New Build doesn't post

[jukeboxjoe]

It's been several years since I've built a new computer and I have several sources of confusion. I have power, but no POST. I checked the Floppy cable, Re-seated all the ram and video card.

I built an Socket 759 based system with a Sempron 64bit using a Gigabyte GA_K8U motherboard. I bought Dual Channel DDR 400 and the board isn't dual channel. I was told by someone I thought knew a bit about computers that Dual Channel works like single channel and that DualChannel=DDR to a non dual channel board. Is that true?

Also, have never used SATA drive. My power supply has an SATA connector and the drive itself has both connector options. Do I need to hook all the connectors..ie, 4 pin, Sata power from the power supply and the serial cable to the motherboard?

Finally, the processor isn't heating up at all. But I assume (Oh God that word) that's because there is no load on it yet since it hasn't POSTed.

Any help appreciated. I'll ask the manufacturers if no response here, but you guys and gals are usually pretty much faster than they are. And often more knowledgeable.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BadThad]

Originally posted by: jukeboxjoe
It's been several years since I've built a new computer and I have several sources of confusion. I have power, but no POST. I checked the Floppy cable, Re-seated all the ram and video card.

I built an Socket 759 based system with a Sempron 64bit using a Gigabyte GA_K8U motherboard. I bought Dual Channel DDR 400 and the board isn't dual channel. I was told by someone I thought knew a bit about computers that Dual Channel works like single channel and that DualChannel=DDR to a non dual channel board. Is that true?

Dual channel just combines the bandwidth over 2 channels. Dual channel modules are just a matched pair, nothing more. It's just plain, old DDR ram that will run as single or dual channel....depending on if the mobo supports dual channel or not.

Also, have never used SATA drive. My power supply has an SATA connector and the drive itself has both connector options. Do I need to hook all the connectors..ie, 4 pin, Sata power from the power supply and the serial cable to the motherboard?

You either use the SATA power connector OR the molex connector on the hard drive, it doesn't matter. You don't need to connect both to the hard drive.

Finally, the processor isn't heating up at all. But I assume (Oh God that word) that's because there is no load on it yet since it hasn't POSTed.

Any help appreciated. I'll ask the manufacturers if no response here, but you guys and gals are usually pretty much faster than they are. And often more knowledgeable.

Thanks in advance.

Did you connect the 12V (square plug) from the PS to the mobo? Also, is the CPU fan connected to the CPU FAN header on the mobo?

 

[UMfanatic2k6]

I know for a fact that if you connect more than one power connector to a hard drive it will start an electrical fire, I know somebody who had a motherboard that came with a PATA to SATA adapter for the harddrive and plugged power into the adapater and into the hard drive directly and it started to catch fire and left a huge scortch mark on the HDD, the 12v could be part of it, dont worry about the Dual Channel that seems to be the least of your worries if you can get it to post. Try a different power supply, also try a different video card. most likely it is your powersupply if nothing posts, at worst case your MOBO is bad.

 

[jukeboxjoe]

Many thanks for the replies. I got a new power supply and will check to see where the 12 volt plug goes. I'm using a Gigabyte GA-K8U with the Uli chipset and I just don't see a plug for the 4 pin plug on the board. Sys fan is plugged in and works with new power supply. All the lights come on and processor fan, Vid card fan, HDD and all power up.

The Geil ram site doesn't list the Uli chipset as being supported, though. Hmmm. I'm building 2 boxes and will order a different vid card and try it out. I'm on the road now and will see in a few days what's up.

Again, many thanks for the replies. Gigabyte basically said if the board doesn't post, RMA it to Newegg. Waiting on a response from Geil about the compatability deal.

And thanks for the warning about the fire on the SATA drive potential.

Just bought the house and don't wanna burn it down. My 15 yr old would be pissed! HA.

 

[BadThad]

I'm using a Gigabyte GA-K8U with the Uli chipset and I just don't see a plug for the 4 pin plug on the board.

Man, some mfg's aren't following the specs! I've seen a few other mfg's cheap-out and not put the connector on the mobo.....that is suck. Modern CPU's need that 12V line for smooth operation.

 

[UMfanatic]

some older giga-byte or non nForce boards dont have the 12v connector. I would definitely recommend that you get a motherboard with a 12v