Hardware Problem

[ChrisBCridder]

I am working on a computer for a guy and I have no idea why it is doing this.
When you push the power button, the cpu fan and power supply fan go on, but nothing else happens at all. No beep, no signal to monitor, Harddrive is silent. I have reseated the CPU, RAM, Data cables, no change.

I am frustrated because I just got done working on this computer reloading the OS. It worked just fine the last time I had it on. Then I gave it to the guy, and when he got home it did nothing. I now look like an idiot! Anyone got any ideas? HELP!!!

[davidw]

Offhand it sounds like a power supply issue. If you have power going to the hard drive, it will spin up, whether or not it has an IDE cable attached to it. My question is that - were there any storms that came after you gave the computer back? Or possibly power surges? You should at least get a post beep. If not there is an issue with either the power supply or the motherboard.

[ChrisBCridder]

I got to looking after reading your reply and noticed that the power supply was on 230V instead on 115V. Am I correct in thinking that all power supplies should be on 115V here in the US? Unfortunatly, when I switched it back I still have the same problems.

I will be trying a different power supply later tonight. I sure hope its not the Motherboard.

Thanks a bunch.

[ChrisBCridder]

Also, to answer your question, there was not any power surges or storms that I know of.

[davidw]

Try disconnecting everything off of the motherboard, except for the CPU/HSF, memory, and video. (Remove all IDE/Floppy cables). Also if the computer is a P4, make sure that the 4 pin (yellow/black) connector is hooked up to the motherboard. Here is an example ( http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/images/p4-connector-200x142.gif ) I had a similar incident one time because I forget to hook up that one 4 pin connector.

[ChrisBCridder]

To: christianb
Thanks so much. You got me out of a bind once again. I did what you said and unpluged everything from the motherboard. When I plugged it all back up, it fired off. It does not have a P4 in it so the 4 pin is left unplugged. Anyway, I am not sure why this problem happened but I have a hunch it was because the user switched it over to 230V. I am just praising God it was not anything major other than some frustrating moments.

I would like to make a small donation to this website. Is there a way to mail it to you? I am still leary of using my cc on the Internet.

Thanks again.

[davidw]

Sure...

http://www.christianboards.org/showthread.php?t=27 (post #2)