Computer Is Not Turning On

[MelodiousUltra]

Today, I received my new video card in the mail so I decided to try and install it into my current custom computer. However, the cable management was so terrible that I had to unplug a few obstructing cables since the HD 5850 was as long as the motherboard. I don't remember which ones but I think it is probable that they may have been the motherboard and CPU connectors. Next I had to plug 2 6-pin PCI-E power connectors into the HD 5850. After that, I tried to turn it on but it wouldn't turn on.

For the last 6 hours or so, it has been a routine of unplugging cables (all the cables in my computer: SATA, power, etc.), pushing the reset and on/off button, and I also took the power supply out and put it back in once (and I rerouted some cables). I tried to touch the case with any part of my body when possible (usually elbows, fingers, palm, etc.). A few times I may have unplugged cables and installed components when the power supply was plugged in. More recently, my dad took a look at the problem but he kept thinking it was the CPU fan, thinking it was loose but I never touched the fan and this morning, it worked. Another hypothesis he formulated was that stray connectors or cables were touching other components and such but to be honest, I have no clue. He dealt with the CPU fan very harshly and I believe the action was uncalled for but he started banging the fan with the screwdriver handle, and it appeared as if he was exerting too much physical pressure on the fan. Still, I think the computer should turn on regardless if the CPU heatsink or fan is tight or loose because when it is loose, the computer should turn on and then notify the user of the temperature and turn off automatically.

But, when I try to turn the computer on, the fans don't move, no sound is emitted from the computer, and there is a green light that is on, and I'm not sure if the light means the motherboard is still alive or not. And I still have some skepticism towards the state of my other components, such as my power supply.

At the moment, I am using a laptop while my dad is still scratching his head.

Any suggestions?

 

[theonedub]

Did you unplug the power button cable?

 

[erocker]

Did you unplug the power button cable?

It could be on backwards too. I've done it.

 

[blkhogan]

Did you try to put your original gfx back in and try it? Do you have the motherboard power plugged in? Did you pull your CMOS battery/reset BIOS after you changed the card?

 

[p_o_s_pc]

try the old GPU the new one maybe DOA and shorting the PSU out.

 

[Timonthy]

Well, is the ATX 4-pin plugged in?
Id reinstall the fan thiough, especially if it is the psuh pin kind. I had a machine that wouldnt power on simply due to the fan being installed incorrectly.

 

[Asylum]

Has to be something simple like one of the cables not all the way in or the power button cable plugged in wrong as stated before.

 

[Laurijan]

Try running the PC with minimum stuff connected to the motherboard like with one memory stick only if you have more and so on.

 

[eidairaman1]

try the old GPU the new one maybe DOA and shorting the PSU out.

If the machine refuses to boot, the card could be grounding on the chassis. Basically the card slot plate could be connecting the motherboard edge to the chassis; or a contact on backside of the board might be making contact on the chassis. Usually what works for me in this situation is I take the board out of the case and bench run it after the CMOS has been cleared, If it boots then the system is grounding out. Another point I've had a power switch contact at the switch itself break and cause erratic boot ups. Also another thing I just wonder if this person took ESD Precautions such as grounding himself on the case before he touched any components. ESD is usually what kills a component right before it is ever installed and that is usually what causes a DOA incident.

 

[segalaw19800]

If the machine refuses to boot, the card could be grounding on the chassis. Basically the card slot plate could be connecting the motherboard edge to the chassis; or a contact on backside of the board might be making contact on the chassis. Usually what works for me in this situation is I take the board out of the case and bench run it after the CMOS has been cleared, If it boots then the system is grounding out. Another point I've had a power switch contact at the switch itself break and cause erratic boot ups. Also another thing I just wonder if this person took ESD Precautions such as grounding himself on the case before he touched any components. ESD is usually what kills a component right before it is ever installed and that is usually what causes a DOA incident.

You don't know how many board I kill!!! For not grounding to the chassis man 12 too many!!

 

[eidairaman1]

You don't know how many board I kill!!! For not grounding to the chassis man 12 too many!!

Its not grounding to the chassis that kills components- atleast in my instances, it is ESD that kills stuff- Ive killed ram and a video card via ESD

 

[MelodiousUltra]

I put the original video card back in and it still wouldn't power up.
I touched the internal metal material from time to time.
I did not wear anything but cotton (I don't like wool, especially when working around electronics).
I think the power button cable is plugged in.
The letters are facing downwards on the power cable.

