rec.autos.simulators

by **Sjon Stigte** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

If it's really a power problem then why does the Voodoo3 bios appear, which
indicates that it's running and why are the fans running then?

-- Sjon

> Disconnect the lead from the switch to the MB, then touch the two pins on
> the MB that the lead covered with a piece of metal (the end of a
> screwdriver) as soon as the system powers on move the screwdriver away and
> see if it stays on. If so, the problem is with the switch or the wire
lead.
> As you've described it, this problem is definately power related, can't be
> memory, CPU, etc 'cause if they weren't connected properly the system
> wouldn't light. If the system still powers down after 3 or 4 seconds then
> disconnect all peripherals get down to MB, CPU, RAM, Video Card and power
it
> on. If it still powers down after 3 or 4 seconds then get the MB, CPU,
RAM,
> Video Card on the bench (out of the case) with a different Power Supply
and
> test. Odds are you won't get to the last step.

> > The manual for the Abit BP6 certainly seems to indicate it's possible,
> > simply by stating that you have the option of only using one socket 370
> > processor if you like.

> > 'Tis quite the mystery, isn't it?

> > Burke

> > >The question will be or the BP6 is capable of running with one
processor.
> > >The Asus slot 1 motherboards come with a bridge to bypass the second
slot
> > so
> > >it can run on 1 processor, I am not sure or the BP6 can do this,
> especially
> > >if it has no bridge included....

> > >-- Sjon

by **Simon Brow** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

It's almost definitely the lack of a second CPU that's stopping it booting
up. If something is connected wrong, you will get to see the first bios
screen usually. If it doesn't get that far, it usually means a CPU or
memory problem.
It will proabably say in your motherboard manual whether the boards needs
two CPUs, or if it can run with one.

by **Eldre** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

>But that info regarding the ATX switch is something I didn't know. Hmmm.....
>I've noticed that during that preliminary 4 seconds before the system shuts
>itself down, I can't turn the system off before then, by pressing the power
>switch. Once the system has shut itself down after that 4 seconds (for
>whatever reason), then I've simply been unplugging the power cord from the
>wall (just to be safe). And each time I try something different (like
>unplugging & replugging an IDE cable), I simply replug the power cord back
>into the wall. The system then comes on automatically, without me having to
>press the power switch. Hmmmm.... Does this mean that the power switch is
>"stuck" in the "on" position? Gosh, maybe that's it afterall. How do I check
>a switch to see if it's bad? Or have I just done that, by stating what I
>just wrote (lol).... And if this is in fact the culprit, is there a way I
>can temporarily bypass the power switch to see if the system will stay on?
>(I tried disconnecting the small wire to the power switch, but that made no
>difference).

Maybe you have the wrong front panel wires connected. In other words the
switch button wasn't actually plugged into the right place on the motherboard.
Maybe you have the HD led plugged in there, or something... That would
complete the circuit, and appear to the mobo that you were holding in the power
switch - so it shuts off...
Yes, I'm just guessing...<g>

Eldred
--
Tiger Stadium R.I.P. 1912-1999
Own Grand Prix Legends? Goto http://gpl.gamestats.com/vroc

Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you
with experience...
Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

by **Burke Well** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

Ok guys, I've briefly viewed a momentarily glimpse of success. But like I
say, it was brief.

I thought the "reseating the cpu & memory" sounded like a good idea, and it
was something I hadn't thought of, so I unplugged the system, removed the
cpu & memory dimm, then replaced them. I then removed the 3.5" floppy drive
ribbon cable from the harddrive, and removed the power cable from that
particular drive. (thinking I'd eliminate one drive at a time, just to
see....) And to my glorious surprise, when I plugged up the power cord into
the wall this time, the system did not instantly come to life as it had
been. What I mean is, this time I actually had to push the power button to
start the system (as I've mentioned before, simply plugging the power cord
into the wall on previous attempts had instantly started the system with no
need to hit the power button).

This time, after seeing the "Voodoo 3000 bios" flash up, I heard that
beautiful sound of one beep being sounded by the pc speaker (HOORAY!!), then
the system detected my cpu & began to count my memory. Then at the bottom of
the screen, it said "Press F1 to continue or hit 'del' to enter setup".

