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Computer turns on... but no video


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#1
scatgreen2

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Doing a build for the first time. It seems to be working when I turn it on: mobo lights up; fans turn on in the case, cpu and graphics card. I can't get any video though. The LED lights are also kind of screwy though I figured out how to get the power LED to work (plugging it into the HDD LED input!). Checked all the wires several times. Not sure if it's a problem with the video connection/card or something more serious. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

:)
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#2
rshaffer61

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Hello scatgreen2.... Welcome to GeeksToGo, :) :) :)
What video card are you using?
Does it have a separate power connector on it and is it plugged in?
What PSU do you have and do you know if it is rated to run the system along with the graphics card.
System specs will help us.
MOBO
CPU
Memory
Hard Drive
Video Card
PSU

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#3
scatgreen2

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Here are my specs:

MOBO: MSI X58 Platinum ATX

CPU: Intel i7 920

Memory: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel

Hard Drive: Western Digital WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"

Video Card: ASUS EN9500GT OC/DI/512M GeForce 9500 GT 512MB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16

PSU:Sunbeam PSU-BKS580-US 580W ATX

HTPC Case: SILVERSTONE LC16S-MR ATX Media Center


One website suggested that the CPU might not be installed properly, but I checked and I'm pretty sure it's ok. Thanks!
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#4
rshaffer61

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I take it this is all brand new parts?
Have you double check to make sure the card is plugged in to the correct PCI slot?
The memory is seated correctly?
DO you get any post beeps when the system starts?

If all else fails let's test the MOBO.

Disconnect everything from the Motherboard except

* keyboard
* mouse
* video output
* 20+4 powercable
* 4/8 pin 12v wire both coming from the powersupply,
* Cpu fan wire
* power and reset button to the case
*case speaker

Now you should have NOTHING connected to the motherboard except what was listed above.

The goal here is just to test the mobo:

If the computer still will not boot up the please remove the motherboard from the computer along with the power supply

place the motherboard on a piece of card board larger than the motherboard,

this will eliminate a short from the mobo to the case which could be a possibility

Install the cpu with, 1 stick ram in dimm 1, power supply, case switch and case speaker
Connect ps2 mouse and keyboard along with the monitor
Repeat the above and power on

If the computer now boots into bios you most likely had a case short so make sure when installing the motherboard in the case that you use standoffs and they line up with the mounting holes in the motherboard and none of the standoffs touch anything else on the underside of the board.
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#5
lotus8

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do u have on board graphics also?
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#6
scatgreen2

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Intel i7 920
MSI X58 Platinum mobo
ASUS EN9500GT GeForce 9500 graphics card
Sunbeam 580 W power supply

Tried to boot with just those items and min memory, outside of the case. Still just gets lights and fans, no beeps or video. I even tried a different mobo. So dead CPU? I'm worried that I don't have all the packaging to get a refund.
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#7
rshaffer61

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How old is the cpu and MOBO?
If still under warranty I would return it.
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#8
scatgreen2

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Both new. Return both?
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#9
rshaffer61

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Before I say for sure can you take a picture of the cpu on the MOBO and attach it to your next reply?
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#10
scatgreen2

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I've already taken it all apart, but I'm sure that it was in correctly.
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#11
rshaffer61

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OK I saw a metal plate on the cpu socket when researching the MOBO.
Just wanted to make sure that wasn't left on by mistake
Also did you put some thermal paste between socket and heatsink?
Did the cpu drop in the socket with no problem?
The lever is down to make sure the cpu is secure?

I know it looks like some simple steps but just want to cover all the possibilities first.
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#12
scatgreen2

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I took out the protective plate before putting the CPU in. Used thermal paste - possibly too much at first. Hope that didn't cause the problem. But I scraped it off and put on less without success. CPU fit in snugly though and I clasped the lever. Also made sure the heatsink was all the way in. Really frustrating - but this is my first time and I'm determined to make this [bleep] work.
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#13
scatgreen2

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Thanks for the help btw.
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#14
rshaffer61

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You are welcome and I am really interested in figuring this out or at least giving you a direction to look at.

The cpu fan is plugged into the MOBO and when you turn on the PSU all the fans do stay on?
PSU fan
CPU fan
Second case cooling fan?
Video card fan
(If you have a add on card)

If all these do indeed stay on then I would have to say the CPU
If not the it could be the MOBO or the PSU
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#15
scatgreen2

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Yeah - all of those fans are on. Same thing on the other mobo I tried too. I'm returning the cpu today - will let you know if the new one works. Newegg better replace it.
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