New Motherboard and CPU - won't boot!

I just installed a new MSI PM8M3-V with a new Pentium 4 CPU. The PC powers on, the CPU fan runs, but nothing comes up on the screen - no Bios, no image whatsoever. This is what I've done:

- Removed the memory modules, and reinstalled them separetly
- I also bought a new power supply, a Mad Dog 550w
- Reseated the CPU and heatsink/fan
- Cleared the CMOS

I am really frustrated by this. My video card is a month-old ATI 9600 Pro, and the monitor was purchased two months ago - a new Viewsonic. I'm leaning towards bad RAM, but I really don't want to spend money on memory and that not beling the problem.

Can anyone shed any light on this??? HELP!

 

Have you tried disconnecting all daughter cards (PCI) other than the video card and also disconnect the hard drives and CD etc. You should still get the POST screens (DOS like screens). It could be a faulty connection or poorly seated card causing the problem. If that is the case, you should successfully get to POST, with just the memory, CPU, PSU and video card connected.

 

ReggieB, thanks for the suggestion. I just disconnected all PCI cards, HDDs, and just booted with the video card, memory and CPU. Still will not post anything...

 

I would investigate the RAM further. If it uses DDR RAM, that is very common and you should be able to borrow some from another computer to try. Even a stick of 128Mb will be enough to use as a test.

If you are using a major brand of RAM, they will have a listing (comparitor) for your motherboard. Check if MSI has a list of compatible RAM.

If it has 4 RAM slots and they are different colours there will be a special way to arrange them (single or dual), but I suppose you have checked this.

I would expect that if the RAM is incompatible, the supplier should readily exchange it for another brand.

Matt

 

fsiaca:

I think everyone (including yourself) is suspicious re: your memory. Beg, borrow or barter for some good PC3200 and see what happens. that board apparantly has S3 on board video so you can also pull your ATI card just to eliminate it as a cause. Although its unlikely, its not impossible to short a video card by handling it improperly. Regardless, most "won't post" issues on new machines are video or memory.

 

Mattman/Rockster2u,

Last night I was able to borrow a PC3200 memory stick from a friend's machine (his PC is fairly new) and no post. I also removed the ATI video card and connected the monitor to the motherboard's integrated S3 video card - nothing. A couple of friends came over last night and we all started installing everything (including the CPU and heatsink) from scratch - nothing.

Barring any other recommendations, and now that it does not seem to be memory, I think I'll contact the motherboard's manufacturer.

Any other ideas? Thanks!

 

That sounds like a workable plan - Good Luck.

As a last ditch effort, I'd like you to try one thing with only one stick of memory installed. Unplug your machine from the power outlet. Open the case and disconnect the ATX power header from the mainboard. Now, locate that CMOS jumper by the battery and move the jumper from pins 1&2 to pins 2&3. Wait about 20 seconds and rejumper back to 1&2. Reconnect the ATX power header to the mainboard and plug your machine's power cord back into an outlet. Now, try starting while continually tapping the Delete key. Did anything different happen?

 

Rockster2u, thanks - I tried your suggestion and nada, zilch. I already requested an RMA from MSI and I'm waiting for their response.

I have simply given up...

 

I have in the past had problems when trying to run a new motherboard with an old power supply. Using an incorrect power supply has broken the motherboard. However, when I then tried a new power supply, the broken motherboard broke the new power supply. Then the replacement motherboard was broken by the broken power supply .... I think you can see where I am going.

If I were you, I'd RMA the power supply too.

 

You have probably checked, but make certain that the CPU is compatible. Check the CPU listings at MSI (if it isn't you will have exactly the same problem with the replacement board).

 

When all else fails, boot with nothing but the cpu and heatsink mounted on the mainboard. If this bare combo is "workable" you should be getting bios beeps all over the place. One repeating single beep for RAM problem and IIRC, something like two long, one short for video card problems.

You didn't mention any bios beeps in your prior posts and that surprised me. The problems thrown around in the posts above should be giving you bios beep codes up the "wazoo ".

If you try to post with only the cpu mounted (that's all) and you don't get any bios beeps, then your cpu/mainboard setup has "serious issues ".
IE:
- defective cpu
- defective mainboard
- defective power supply (though you said the fans are spinning)
- possible mainboard electrical short?

And these beeps should come regardless of how you have mainboard jumpers set up as these are fundamental tests like "does the patient have all its organs? "

I've only build AMD rigs but I assume that the above also applies to Intel setups. Good luck!

Gary

 

I just wanted to close this post out - I returned the motherboard to the manufacturer via an RMA and they replaced it, though they never told me what was wrong. Once I received the new one my system booted right away. Thanks to evertone who gave me suggestions.