Re: Question for hardware experts...

Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f243j$5lh$[email hidden]... > I simply replug the power cord back > into the wall. The system then comes on automatically, without me havingto > press the power switch. Hmmmm.... Does this mean that the power switch is > "stuck" in the "on" position FWIW, an ATX power supply is NOT supposed to come on automatically after power interruption. Factor that info in to your troubleshooting. It sure would be handy to have another known good ATX power supply and/or case around to test for that. ~daxe

Here's an informative link for ATX power supplies: http://www.compute-aid.com/atxspec.html ~daxe

Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f1sq4$7vv$[email hidden]... > 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 anyonehas > any experience with this type of problem or knows what I'm talking about, > please let me know what I may have done wrong. My vote goes for double checking that you have the IDE and floppy cables oriented correctly, with the red stripe side of the cable on pin 1 of the MB header and also the drive connector. A backwards IDE cable can sometimes prevent a system from booting, a backwards floppy cable can create an almost instantaneous heatup, too. Try yanking all the cables (for drives) off the MB and then see if it will power up, do the POST and then stay running. Reattach the cables one at a time after that, checking after each. Take a poke through your BIOS and kill off all the power management features, too (ACPI, APM, etc.) Windows 9* puts its own power management into the system regardless of the BIOS settings anyway, IIRC. Coincidently, 3-4 seconds is also the length of time an ATX power supply needs to have its on/off switch held down to cut power, unless it is set to instant on/off in the BIOS. Could be a bad switch on the case. HTH, ~daxe

All the IDE connections on the motherboard only allow the ribbon cable ends to plug in one way, so I don't think they can be oriented wrong (but I did double check just to be sure of this). I've tried unplugging each device, one at a time, then connecting the power again, and I'm still getting the same results. No change. I can't do anything in the bios yet, simply because the system won't stay on long enough for me to get to the bios. 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). Thanks for all the suggestions, and feel free to keep 'em coming. I'm trying anything at the moment. I know I'll find it shortly (I hope ...) Burke daxe wrote in message <[email hidden]>... > >My vote goes for double checking that you have the IDE and floppy cables >oriented correctly, with the red stripe side of the cable on pin 1 of theMB >header and also the drive connector. A backwards IDE cable can sometimes >prevent a system from booting, a backwards floppy cable can create analmost

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>instantaneous heatup, too. > >Try yanking all the cables (for drives) off the MB and then see if it will >power up, do the POST and then stay running. Reattach the cables one at a >time after that, checking after each. > >Take a poke through your BIOS and kill off all the power management >features, too (ACPI, APM, etc.) Windows 9* puts its own power management >into the system regardless of the BIOS settings anyway, IIRC. > >Coincidently, 3-4 seconds is also the length of time an ATX power supply >needs to have its on/off switch held down to cut power, unless it is set to >instant on/off in the BIOS. Could be a bad switch on the case. > >HTH, > >~daxe > >

Sjon Stigter wrote in message <8f230m$m48$[email hidden]>... >If I understand correctly it turns itself off right after you see that V3 >bios message right? I don't get to see a CPU test, memory count, HD >detection right? That's correct. System shuts off automatically after approximately 4 seconds. >Make sure that the processor and the memory are pressed in their sockets >properly. The sockets use the "Socket 370" ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket, which basically allowed me to simply place the processor in the socket then push down the lever to lock it into place. So I don't believe it can be loose. I double checked the DIMM as well, and it's in solidly. Even tried it in each of the 3 available dimm slots. No difference.

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>You say you have a Abit BP6 dual socket 370 mobo, does that mean it has 2 >sockets for processors?? If so and you only have one processor inserted and >one of the slots is empty you will need a socalled 'bridge' which you must >insert in the second, not used processor slot. This is a small plate which >should be inserted in the second slot. I found out when I had to put a dual >p3 700 mhz system together at work last month, I was wondering what that >weird plate was (and especially why I had it left after putting the system >together, hehe), after reading the manual I found out :) This small bridge >should be included with the mobo..... You also might want to try switching >the processor to the other slot.

