Newly built system not POSTing.

[JRM]

Hi There,

I have just assembled a brand new PC and cannot get it to POST or boot.
No display or signal just a message "No VGA cable detected", monitor LED is still orange (power save mode).  I've tried two monitors, CRT and LCD types on both ports of graphics card as well.

Also, no beep code sound either but CPU and case fans all work.

Keyboard only lights up upon first switch on PSU, then goes out. (Typical ATX routine).  Also tried another keyboard with USB fitting.  Only the PS/2 keyboard showed any promise.

On-board LEDs are on with floppy LED not showing at all, just the DVD drive at the initial switch on.
I noticed the graphics card has four red LEDs but only three are on, is this normal or will the fourth one come on when it finally boots?

SPECIFICATIONS.
Case & Power supply: Antec P193 + CP-850 PSU.
Motherboard:              ASUS M4A79T Deluxe
Processor:                   AMD PHENOM II X4 955 BE (Box)
Graphics card:             ASUS HD4890 1GB DDR5
Memory:                      4GB. Corsair TW3X4G1600C9DHX
Hard Disk Drive:          Western digital RE3 WD5002ABYS
Optical (dvd, cd blu-ray): LG GGC-H20L
Floppy:                            Sony 1.4
Monitor:                      Dell 22" Ultrasharp Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor (S142209WAAU)

I am at a loss to why it will not boot. The above specs are all NEW quality parts. I've checked all cables on PSU etc.  I suspect it may be that the Processor is too new for the motherboard BIOS as mentioned in other forums. (NOTE, I've just bought a new updated BIOS chip...still no good).

As a last measure, I took out the motherboard from the case and tested it on the bench.  Swapped the memory around the different slots and removed all drives from the board etc.  The graphics card was also removed to see if I could get a beep.....no such luck.

Today, I received a PCI Diagnostic POST card to help decipher any errors.  I assumed the BIOS is AWARD since I have an earlier (older) ASUS motherboard.  Remember, computer won't boot so I cannot be sure of the BIOS.

Codes from diagnostic card were...
F-33 (This is normal PCI bus speed)
22
12
32
33

Any clues on the other numbers please? (Note: I've read the manual but left out the description so as to not cloud your judgment to the solutions.)

All suggestions welcomed.

Many thanks in advance,

Jeff
Australia.

[Karnac]

Double check all your connections especially the 5 or 6 small connectors that run from the front of the case to the motherboard....follow the motherboard manual and make sure these connectors are installed properly....Check any jumpers on the MB and be sure they are correct as well.

[Spoiler]

After checking the connections like Karnac said I would consider getting a RMA for the motherboard. I think you may have a bad board.

[JRM]

Hi All,

Thanks for you interest and help.  I had already done those suggestions thank you.

Good news, .........problem has been solved now.

Re-seated the CPU and Bios chips.  Booted up OK and POST codes were checked on Diagnostic card..all is well and I am a pleased man.

All that's left to do now is finish my downloading of Windows 7 64-bit ISO file for DVD burning.  This machine will eventually be 64-bit only PC with Linux and Windows.

Thanks again,
JRM

[Karnac]

Good news....you're welcome.

[Aegis]

a RMA for the motherboard

What is an RMA?

[Karnac]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_merchandise_authorization

[patio]

Return Merchandise Authorisation...