RS, Help! =/ Built a computer that is SERIOUSLY boggling my mind!
 

Hey guys, so I'd say I'm familiar with myself inside a computer when it comes to installation and building, as I've built 2 rigs this past year before this one.

I had to build a budgetish computer for my dad that would last for about 5+ years as his prev. dell just crapped out after 7 long years!

Anyway so I picked out some parts and bought them from NCIX, recycling only afunctional GeForce 6800 (he doesn't game) from the previous computer.

All parts were purchased at NCIX and as follows:

-i5 760 2.8ghz
-MSI P55A-G55 mobo
-Kingston 64GB SSDNOW V-SERIES drive
-2x2GB G.Skill Ripjaw 1600 9-9-9-24 RAM
-Antec Sonata III case + 500W PSU (same package)
-GeForce 6800 (recycled)

Problem:

So I build the thing, as I usually do.. and no problems getting everything to fit in the case, etc

I turned on the computer at the end of it all, only to see that it turns off in a split second (i'd estimate about 300ms after being turned on) and sits for 3 seconds and boots up again and turns off immediately again.. It goes in a reboot cycle until I turn the damn PSU off in the back..

Okay, so faulty PSU, fuck!, so I try hooking it up to my 750W corsair PSU I got on my computer and everything works...

I RMA the PSU at NCIX, took it in today, and the guy hooks it up to a mobo with all the components they had there, and it works and the guy gives me an "r u retarded" look and I felt pretty stupid...

So the PSU isn't dead? I guess not.... I got home and connect the naked PSU into the mobo (nothing installed to the case just b/c I'm trying to see if it's really working or not). It boots up and works, no problems, I'm like whoa I must've tripped and forgot a wire or something...

Ok, so I'm all happy it's working again... So I install the PSU into the case, and mount the mobo+parts inside... and turn on the computer.. SAME PROBLEM: cycling reboots WTF... I've tried disconnecting my CD-ROM drive, unplugging the case's front panel HDD light, audio, power button, all that shit.. it comes down to if the parts are installed in the case, it doesn't work and if parts are outside the case it works!....

TL;DR:

Parts assembled in case - cycle reboots
Parts assembled outside of case - works fine

help me out, antec's tech support line is down until tomorrow and I wanna get a solution by tonight, already wasted 2 days trying to figure this out!!

Probably a short somewhere. I've had similar where a screw or two would short the entire thing out. Unmount everything the motherboard (remove screws) and add the screws back one by one. Once one goes in, try booting it up. If it works, shut it down, next screw. I'm suggesting this on the assumption that it works in the case when it's not mounted down.

Check the brass standoffs are in the right locations and there are no extras.

Yeah something is shorting out.

That's what I thought too, but I tried turning it on w/ the mobo inside the case, without screws and no workie.

Get this.. just tried to turn on the computer w/ the mobo assembled outside of the case, and the PSU inside the case.. it worked..

So as it was still on, I tried to put the mobo in the case, AND IT TURNS OFF MID AIR!!

might have touched the inside wall of the case with my mobo... but either way.. wtf is going on?

I put a few extra b/c i wasn't sure..

I will try taking em off.

Is this causing a short?

short
 

definitely sounds like a short say a wire that's not firmly connecting? Like a lose wire. Check to make sure all the wires in the connector are firmly in place.

TY rs, figured out it was just too many copper things on the case causing a short i guess lol, took half of em out and now the computer boots, although the mobo could be on a bit tighter!

What do you mean too many coppper things on the case?

The stuff u put on to screw the mobo on to the case

Yeah only put as many as the mobo needs next time.
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take everything out and put it back in again...

figure out the size of the board
and screw in the copper stands, your case should have markings where the screw goes. it tells you the size of the motherboard and you should put a screw here and there

Is that you Justin? (op) it's me Matt
Anyways for troubleshooting taking everything apart and reinstalling does it for me most of the time.
Always try something new such as swapping components which do work or dusting.


I like ncix because they wont charge you a dime if it's easy for them to figure out the problem. Who cares if they think you're retarted, its free :)
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yooo HAHAA sup!!! yes its mee