Yes, it has 2 sockets, and no, I don't have this 'bridge" piece you mention. Hadn't heard of that. It didn't come with the motherboard and there's no mention of it in the manual for the BP6. That's interesting, though. How odd. I did try switching the processor to the other socket, though. No difference. >Make sure the multiplier and busspeed for the celeron have been set >correctly (7,5 * 66). The multiplier of the intel cpu's are locked, setting >it to for instance 8 will prevent the cpu from booting. Some mobo's use >jumpers on the motherboard for this, others use to set this option in the >bios. Well, I'm not so sure about this. Seeing how I've not made it to the bios yet, I know it's not been messed with there. This motherboard uses the CPU Soft Menu II feature, which eliminates the need for jumpers of DIP switches to set the CPU parameters. I assumed the CPU settings would be auto detected upon the initial bootup and would remain that way unless I changed them in the bios later, but like I said, just haven't gotten that far yet. >My biggest guess is that it's something related to the processor, if it was >a memory problem it should start beeping through the system speaker. If it >was a HD problem it should have carried on testing the cpu, memory andwould

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>run into problems much later on when booting (when detecting the disks but >you should have seen the cpu test and the memory count already by then). > >Something else now... why did you buy 133 mhz ram? A Celeron runs at 66 mhz >bus, which means that the memory also runs at 66 mhz, half of what it was >designed for... Unless you want to overclock but then it would mean that in >order to get full price out of the memory you would have to run at 7,5 *

133

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>= 997,5 mhz, something which you won't achieve :) PC66 mhz would have been >fine if you don't tend to overclock the cpu, if you want to overclock PC100 >memory would have been fine, you could run at 7,5 * 100 = 750 mhz, which, >with some very good cooling it might have been able to pull off, but 1000 >mhz? no way :) You could have saved yourself some bucks there.... > > >Good luck with it... >-- Sjon

No particular reason for getting the 133 mhz ram, other than seeing it recommended and assuming it was the best. Basically, every item I purchased for this system was based on a nicely written hardware article at www.theuspits.com which described how to go about building a really good sim racing system on a budget. They recommended the 133 mhz ram, and I found the dimm for $90 and I just didn't think that was all that bad. But I wasn't aware of what you mentioned about the celeron cpu. Maybe I screwed up. I don't know. Thanks for all the ideas. I'm still trying..... Burke

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 Sjon Stigter wrote in message <8f27fv$nme$[email hidden]>... >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 slotso >it can run on 1 processor, I am not sure or the BP6 can do this, especially >if it has no bridge included.... > > >-- 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. Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f28jj$163$[email hidden]...

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> 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 > > > Sjon Stigter wrote in message <8f27fv$nme$[email hidden]>... > >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

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> >if it has no bridge included.... > > > > > >-- Sjon > > >

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 [email hidden]

I doublechecked just to be sure, but nope, that's not it. The red line part of the ribbon is in fact connected to pin 1, which is next to the power connector. Thanks for the thought, though. Cliff Roman wrote in message ... >Check to make sure that you do not have the hard drive cable backwards. > >The red part of the ribbon cable should be next to the power connector. > >Usually a computer just will not power up when this is the case but itstill >sounds like it is a possibility with your system.

Check to make sure that you do not have the hard drive cable backwards. The red part of the ribbon cable should be next to the power connector. Usually a computer just will not power up when this is the case but it still sounds like it is a possibility with your system. "Burke Wells" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f1sq4$7vv$[email hidden]... > I'm trying to build my own new computer, primarily for enhancedperformance > (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 4seconds.

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> > 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 fannot > 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, everythingshut > off.... (uh-oh....oh no...) Hmmm........ > > I'm guessing that evidently, the motherboard has some type of safetyfeature > that protects itself by shutting itself down if it detects something isnot > 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 ofminutes > have passed. It's almost like it's cooling itself down or something, butit

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> 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

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> 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

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> 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 > [email hidden] > > >

