Boot Up Problems

[biggiegc]

Hi there,

I have just put together a computer for a friend, installation was fine until I turned it on, the spec is as follows:

Mobo: Asus P5VDC-X (socket 775)
RAM: E-Buyer Extra Value 1 gig paired
CPU: Pentium D 820 2.66 ghz
Graphics:BFG 7300 GS OC 256mb DDR2 PCI-E
PSU: 500w PSU

alongside your basic DVD ROM/RW and floppy.

I built this computer up and turned it on, it shows power and intially switches on, but then after around 1 min in, the computer switches itself off.

Could this be related to the mobo jumper settings being in a "low power mode", I did read something about this in the mobo manual, but wasnt entirely sure, there were two jumpers, one for RTC, and another mentioning USB, to wake the board from from a certain type of sleep mode to another, for problems such as low power to CPU, and a host of other different reasons.

I am pretty sure I have all the power connections in correct and not hanging loose, as well as the pins for LED display, USB etc etc..

what could this be? Please help! my computer is evil!

Kind Regards

[edsmith77]

biggiegc,
I once had a similar problem, that is shutting down after a period of time. I found out that my power supply was going south. I replaced my power supply and problem solved. It seems that in the power supply there is a thermal switch and when then power supply heats up (normal condition) temperature stays steady but when some pieces fail it causes additional loading on other components and hence more heat to be generated and the thermal switch shuts down the power supply.
The above condition could be aggravated by improper or inadequate case cooling or decreased air flow through the case.
I general, from what you have provided, I would look at heat as starting point.

If all components are new, as you implied, then I would look at monitoring internal voltages and other items that are on the mobo. You could have an incorrect or low voltage setting creating an unusually higher than normal current draw and hence, the monitor or internal sensors would shut down represent the symptons you are seeing.

With a new computer experiencing problems, trouble shooting is a black art at best and can lead you down many dead ends. The symptoms are trying to tell you what is wrong. Once you do find the answer, it is usually followed by a quick slap to the forehead and 'duh'.

Good luck.

[SingSing]

Is the CPU fan working properly ? Your problem may be due to CPU thermal protection shutdown.

Hook up the speaker, many MOBO will beep a specific sequence before it shutdown. The meaning of those beep should be in the manual.

[gregpolo]

Both of the replys that you've received so far are on the mark. If the Power Supply is bad that would cause a shutdown, also the CPU overheating will cause a shutdown. If all else fails, you can spend some money any get a diagnostics card that will tell you for sure. I've never owned one myself but I can tell you that some of my other friends have used them with much success. I did a quick search and found one at:

http://www.dealsonic.com/sosydecare.html

I am sure there are others out there. Give that you are in the UK, I'd see if there is a place local that will get there alot quicker or one at a Computer Sore.

[redwudz]

If your BIOS has a hardware monitoring feature, check your CPU temperature. One minute shutdown sounds suspiciously like CPU overheat. Running in BIOS mode should also tell you if it's hardware related as the OS won't be involved. If the CPU temp is normal after a few minutes and the PS voltages are normal, then pull one of the memory cards and try it, then try the other one. From there, unplug all drives except the boot, and all cards except the video card and try again.

[biggiegc]

thanks for all the help guys,

much appreciated, I think more than likely its either the jumper settings or PSU,

can the fan that comes with the processor be that bad as to let the processor overheat?

[redwudz]

Anything is possible. But if the fan is spinning, it should not overheat that quickly or at all. Are you absolutely sure the cooler is properly attached and seated against the CPU? Have you checked the CPU temps in BIOS? Used thermal compound (Or the thermal pad) on the CPU cooler?

If you left the jumpers in the original default positions, you shouldn't have any overheating problems.

But check those BIOS temps first.

[stiltman]

Is the CPU fan seated completely flat and tight?
Did you use thermal grease?
Is the fan running?
Does your PSU fan run?
Can you access the BIOS setup screen?

[biggiegc]

To answer a few questions, thermal pad was used, fan does run, I cannot access BIOS at all!
Screen doesnt even turn on..

[stiltman]

Pull everything off the motherboard except CPU see what happens You should here beeps from the lack of RAM.
Add the RAM and see what happens
Add the vid card...etc

Also read the reviews, they all seem to have problems with this board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131023&ATT=13-131-023&CMP=OTC-Froogle

[oldandinthe way]

stiltman has the trouble shooting approach.

I'd skip to CPU+RAM+video myself.

[TBoneit]

Silly question? You did mount it on the standoffs and only put standoffs where there are holes in the motherboard for the screws to go? I've seen motherboards screwed down tight to the metal of the case and I've seen the little brass standoffs where they short out the bottom of the mobo.

Try putting the Mobo on the bench with just memory and Video and see if it posts then.

[Scorpion King]

TBoneit has an good point. Seen that happen. Seen ram put in wrong. Seen CPUs and heat sinks put in/on wrong. Video cards not seated properly. Jumpers set wrong. Wires plugged in to the wrong pins. Power supplies smoking. A Jack & Coke spilled onto a brand new powered up motherboard (that one was me). That was a shocking experience.

Re-read the motherboard manual. Go back to page 1 and retrace/recheck every step. Then turn on the power and try again. In your case.... I'd take the board back out, check it front and back for burned marks, check the standoffs, etc, then start building from there. I would also reset the bios.

Good luck.

[fLYtRap]

Did you put thermal greess on the processor?