Having Problems with Your New Build?

Let’s say you’re building yourself a computer, and you cannot get it to start. Or, it starts up and gives you other errors and problems. Here are some common things that can go wrong, and how to correct them.

BIOS beep codes

• Make sure you have a case speaker connected. If you are getting 1 long continuous beep, this indicates the system can’t find usable RAM. Reseat the RAM, try different RAM, or try the RAM in a different DIMM slot.
• 1 long and 2 short beeps indicates video error. Reseat the video card or try another video card.

Nothing on the screen with no beeps

• Make sure the hs (heatsink) is installed properly, sits tight, and has thermal paste applied.
• Make sure the cpu fan is connected to the correct header on the motherboard.
• Clear the Cmos by unplugging the computer, removing the battery, and then move the clear cmos jumper from pins 1&2 to 2&3 for 10 minutes. Replace the battery, and move the jumper back to pins 1&2.
• Verify all motherboard jumpers are set correctly.
• Verify all case connections are correct ( case switch etc.)
• Verify the power supplies 20/24 pin and 4pin 12v are tightly seated to the motherboard.

Still won’t go

• Remove all drives and cards except the video. Now remove front sound and usb.
• Repeat the above.
• The idea here is to get the computer to post and boot into BIOS. If after doing the above, you are able to get into BIOS… let the computer idle in BIOS for a while and watch the temps and voltages.
• If everything appears normal, load the BIOS defaults and make sure to save and exit.
• Now add the drives and install Windows… then add the remaining cards.

Still won’t go

• Remove the motherboard from the case, and place on a piece of cardboard.
• Install only the CPU with hsf, 1 stick RAM in DIMM 1, the PSU, the video card, the case switch and the case speaker.
• Connect ps2 mouse and keyboard, along with the monitor.
• Power on.
• If the computer now boots into BIOS, you most likely had a case short. Make sure when installing the motherboard in the case that you use standoffs, and they line up with the mounting holes in the motherboard. None of the standoffs should touch anything else on the underside of the board.