If I understand correctly it turns itself off right after you see that V3 bios message right? I don't get to see a CPU test, memory count, HD detection right? Make sure that the processor and the memory are pressed in their sockets properly. You say you have a Abit BP6 dual socket 370 mobo, does that mean it has 2 sockets for processors?? If so and you only have one processor inserted and one of the slots is empty you will need a socalled 'bridge' which you must insert in the second, not used processor slot. This is a small plate which should be inserted in the second slot. I found out when I had to put a dual p3 700 mhz system together at work last month, I was wondering what that weird plate was (and especially why I had it left after putting the system together, hehe), after reading the manual I found out :) This small bridge should be included with the mobo..... You also might want to try switching the processor to the other slot. Make sure the multiplier and busspeed for the celeron have been set correctly (7,5 * 66). The multiplier of the intel cpu's are locked, setting it to for instance 8 will prevent the cpu from booting. Some mobo's use jumpers on the motherboard for this, others use to set this option in the bios. My biggest guess is that it's something related to the processor, if it was a memory problem it should start beeping through the system speaker. If it was a HD problem it should have carried on testing the cpu, memory and would run into problems much later on when booting (when detecting the disks but you should have seen the cpu test and the memory count already by then). Something else now... why did you buy 133 mhz ram? A Celeron runs at 66 mhz bus, which means that the memory also runs at 66 mhz, half of what it was designed for... Unless you want to overclock but then it would mean that in order to get full price out of the memory you would have to run at 7,5 * 133 = 997,5 mhz, something which you won't achieve :) PC66 mhz would have been fine if you don't tend to overclock the cpu, if you want to overclock PC100 memory would have been fine, you could run at 7,5 * 100 = 750 mhz, which, with some very good cooling it might have been able to pull off, but 1000 mhz? no way :) You could have saved yourself some bucks there.... Good luck with it... -- Sjon Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f1sq4$7vv$[email hidden]... > I'm trying to build my own new computer, primarily for enhancedperformance > (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 4seconds.

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> > 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 fannot > 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, everythingshut > off.... (uh-oh....oh no...) Hmmm........ > > I'm guessing that evidently, the motherboard has some type of safetyfeature > that protects itself by shutting itself down if it detects something isnot > 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 ofminutes > have passed. It's almost like it's cooling itself down or something, butit

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> 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

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> 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

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> 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 > [email hidden] > > >

> 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 Icheck > 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 madeno > difference). No, the switch is fine... ATX switch means that simply pressing the on/off button won't shut down the machine. You will have to keep the button pressed for 7 seconds before the pc turns itself off. This is a thing all modern pc's have. The ATX switch option can be turned off with a jumper on the motherboard or a setting in the bios. If you turn it off your switch will act like you would expect, pressing it turns it off right away, but the switch is not your problem.... -- Sjon

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 Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f25k6$rfn$[email hidden]...

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> > > > Sjon Stigter wrote in message <8f230m$m48$[email hidden]>... > >If I understand correctly it turns itself off right after you see that V3 > >bios message right? I don't get to see a CPU test, memory count, HD > >detection right? > > > That's correct. System shuts off automatically after approximately 4 > seconds. > > >Make sure that the processor and the memory are pressed in their sockets > >properly. > > The sockets use the "Socket 370" ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket, which > basically allowed me to simply place the processor in the socket then push > down the lever to lock it into place. So I don't believe it can be loose.

I > double checked the DIMM as well, and it's in solidly. Even tried it ineach > of the 3 available dimm slots. No difference. > > >You say you have a Abit BP6 dual socket 370 mobo, does that mean it has 2 > >sockets for processors?? If so and you only have one processor insertedand > >one of the slots is empty you will need a socalled 'bridge' which youmust > >insert in the second, not used processor slot. This is a small platewhich > >should be inserted in the second slot. I found out when I had to put adual > >p3 700 mhz system together at work last month, I was wondering what that > >weird plate was (and especially why I had it left after putting thesystem > >together, hehe), after reading the manual I found out :) This smallbridge > >should be included with the mobo..... You also might want to tryswitching > >the processor to the other slot. > > Yes, it has 2 sockets, and no, I don't have this 'bridge" piece youmention.

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> Hadn't heard of that. It didn't come with the motherboard and there's no > mention of it in the manual for the BP6. That's interesting, though. How > odd. I did try switching the processor to the other socket, though. No > difference. > > >Make sure the multiplier and busspeed for the celeron have been set > >correctly (7,5 * 66). The multiplier of the intel cpu's are locked,

setting

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> >it to for instance 8 will prevent the cpu from booting. Some mobo's use > >jumpers on the motherboard for this, others use to set this option in the > >bios. > > > Well, I'm not so sure about this. Seeing how I've not made it to the bios > yet, I know it's not been messed with there. This motherboard uses the CPU > Soft Menu II feature, which eliminates the need for jumpers of DIP

switches > to set the CPU parameters. I assumed the CPU settings would be autodetected > upon the initial bootup and would remain that way unless I changed them in > the bios later, but like I said, just haven't gotten that far yet. > > >My biggest guess is that it's something related to the processor, if itwas > >a memory problem it should start beeping through the system speaker. Ifit > >was a HD problem it should have carried on testing the cpu, memory and > would > >run into problems much later on when booting (when detecting the disksbut > >you should have seen the cpu test and the memory count already by then). > > > >Something else now... why did you buy 133 mhz ram? A Celeron runs at 66mhz > >bus, which means that the memory also runs at 66 mhz, half of what it was > >designed for... Unless you want to overclock but then it would mean thatin > >order to get full price out of the memory you would have to run at 7,5 * > 133 > >= 997,5 mhz, something which you won't achieve :) PC66 mhz would havebeen > >fine if you don't tend to overclock the cpu, if you want to overclockPC100