At this point I was so shocked that I was this far, that I looked into the
case to take another look at what I had done differently. As I did so, I
noticed the unattached ribbon cable was laying on the edge of the
motherboard itself, so I went to move it slightly, and as I did so..... the
system cut off again. I realized I had slightly brushed the small group of
wires that make up the lights & switchs on the front panel. Puzzled, I
gently brushed these wires again, and the system fired up once again. (?!!!)
Then it went off again.

I think the problem appears to be some type of short amongst these 5 small
wires/connectors that include the power switch, power led, reset switch,
harddrive led, and pc speaker. I had several more successful attempts at
keeping the system on up until the "enter setup" screen appeared, simply by
jiggling this group of wires, but I was unable to maintain it for long. And
at the moment, I can't even get that far again. If I'm correct in thinking
that the whole problem is indeed a short in this area, I'm having a very
tough time pinpointing the exact location of the problem. Not sure what I'll
do exactly if & when I do find it.

Thanks again to everyone making suggestions. I'm learning a lot here, and
you are really a swell bunch of folks. I feel like I'm close now. Hopefully
I'll get it here shortly.

Burke

by **daxe** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

take off all of them except the power switch and speaker (to hear beep
codes, if any.) It will run fine without all of that stuff. Then reattach
them one at a time to help pinpoint the trouble.

~daxe

by LL » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

1) Remove your HD and floppy cables and check to see if you reach the
BIOS...

1a) If you do : Your HD or floppy cables are not connected proper, check
that
1b) If you don't

1ba) Check your memory, it must be clipped *** the MB
1bb) Check your jumper settings for CPU speed, voltage, AGP speed....
1bc) Check your BIOS chip, push *** it to put it down FIRMLY on the MB

2) Try putting another video board
3) try putting another CPU
4) Try putting another RAM module (if you have more than one then replace
them of after another)

5) Your MB is dead (assuming 2 3 and 4 failed)

> I'm trying to build my own new computer, primarily for enhanced
performance
> (fps) in GPL. I've purchased all the components, followed instructions to
> the letter in manuals, tutorials, etc, and assembled everything. But I've
> got a mysterious problem that I just can't figure out....

> When I cut the system on, it automatically shuts down after 3 or 4
seconds.

> Here's a list of what I've got.....

> Enlight 7237 ATX case
> Abit BP6 dual socket 370 motherboard
> Celeron 500Mhz cpu w/heatsink & fan
> 128Mg PC133 DIMM
> Quantum Fireball Plus KA 7,200rpm 9.1GB harddrive
> Creative Labs SB Live soundcard
> Creative Labs PCWorks Fourpoint Surround sound 5pc speaker system
> w/subwoofer
> Voodoo 3 3000 pci card
> 3com US Robotics modem
> Samsung cdrom
> Samsung 3.5" floppy drive

> (haven't attached the modem, soundcard, or speakers yet)

> After getting everything hooked up to where I thought everything should
go,
> I hesitantly, & nervously, fired 'er up..... (with the sides of the case
> off, so I could carefully view anything that might go wrong, like a fan
not
> spinning, scary noise, lights not working, etc....)

> There was instantly the pleasant sound of power going to the system, the
> power led came on, and the case fan began to spin. And instantly on the
> screen I saw "Voodoo 3 3000 BIOS" & some other small text that I didn't
> quite catch...(Woo-hoo!!!). Then, after only 3 or 4 seconds, everything
shut
> off.... (uh-oh....oh no...) Hmmm........

> I'm guessing that evidently, the motherboard has some type of safety
feature
> that protects itself by shutting itself down if it detects something is
not
> connected properly, or just not right. That seems to be what's happening.
> Because I then can't get the power to come back on until a couple of
minutes
> have passed. It's almost like it's cooling itself down or something, but
it
> wasn't on long enough to get any heat into anything. Interesting......

> I've doublechecked all my work, and simply can't find anything visibly
> wrong. I've checked all the jumpers, and they seem to be properly set as
> well.

> Here's what happens during the 4 seconds before the system shuts itself
off
> automatically.....

