The Official 'No image on screen with newly built system" thread

Discussion in 'Building a new PC' started by KillerBug, Feb 9, 2009.

  1. KillerBug

    KillerBug Active member

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    I noticed that about half of the posts here are about the same thing...new machine will not put image onto monitor. Seems like a good sticky to have.

    Here are a few things to try before posting:
    1.) Disconnect/remove everything not needed for post, this includes drives, cards, more than one stick of memory, case lights, USB/fireware headers.
    2.) Make sure all power connectors are connected. Most boards with 24-pin ATX connectors will start with a 20-pin connector...but not always. There are also other connectors. A 4-pin or 8-pin 12v connector is common, and some boards also need power from a molex or floppy power connector. Newer video cards also need power from a 6-pin connector on the card.
    3.) Reset CMOS, this fixes lots of problems.
    4.) Check for short circuits: the mainboard tray has stand-offs that the screws go into, make sure there are none touching the back of the mainboard. Also check for debris.
    5.) Make sure you have enough power; many power supplys have multple 12v "rail"s; if everything is trying to run off of one "rail" the system might not start.
    6.) Check video card seeting: some cheap cases might obstuct complete insertion of cards.
    7.) Check the jumpers: some boards are shipped with lots of jumpers, sometimes they are not in the correct place for your application.

    ...I am sure I forgot something; if a moderater wants to delete this & make a new post, he will not hurt my feelings.
     
  2. Shamb1es

    Shamb1es Regular member

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    This really should be stickied :p. Some good info in here. I fell into the "not plugging both the 8pin and 24pin connectors into the mobo" category.
     
  3. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Likewise, I'm guilty of #2 in the past, and also doing it for the 6-pin to the graphics card.
     

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