How can I tell if my Mobo is fried?

[Tarka Dal]

Basically I've bought all new parts for a new computer and put it together. 1st problem I had it would switch on but stay on. Green light on Mobo lights up. So I've disconnected everything and found the same thing. It starts but no info on the screen. and the fans don't slow down like on my other computers.
Could my CPU be the problem?

 

[Jonathan_King]

It might be, or the mobo could be bad, or graphics card.

What did you mean by "disconnected everything"?

 

[Tarka Dal]

As I understand it if I disconnect everthing to the mobo and just leave the screen connected then the mobo should come up with the first display. Yes/No?

 

[Jonathan_King]

I suspect the CPU and RAM also need to be connected.

 

[Tarka Dal]

Cpu is connected. Won't work without that but Ram I don't know.

 

[stormy13]

Quick and easy way to test. Take the motherboard out of the case and place it on the box it came in, with nothing more than the CPU, ram and video card (or use onboard if it is there). Connect the appropriate power connectors from the power supply and see if it boots. Should get one beep and then the bios or possibly a Manufacturer's logo (some have this and enabled by default, with a small script somewhere saying which key to press to enter the bios).

if it boots, then put the motherboard back in the case taking care to make sure that all standoffs (the little brass nut type things) are where they are supposed to be and not making contact anywhere but where the mounting holes on the motherboard are.

If it doesn't boot while out of the case, there is a good chance that the board is dead (doesn't happen often, but duds to occur) and time for a replacement.

 

[Tarka Dal]

No beeper on this mobo. But, I have found out that you need to check that the CPU and RAM are all matched via their Serial numbers on the Qualified Vendors List (QVL). It's not that simple putting your scrps together anymore!
Apparenttly so many people are falling into this trap.
I've had to order diferent RAM. Then I can see if it works or no...

 

[Mellon Head]

No beeper on this mobo. But, I have found out that you need to check that the CPU and RAM are all matched via their Serial numbers on the Qualified Vendors List (QVL). It's not that simple putting your scrps together anymore!
Apparenttly so many people are falling into this trap.
I've had to order diferent RAM. Then I can see if it works or no...

The CPU on the QVL makes sense, cause the BIOS has to support the chip, but most of the time, the RAM QVL is a "favorite RAM" list at best. I find it a little odd that your rig won't run with a big brand name like Corsair RAM. Are you sure you don't have a bad stick?

I have the most finicky motherboard on the planet, it seems, and even it doesn't seem to care what RAM you stick in it. Maybe I've just been lucky. I would try booting with only one stick and see if that works.

 

[HMonk]

Just to elaborate, if necessary, on what Stormy13 suggested.

Remove EVERYTHING (including all case/PSU cables from the mobo except CPU/CPU fan. Make sure fan cable is properly seated in proper plug.

Then connect mobo/PSU cable; your mobo does not have integrated gfx so connect your gfx card; connect gfx card/PSU cable if required; connect your OS HDD only; connect only one RAM stick; connect monitor to gfx card; connect KB; if you leave your mobo in the case, connect the case power-on button cable to the mobo.

Boot. Since you are using 4 RAM sticks, try each individually and make sure that they go in the proper slot (some mobos have specific slots for 1,2,3, etc. sticks).

Unplugging/disconnecting everything and replacing it ensures that all are properlly connected. Results?

Monk

 

[Tarka Dal]

C'mon guys read the Thread properly. It's a newbuild.

 

[Dwarf]

Specifications of the build (motherboard, etc)?

 

[HMonk]

C'mon guys read the Thread properly. It's a newbuild.

I don't understand: are you implying that a "newbuild" cannot have a bad RAM stick; or a component which is inadvertently misconnected; or a funky CPU?

Sorry: I, for one, was only trying to assist in response to your plea for help.

Monk

 

[merkat106]

C'mon guys read the Thread properly. It's a newbuild.

I don't understand: are you implying that a "newbuild" cannot have a bad RAM stick; or a component which is inadvertently misconnected; or a funky CPU?

Sorry: I, for one, was only trying to assist in response to your plea for help.

Monk

I was unlucky to have had two bad ram sticks (defective) on a new build. I also had a new mobo that had a short which would cause it to randomly go off.
Just because the parts are new does not mean they are good.

 

[thomas242]

HI Runckle can we get a parts list off you that way we might narrow down the problem your having. It can be any thing and the more info you provide the better it is for us.

 

[Tarka Dal]

I've phoned Cheap laptops, LCD TVs, Netbooks, PC Monitors & more | Ebuyer.com and they told me that the RAM is not suited to the CPU and Mobo. So, waiting for new RAM. Will come back to this if RAM didn't work.

 

[ColdIce]

I've had this problem, I was told to get a 667mhz memory(fail safe memory's) And check if it would boot up

 

[HMonk]

Both Corsair and ASUS have RAM QVL on-line for your mobo; you might verify this for yourself.

The only other thing I am going to add is that RAM is matched to the mobo not CPU. Regardless of the CPU, your mobo is going to be RAM specific (type, speed, array, amount). Now you may say, I have this that or the other CPU of which I am going to take full advantage of by using this that or the other RAM but the RAM must be compatible with the mobo and the CPU compatible with the mobo (socket).

Good luck.

Monk