[DeclanW]

Hi Folks,

I decided to build myself a new PC - I have done it before, and I am having problems getting it to boot.
M/Board=ASUS M4A88T-M/USB3
CPU=AMD Phenom II X4 955
RAM=4GB Patriot (2x2Gb) PC3-10666 1333Mhz
The Case is an iCute that held my previous working XP-based PC.
New Power supply bought too (500W).
I'm sure the cables are all plugged in correctly.
When I power up, the DRAM LED blinks & the DVD drive tries to read a disk.
I gave it the ASUS disk but it won't read it.
It will not even boot of my XP hard drive.
My Monitor, Keyboard & mouse are never detected.
I have tried it outside the case, and it makes no difference.

The M/B, CPU & RAM came as a bundle, but I'm starting to wonder if the RAM is not compatible.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Declan

[Tyrsonswood]

That Motherboard doesn't like that RAM..... OR there's a bad stick, try one at a time.

Does your board have a button that's meant to resolve that compatibility issue (I don't remember what they call it) I have almost the same board. M4A88T-V EVO/USB3

[Tipstaff]

Originally Posted by Tyrsonswood

That Motherboard doesn't like that RAM..... OR there's a bad stick, try one at a time.

Does your board have a button that's meant to resolve that compatibility issue (I don't remember what they call it) I have almost the same board. M4A88T-V EVO/USB3

MemOK. On that board it should be located right next to the main ATX power connector. Be sure to read the manual on the proper use of the button (I can't remember if you need too press it during bootup, after the machine boots up, or before you power on).

@DeclanW
On the same note, you mentioned you tried the board outside the case, so I take it you had none of the front panel or internal headers hooked up. One thing I would suggest (along with both of Tyrsons suggestions) is to disconnect everything you don't need to post. That means disconnect (from the motherboards side) all hard drive cables, as well as any devices or add-in cards you don't need such as video card (use the built in onboard video), audio card, and the like. Essentially, go back to bare essentials, and work your way up from there.

BTW, double check that you have the power cables hooked up properly, that being that you are using the 4pin ATX 12v connector to the motherboard, and haven't mixed it up, instead using one of the 4pin/6pin (4x2 breakaway)/8pin (4x4 breakaway) PCIE graphics card power connectors. It's very common for people to mistake them for that 4pin ATX connector.

[Tyrsonswood]

Yeah.... That's it "MemOK"....... I had a run in with this same thing on my board, tried the MemOK and it tried to match the RAM but would go back to flashing LED. I tried one stick and it booted, tried the other and it was DOA. New RAM and no problems since. I'm running 2X4gig Corsair XMS3 RAM.

(this is not the system in my specs in case anybody looks there, it's a secondary setup)

[DeclanW]

Thanks Guys, but I've been through all this - today I took delivery of new ram from the QVL (Kingston) and it still won't boot. All the right cables in all the right sockets. My new power supply names them :-) I don't even have any external boards installed. Just m/b, processor, ram, dvd, hdd, case. The case was working perfectly with my previous board. When trying this externally I still have the front pwr, reset, ide & PLED cable connected.
I'm in despair with this thing - sorry I ever saw it. I've been in the computer industyr for 25 years and not had this much bother.
I cannot afford to keep buying more bits.... to narrow it down. All thats left if the new CPU & M/B.

Declan

[Tyrsonswood]

Core unlocker switch is off I would imagine. You still get the flashing LED? Did you try "MemOk"? Are you getting any fans? What about beep codes with no RAM installed? Also try it on the bench W/ no case just to rule out shorting to the case somehow.

If you've access to similar systems try mobo and CPU swapping......

[Tipstaff]

Originally Posted by Tyrsonswood

Core unlocker switch is off I would imagine.

Given that I build Intel machines mostly, I have to ask: would it really matter that it's off? Isn't that a good thing as it means it's not failing to unlock cores?

@DeclanW: Something I just thought of. You probably already did this, but did you check the CPU pins to make sure none are broken or bent, or at least reseat the CPU? Even if you were careful not to damage them it's quite possible they were already damaged before you even bought it. I know.. 25 years experience... but I had to mention it.

[Tyrsonswood]

@Tipstaff................... It shouldn't matter It's an X4 processor and there aren't any cores to unlock. That doesn't mean the MOBO wouldn't try if the unlock switch was on.... It's a grasp, I know, but less than a second to check, No?