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> >memory would have been fine, you could run at 7,5 * 100 = 750 mhz, which, > >with some very good cooling it might have been able to pull off, but 1000 > >mhz? no way :) You could have saved yourself some bucks there.... > > > > > >Good luck with it... > >-- Sjon > > No particular reason for getting the 133 mhz ram, other than seeing it > recommended and assuming it was the best. Basically, every item I

purchased > for this system was based on a nicely written hardware article at > www.theuspits.com which described how to go about building a really goodsim > racing system on a budget. They recommended the 133 mhz ram, and I foundthe

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> dimm for $90 and I just didn't think that was all that bad. But I wasn't > aware of what you mentioned about the celeron cpu. Maybe I screwed up. I > don't know. > > Thanks for all the ideas. I'm still trying..... > > Burke > > >

I just checked out the BP6 manual and running 1 cpu won't be a problem, no extra bridge is needed... Make sure the cpu is inserted correctly, pin 1 to socket 1.... Maybe it's in a wrong direction. Also check the CPU to make sure none of the pins is bended.... -- Sjon Sjon Stigter <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f27fv$nme$[email hidden]... > 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 slotso > it can run on 1 processor, I am not sure or the BP6 can do this,especially

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> if it has no bridge included.... > > > -- Sjon > > Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:8f25k6$rfn$[email hidden]... > > > > > > > > Sjon Stigter wrote in message <8f230m$m48$[email hidden]>... > > >If I understand correctly it turns itself off right after you see that

V3

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> > >bios message right? I don't get to see a CPU test, memory count, HD > > >detection right? > > > > > > That's correct. System shuts off automatically after approximately 4 > > seconds. > > > > >Make sure that the processor and the memory are pressed in their

sockets > > >properly. > > > > The sockets use the "Socket 370" ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket,which > > basically allowed me to simply place the processor in the socket thenpush > > down the lever to lock it into place. So I don't believe it can beloose. > I > > double checked the DIMM as well, and it's in solidly. Even tried it in > each > > of the 3 available dimm slots. No difference. > > > > >You say you have a Abit BP6 dual socket 370 mobo, does that mean it has2

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> > >sockets for processors?? If so and you only have one processor inserted > and > > >one of the slots is empty you will need a socalled 'bridge' which you > must > > >insert in the second, not used processor slot. This is a small plate > which > > >should be inserted in the second slot. I found out when I had to put a > dual > > >p3 700 mhz system together at work last month, I was wondering what

that

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> > >weird plate was (and especially why I had it left after putting the > system > > >together, hehe), after reading the manual I found out :) This small > bridge > > >should be included with the mobo..... You also might want to try > switching > > >the processor to the other slot. > > > > Yes, it has 2 sockets, and no, I don't have this 'bridge" piece you > mention. > > Hadn't heard of that. It didn't come with the motherboard and there's no > > mention of it in the manual for the BP6. That's interesting, though. How > > odd. I did try switching the processor to the other socket, though. No > > difference. > > > > >Make sure the multiplier and busspeed for the celeron have been set > > >correctly (7,5 * 66). The multiplier of the intel cpu's are locked, > setting > > >it to for instance 8 will prevent the cpu from booting. Some mobo's use > > >jumpers on the motherboard for this, others use to set this option in

the > > >bios. > > > > > > Well, I'm not so sure about this. Seeing how I've not made it to thebios > > yet, I know it's not been messed with there. This motherboard uses theCPU > > Soft Menu II feature, which eliminates the need for jumpers of DIP > switches > > to set the CPU parameters. I assumed the CPU settings would be auto > detected > > upon the initial bootup and would remain that way unless I changed themin