> All the fans start spinning
> The power led lights
> The cdrom led lights & I hear it's drive come alive
> The harddrive led does NOT light up
> "Voodoo 3 3000 BIOS" appears on the screen in small dos text

> Then it all shuts off.

> Sorry for rambling on so. I'm just trying to provide some detail as to the
> problem. I'm going nuts trying to figure out what it could be. If anyone
has
> any experience with this type of problem or knows what I'm talking about,
> please let me know what I may have done wrong.

> Thanks in advance,

> Burke Wells

by **Stan Mars** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

In responce to your above comments. No the BP6 doesnt need a CPU bridge,
and the board will automatically detect the chips (you only have to change
it if you want to overclock) . The reason why it turns off is because the
switch is staying closed. As soon as it is turned on the v3, fans and
everything else get power. The switch doesnt re-open and after 4 seconds it
shuts down. Thats what I think anyway.
Pete

by **Simon Brow** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

It sounds like either your case is faulty or you've got some of those wires
connected wrong. Your number one resource for fixing this problem is your
motherboard manual, so don't neglect it. Also see if the shop where you
bought your case and motherboard will test them free of charge.

by **Eldre** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

writes:

Didn't he try plugging in the system without the power switch connected? The
system came on by itself...

Eldred
--
Tiger Stadium R.I.P. 1912-1999
Own Grand Prix Legends? Goto http://gpl.gamestats.com/vroc

Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you
with experience...
Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

by **Burke Well** » Mon, 08 May 2000 04:00:00

Even with the power switch wire disconnected, plugging the power cord into
the outlet continues to power up the system (?)..... should this be
happening?

Burke

>> Ok guys, I've briefly viewed a momentarily glimpse of success. But like I
>> say, it was brief.

>> I think the problem appears to be some type of short amongst these 5
small
>> wires/connectors that include the power switch, power led, reset switch,
>> harddrive led, and pc speaker

>take off all of them except the power switch and speaker (to hear beep
>codes, if any.) It will run fine without all of that stuff. Then reattach
>them one at a time to help pinpoint the trouble.

>~daxe

by **Burke Well** » Sat, 13 May 2000 04:00:00

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded within this thread. Yes, I
finally solved my problem, and I'm ashamed to say that it turned out to be a
foolish amateur mistake that I made during my assembly of my new computer.
The risers that clipped to the case tray at various locations, (allowing me
to align & attach my motherboard to the tray), were made of metal, and I had
accidently placed one under one corner of the board where there turned out
to be no aligning hole with the motherboard. This just happened to be the
location of the board where the small connectors attached for the front
panel items like the reset switch, hdd led, and yes, the power switch.
Obviously, the small metal riser was simply creating an electrical
connection between the small connector tabs protruding through the back side
of the board, therefore maintaining a constant power source as long as the
power supply was receiving power. Luckily, my board was shutting itself down
after 4 seconds of this, therefore preventing damage to the board.

I discovered all of this as I was disassembling the computer, with the
intention of returning the motherboard. Instantly recognizing the error, I
reassembled and the problem was solved.

I heartily apologize for wasting everyone's time with this, as I certainly
appreciated everyone's thoughts and responses. This was the first time I had
ever attempted building my own pc, and I am embarrassed by such a silly
mistake.

Thanks again for you time,

Burke Wells

by **daxe** » Sat, 13 May 2000 04:00:00

Hey you actually figured out what was wrong before you even knew it!
Remember speculating that the power switch was stuck 'on' after I mentioned
the 4 second ATX power supply delay?

Ya live and learn. I doubt there isn't a one of us in here who hasn't made
a silly/naive mistake at one point or another.

Glad you're up and running.

~daxe

by **Eldre** » Sun, 14 May 2000 04:00:00

>I heartily apologize for wasting everyone's time with this, as I certainly
>appreciated everyone's thoughts and responses. This was the first time I had
>ever attempted building my own pc, and I am embarrassed by such a silly
>mistake.

Hey, forgetaboutit... It was an interesting mystery. Well, my guess was
CLOSE, anyway...<g>

Eldred
--
Tiger Stadium R.I.P. 1912-1999
Own Grand Prix Legends? Goto http://gpl.gamestats.com/vroc

Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you
with experience...
Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

rec.autos.simulators

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