computer beeps once and shuts down

I built a new computer with a Asus P5ND2-SLI motherboard, 2 megs ram, XFX
7900 GT SLI video card, sata hard drive and wanted to install xp pro. The computer boots up for about 5-6 seconds then beeps one beep and then shuts down. It is on the first screen that shows the Asus board name and is then supposed to go to the setup screen but beeps and then shuts down.
I can't find what is wrong with it that it shuts down. Can someone tell me or help me with what is wrong with this computer?

kmdala

 

Did you correctly apply the thermal paste on the heatsink? Is the heatsink mounted correctly? Is the heatsink fan running? Is the memory seated correctly and is it compatible with the motherboard?

 

I had a small amount of paste and used it but it may not have been enough, so I ordered me some more today. The fan is running and is seated tight and the memory is what Asus recommended for this board. This board is one that does not require a heatsink so I didn't think that I needed as much paste as normal. I double checked the seating of all the items and they all are seated good. I am going to wait until I get the paste and then apply it and retry to see if it will boot. Thanks for the help and when I get the paste and retry the computer I will let you know what happens.

 

Hi kmdala, I'm a little confused when reading this post. Surely a motherboard such as this one will need a heatsink between the CPU and the cooling fan? The specs I read mentioned heaps of room around the CPU which would allow for a large cooling fan/heatsink to be installed. The chipset has a large heatsink which will run without a fan. Neil.

 

The way I read the instructions for installation they stated that no heatsink was needed but I used one anyway. But used the paste that came with the new heatsink and fan and thought that it was not enough. So I purchased more paste and a new heatsink and fan and have received all of that but have not put the new items on as of yet. I might add that I do not have a lot of money to purchase new items (being retired on a fixed income) so I bid on items on ebay and all of the items except the memory were used items.
I checked everything and could not find any mistakes that I might have made in installing the new items. I have built several new systems over the years and felt that I was experienced enough to build this computer even though the items I was using were new to me.
I am planning to reinstall the motherboard and use the new heatsink and fan with new paste and see if the items will work. I have come to believe that the motherboard must have a bad chip. But for what I paid it will be cheaper to buy another motherboard that will use the memory and video card that send it to Asus to have repaired. I will advise you when I get it reassembled and let you know what happens.

 

Kmdala, I am in the same situation, retired and have enjoyed building PC's from used parts and some new parts when finances permit. Have you checked M/B pin connections to ensure that none are damaged/bent? I bought a stick of RAM which came with a faulty M/B and the guy said he couldn't get it to go and I was welcome to it. I only bid $30 and thought it would not be too big a loss. The RAM was put in an earlier PC I had built to increase it's memory and worked OK. I then had a look at the M/B and using a watchmakers glass, I found a bent pin in the #1 IDE connector and very carefully straightened it. To cut a long story short I ended up with another PC which is still going strong 2 years down the track. LOL with your project Neil.

 

You want the thinnest, most even amount of thermal compound. It is only to replace the gap between the CPU and the heatsink. It is not the most effective means of transferring heat. More is not better...you want to minimise the layer.

An air gap between the CPU and heatsink is an "insulator" (it stops thermal transfer). The thermal compound replaces that gap with a transfer medium. Thermal compound is the "best we can find" gap filler. It should be as thin as possible.

Matt

 

I installed the new heatsink and fan and used a thin layer of thermal paste.
Also I found that I had used a 4 prong power plug on the motherboard for the extra power. When I examined the board I saw that the four prong plug had a plastic cover over part of it and it was a 8 prong power plug. So when I reinstalled the motherboard I hooked the 8 prong plug up.
When the computer started it booted up the first try. I am not sure if it was the power plug (eight prong) or the new fan and heatsink with the thermal paste that made it work correctly. But I really thank everyone that replied to help me and hope that I can repay the favor some day.