning up, disk activity etc... the problem is just the monitor is not receiving a signal apparently?

I don't even know what to look to hear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerel

Do you have a friend with a modern LCD/LED monitor you can try... because if everything else seems to be working, and it is an old CRT monitor... that would be the first thing to check.

I've tried another one, but it required an adapter as well. No signal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerel

Oh, and as an after thought, your card is dual DVI but your monitor has a D-Sub VGA connector, so you're using the bundled DVI - D-Sub adapter? Have you tried it on both the card's DVI ports?

That was the first thing I tried.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M @ T

What I didn't understand is whether you can log on to Windows. Apparently, I mean if you can listen to the Windows theme.. I suppose not, because you would have mentioned it by now.

There is no operating system installed. I haven't got the monitor to turn on so I could install it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M @ T

Secondly, when you boot, is there any bipping?

no.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M @ T

Thirdly, again when you boot, do you see anything? Like the boot up configuration screen for instance? If you do, when does the monitor stop working? When Windows start to boot?

I can't see a damn thing so I don't know what is happening. The monitor goes to that "touch the keyboard to activate me state" and doesn't leave it.

This is impossible. I shouldn't have even started this. It's been 15 days since it was first put together and there has been no progress since then. This is a waste of money.

I'm taking apart the stuff to get an exchange for the motherboard but I can't remove the CPU from it AT ALL... great. Do any of you know how to do that? I remember how I put it on in the first place but can't I just remove the CPU fan in one piece? It's literally stuck to the CPU underneath though.

Quaker · Aug 21, 2009, 04:39 PM // 16:39

Disconnect EVERYTHING from the motherboard, except the cpu, the cpu fan, and the power supply. (No RAM, no video card, no drives and disconnect the power supply from everything except the motherboard.)
Btw, make sure you have all the proper power supply connectors connected - I recently had a power supply with two nearly identical looking 4-pin plugs, but only one was the correct one.
Hopefully, your case has a small speaker - attach the speaker and the power button to the motherboard header(s).
Check the manual for your motherboard and follow the procedure to clear the CMOS. This may be called "resetting the BIOS" or "clearing the CMOS" or "reset the RTC" or some variation like that.

So, you should have a bare motherboard, with just the cpu&fan, power supply, speaker and power switch connected. Hit the power switch - the speaker should make a series of beeps (which indicate that there is no RAM or video present.). If it does not beep, then you have a problem with the cpu, mobo, or power supply. Check that the cpu is installed correctly and the power supply is connected properly.

If it does beep - install the RAM and video card and try again. If there is nothing on the display, it could be bad RAM or bad video card, or either one not seated properly. If you have more than 1 stick of RAM, try the various sticks one at a time.

If it works, keep hooking up more stuff until you find out which one doesn't work.

refer · Aug 21, 2009, 06:06 PM // 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quaker

Disconnect EVERYTHING from the motherboard, except the cpu, the cpu fan, and the power supply. (No RAM, no video card, no drives and disconnect the power supply from everything except the motherboard.)
Btw, make sure you have all the proper power supply connectors connected - I recently had a power supply with two nearly identical looking 4-pin plugs, but only one was the correct one.
Hopefully, your case has a small speaker - attach the speaker and the power button to the motherboard header(s).
Check the manual for your motherboard and follow the procedure to clear the CMOS. This may be called "resetting the BIOS" or "clearing the CMOS" or "reset the RTC" or some variation like that.

So, you should have a bare motherboard, with just the cpu&fan, power supply, speaker and power switch connected. Hit the power switch - the speaker should make a series of beeps (which indicate that there is no RAM or video present.). If it does not beep, then you have a problem with the cpu, mobo, or power supply. Check that the cpu is installed correctly and the power supply is connected properly.

If it does beep - install the RAM and video card and try again. If there is nothing on the display, it could be bad RAM or bad video card, or either one not seated properly. If you have more than 1 stick of RAM, try the various sticks one at a time.

If it works, keep hooking up more stuff until you find out which one doesn't work.

My case doesn't have a speaker, so I connected the ones I already have, but I didn't hear anything when I turned it on. Also, the reset button (if that is it) still doesn't work.

Honestly I don't know what to do anymore. I don't hear any beeps or even know what to be looking for. I am sure that the power supply is in correctly, but I couldn't find anything about clearing CMOS or anything in the book. The CPU I know is in correctly too.

I wish I had some real life help.

Do any of you have IM? I don't like going back and forth here. Plus I'll do something and then wait a long time for a response. I don't have much time left. Only have till the 30th.

moriz · Aug 21, 2009, 06:27 PM // 18:27

unfortunately, troubleshooting this kind of stuff is very hard over the internet. i have a vague suspicion that you didn't do the wiring properly. seeing some of the pictures you sent me before kinda confirms it.

before we get anywhere else, when you power on the system, does the CPU fan spin up? do you see the DVD drive indicator light flash? do you see ANYTHING on the tower (or within it) that indicates that the system is booting?