[phillpower2]

I suggest that you remove the MB and do a barebones set-up on a piece of cardboard (make sure it is larger than the MB) only connect the PSU, the GFX card, 1 stick of Ram and the keyboard.

IF your MB doesn`t have a power test switch you will then need to short out the 2 power on pins on the MB header to get the PSU to activate, you can use a small flat bladed screwdriver or a paper clip bent into a U shape, this is perfectly safe if you do not touch anything else, the idea is to see if we can get a BIOS screen if you do you can then add one component at a time until you find the problem component, you must power down and remove the power cord from the wall before adding a component.

Other things worth checking include, if you used stand offs beneath the MB are they in the correct locations (only where there is a screw hole in the MB) otherwise the MB will short out, check for stray screws or bared wires for the same reason, make sure the jumper cap that can be used for clearing the CMOS is not missing or on the wrong pins and finally try a new or replacement CMOS battery.

I would also check that the CPU is not damaged, check for bent or missing pins and that the orientation is correct, often identified by a gold or missing corner of the CPU and socket, a tip when removing a heatsink is run the computer for a few moments first as the heat generated by a working CPU will soften the thermal paste and make removing the cooler easier.

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That sounds like a lot of work to do, but I'll give it a try when I get home from work in a few hours. I'll let you know how it goes. Should I take the CPU out of the mobo while I'm doing the "barebones set-up"? Also, how do I know if it has a power test switch? It's an ASUS P5N-D in case you don't mind checking to see if it does.

The only stand offs I used beneath the mobo are the 9 that I screwed in, so I know there are no extra ones in there.

Edited by GhostLoad, 24 September 2012 - 02:25 AM.

[GhostLoad]

That sounds like a lot of work to do, but I'll give it a try when I get home from work in a few hours. I'll let you know how it goes. Should I take the CPU out of the mobo while I'm doing the "barebones set-up"? Also, how do I know if it has a power test switch? It's an ASUS P5N-D in case you don't mind checking to see if it does.

The only stand offs I used beneath the mobo are the 9 that I screwed in, so I know there are no extra ones in there.

Edited by GhostLoad, 24 September 2012 - 02:25 AM.

[phillpower2]

Please leave the CPU in for the initial bare-bones test for the reasons that I provided earlier, you should only remove and inspect the CPU if you are still getting no display of any kind.

Your MB does not have a power test switch so please see the .jpeg below which shows the two pins that you will need to short out in order to activate the PSU.

Thanks for confirming the stand offs details.

Please refer to my previous reply #31 and follow the appropriate steps that you have not already done for the bare-bones test.

[GhostLoad]

Dear god this looks complicated and after spending 2 hours hooking everything up and making it all nice inside it seems like a nightmare taking it all apart to do this AND THEN spend hours more time re-assembling everything inside the case. Is there ~anything~ else I can do to troubleshoot before this bare bones test?

[phillpower2]

Sorry no there is no other way that you can do a comprehensive check yourself.

Do you have thermal paste to reapply to the CPU should that need to be removed for inspection.

[GhostLoad]

Yeah I've go extra thermal paste.

[phillpower2]

Ok then, take your time and reply when you can as we will be here should you have any questions.