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> > the bios later, but like I said, just haven't gotten that far yet. > > > > >My biggest guess is that it's something related to the processor, if it > was > > >a memory problem it should start beeping through the system speaker. If > it > > >was a HD problem it should have carried on testing the cpu, memory and > > would > > >run into problems much later on when booting (when detecting the disks > but > > >you should have seen the cpu test and the memory count already by

then). > > > > > >Something else now... why did you buy 133 mhz ram? A Celeron runs at 66 > mhz > > >bus, which means that the memory also runs at 66 mhz, half of what itwas > > >designed for... Unless you want to overclock but then it would meanthat > in > > >order to get full price out of the memory you would have to run at 7,5* > > 133 > > >= 997,5 mhz, something which you won't achieve :) PC66 mhz would have > been > > >fine if you don't tend to overclock the cpu, if you want to overclock > PC100 > > >memory would have been fine, you could run at 7,5 * 100 = 750 mhz,which, > > >with some very good cooling it might have been able to pull off, but1000

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> > >mhz? no way :) You could have saved yourself some bucks there.... > > > > > > > > >Good luck with it... > > >-- Sjon > > > > No particular reason for getting the 133 mhz ram, other than seeing it > > recommended and assuming it was the best. Basically, every item I > purchased > > for this system was based on a nicely written hardware article at > > www.theuspits.com which described how to go about building a really good > sim > > racing system on a budget. They recommended the 133 mhz ram, and I found > the > > dimm for $90 and I just didn't think that was all that bad. But I wasn't > > aware of what you mentioned about the celeron cpu. Maybe I screwed up. I > > don't know. > > > > Thanks for all the ideas. I'm still trying..... > > > > Burke > > > > > > > >

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 Todd Dry <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > 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 wirelead. > 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 powerit > 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 Supplyand

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> test. Odds are you won't get to the last step. > > Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:8f28jj$163$[email hidden]... > > 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 > > > > > > Sjon Stigter wrote in message <8f27fv$nme$[email hidden]>... > > >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 secondslot

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> > 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 > > > > > > > >

In article <[email hidden]>, "Todd Dry" <[email hidden]> writes:

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>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.

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.

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 daxe wrote in message <[email hidden]>...

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> >Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message >news:8f2qvu$m3s$[email hidden]... >> 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

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>> 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 > >

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

Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f2qvu$m3s$[email hidden]... > 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

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 Sjon Stigter <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f2aeo$omf$[email hidden]... > 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 >

In article <8f243j$5lh$[email hidden]>, "Burke Wells" <[email hidden]> writes:

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>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.

I probably shouldn't write this without reading through all the replies, and since I'm in a bit of a hurry, I may be a bit blunt. Here goes. Start Over. You built the whole system and then powered it up, shame on you ;-) Disconnect all your power and ribbon cables, or better yet, take the whole thing apart again. Take out the cpu and re-seat it. Do the same with the memory. Now, install ONLY your video card and hard drive. Does it power up? If not, re-seat the cpu again. When you get it to power up, install your cd-rom drive and start it again. If it's okay, install the floppy drive and if it still starts you can install windows. After it's running in windows, shut it down and install your sound card, then start it up again and install the softeware when prompted. Do each card the same way, one at a time. -- Slot www.slottweak.com Tweaks & Reviews "Burke Wells" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8f1sq4$7vv$[email hidden]... > 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 > [email hidden] > > >

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.

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 HARD on the MB 1bb) Check your jumper settings for CPU speed, voltage, AGP speed.... 1bc) Check your BIOS chip, push HARD on 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) Burke Wells <[email hidden]> a �crit dans le message : 8f1sq4$7vv$[email hidden]... > I'm trying to build my own new computer, primarily for enhancedperformance > (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 4seconds.

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> > 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 fannot > 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, everythingshut > off.... (uh-oh....oh no...) Hmmm........ > > I'm guessing that evidently, the motherboard has some type of safetyfeature > that protects itself by shutting itself down if it detects something isnot > 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 ofminutes > have passed. It's almost like it's cooling itself down or something, butit

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> 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

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> 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

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> 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 > [email hidden] > > >

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.

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 [email hidden]

Burke Wells <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:8fhvcc$o9h$[email hidden]... > I heartily apologize for wasting everyone's time with this, as I certainly > appreciated everyone's thoughts and responses. This was the first time Ihad > ever attempted building my own pc, and I am embarrassed by such a silly > mistake. 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

In article <8fhvcc$o9h$[email hidden]>, "Burke Wells" <[email hidden]> writes: >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.