New comp problem, starts then shutsdown

[StoneColdWhat]

Alright so I put together a new box, I think I have everything hooked up correctly. When I press the power button the fans and everything will start going for a second and shutsdown by itself. I don't have a slightest clue what the problem might be, both the cpu fan and this extra fan I added are spinning, Its running 1 hd + 1 cd on a 400W so power shouldn't be the problem. Also when I started it, a light on the mobo came on signaling that its on and it goes off when the comp shutsdown by itself. Any ideas ?

[bazooka]

That usually indicates that the system is overheating. Did you put thermal grease on the processor? How many fans are hooked up? Do you have enough room for air to flow in the case?

[StoneColdWhat]

Well I JUST started the system so I don't think its over heating, the thermal paste came with the cpu so I just put the cpu in and yeah. I have 1 extra fan hooked up ontop of the cpu fan.

[redwudz]

You might check my post here:https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1360091&highlight=#1360091.

I had exactly the same symptons and I was sure the cooler was attached properly. The computer would run for about 5-10 seconds then shut down. Not even enough time to go into BIOS to check the temps. I've put together quite a few computers, but that was a first.

[StoneColdWhat]

well it didn't even last 5, more like 1 and a half. Also I read your post and you're saying ur problem was the heatsink/fan, I'll try um repositioning it tomorrow.

[thevoelk]

Did you get an OEM processor and buy another heatsink? If you did, check to make sure you don't have a piece of clear plastic tape on the bottom of the heatsink. I've seen that happen before, because you really can't see it too well unless you look for it on some fans.

I know AMD's retail processors have a fan and heatsink included, not sure about Intel's since I've never bought one.

[StoneColdWhat]

Hmm no my processor isn't oem, it came with the retail box, but that tape problem does sound familiar, heard of it before and can't remember if I did remove it or not. Will have to look.

[thevoelk]

Most likely your processor came with the thermal gel applied and a plastic covering over the thermal gel. Are you sure there is power to the fan? You may also have a short on your mainboard, is something touching the inside of the case somewhere?

[StoneColdWhat]

Ok well i looked and there was no plastic cover so I most likely peeled it off, I also took everything out of the case and so nothing was touching and still I get the same thing.

[bazooka]

The processor could be bad. Try taking it out of the socket and see if there are burn marks. Like I said before, if it turns off in a second or two, it is usually an overheating problem. I had that problem when I first started building systems six years ago, and the processor was ruined.

[redwudz]

Sorry it wasn't something simple. My next step, if you haven't tried it, would be to unplug everything except the MB, boot drive, memory, and video card.

Still same problem, unplug boot drive, memory, video card one at a time, restarting each time. It, of course, won't start, but should behave differently.

If no go, then you have narrowed it down to the power supply or motherboard. You can substitute the power supply.

It's unlikely the CPU is causing such a rapid shutdown, so that would probably leave the MB.

[bazooka]

It's unlikely the CPU is causing such a rapid shutdown

I have seen it happen.

[redwudz]

bazooka, I agree. I hadn't seen your post before I typed mine. I would have thought with a bad CPU that it wouldn't start even for a second or two. Only time I've had a bad CPU is when the PS fried everything, including the MB, so it was a little hard to tell.

[burnman99]

bazooka, I agree. I hadn't seen your post before I typed mine. I would have thought with a bad CPU that it wouldn't start even for a second or two. Only time I've had a bad CPU is when the PS fried everything, including the MB, so it was a little hard to tell.

I would agree also. A friend of mine had an "Instant Shutdown> problem, caused by the fan/cpu not being installed correctly. The CPU reached a certain temp, & a interlock shut the whole thing down. When he got it on there correctly the board booted up just fine. That'd be my first suspect.

Roger