I didn't and haven't pulled the CMOS battery nor reset BIOS after installing the new video card.

Also, I am sending the computer over to someone else's house to have them look at the computer and please continue to tell me what you think may be the problem. The more information the better informed I and the person looking at my computer will be.

 

[segalaw19800]

Its not grounding to the chassis that kills components- atleast in my instances, it is ESD that kills stuff- Ive killed ram and a video card via ESD

I know.... that what i mean.... ESD kill my other boards for not grounding

 

[eidairaman1]

Wearing any kind of gloves can build up static, Id recommend not wearing any.

I put the original video card back in and it still wouldn't power up.
I touched the internal metal material from time to time.
I did not wear anything but cotton (I don't like wool, especially when working around electronics).
I think the power button cable is plugged in.
The letters are facing downwards on the power cable.

I didn't and haven't pulled the CMOS battery nor reset BIOS after installing the new video card.

Also, I am sending the computer over to someone else's house to have them look at the computer and please continue to tell me what you think may be the problem. The more information the better informed I and the person looking at my computer will be.

 

[Kantastic]

Unplug the case's power/reset/LED cables and try powering up the system by shorting the power+- pins.

I never take grounding seriously, I've probably opened up the case of 5 computers over 50 times in the past 6 months and I've never properly grounded myself nor did I take any precautions in terms of preventing static electricity from harming my components. Nothing has ever died on me, ever.

 

[eidairaman1]

Unplug the case's power/reset/LED cables and try powering up the system by shorting the power+- pins.

I never take grounding seriously, I've probably opened up the case of 5 computers over 50 times in the past 6 months and I've never properly grounded myself nor did I take any precautions in terms of preventing static electricity from harming my components. Nothing has ever died on me, ever.

Lucky you but dont be cocky because it does happen.

 

[segalaw19800]

LIke me... man

 

[theonedub]

At this point I would remove all the wires and do it all over (making sure each is fully inserted and in the correct manner). Might as well do some good cable management while you have everything disconnected too.

As for ESD, just touch the case- takes 1 second and you are golden.

 

[segalaw19800]

Take pic so you know ware they go

 

[MelodiousUltra]

What I meant by wearing only cotton was something comfortable I would prefer to wear when at home.

Also, should I register my lifetime warranty with XFX immediately or do you think I should do something else?

There is a myth that is debatable between my dad's opinion and my opinion that the computer won't even start up (meaning fans won't start, nothing works) if the CPU heatsink or fan is installed incorrectly or loose. Is it true?

EDIT: You want me to take a picture?

 

[Laurijan]

What I meant by wearing only cotton was something comfortable I would prefer to wear when at home.

Also, should I register my lifetime warranty with XFX immediately or do you think I should do something else?

There is a myth that is debatable between my dad's opinion and my opinion that the computer won't even start up (meaning fans won't start, nothing works) if the CPU heatsink or fan is installed incorrectly or loose. Is it true?

EDIT: You want me to take a picture?

My PC starts up without a CPU heatsink and a CPU fan connected. My baby is watercooled with a CPU block so no fan is required.

 

[MelodiousUltra]

Well, I think the parameter of the myth could be expanded to the meaning of having none or insufficient cooling as the culprit of a computer that doesn't turn on.

Should I register my XFX Radeon HD 5850 for its lifetime warranty immediately/ASAP?

 

[blkhogan]

If it turns out to be the new gfx card, you should be able to return it to the place you bought it from. Someone like New Egg gives you 30 days or so to return it for a new one.

 

[MelodiousUltra]

It's from eBay because Newegg doesn't have reference models. I guess I should just register then, right?

 

[Bassman_soundking]

Unplug the case's power/reset/LED cables and try powering up the system by shorting the power+- pins.

I never take grounding seriously, I've probably opened up the case of 5 computers over 50 times in the past 6 months and I've never properly grounded myself nor did I take any precautions in terms of preventing static electricity from harming my components. Nothing has ever died on me, ever.

I am careful with stuff as to not touch the wrong edges and parts as much as possible etc...that said like you I have never used gloves or straps etc... and no problems yet.