GA-H57M + Core i3-540 issue: phase LED's go on and off, but doesn't boot.

[pmaisn]

I built a HTPC in December using the following:
Gigabyte GA-H57M
Intel Core i3-540 Clarksdale
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W power supply
A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
(1) Western Digital Caviar Green WD5000AADS 500GB SATA 3.0Gb/s (Operating System)
(2) Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB SATA 3.0Gb hard drives (Storage)
LG Black 10X Blu-ray Burner - WH10LS30 w/LightScribe
COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-G tower computer case
OS.  Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
IOGEAR GKM561R Black 2.4GHz Wireless HTPC Multimedia Keyboard

Two days ago, the computer would not boot/turn on.  I noticed that when I  hit the start button, it attempts to turn on, but then shuts off.  I opened the case and noticed that the four Phase LEDs would blink and the CPU fan and case fans would spin up then shut down.  The from case lights would light for a second then turn off.

I need help getting this fixed.  

Regards
pmaisn

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

The first thing I would like to mention is that you are booting from a Western Digital Green drive which is not recommended. They are built as a  power saving drive and as such are no good for boot drives.

I take it that you are using the onboard graphics solution, is that correct ?

Try disconnecting your hard drives and see if it makes any difference.

Do you have a buzzer installed so that you know when the POST is finished it's tests ?

[pmaisn]

Yes, I'm using the onboard graphics.  what drives are recommended as OS/boot drives? I will disconnect the hard drives and update you on the change/progress, if any.

[pmaisn]

Correction, the boot drive is a Western Digital WD3200AAJB (Caviar Blue drive).  Nevertheless, I disconnected and tried angain, then reconnected and tried one more time, still not booting.  All that happens, the the Phase LED's flash and the fans spin up then shut off.

[pmaisn]

Also, when the computer was working, the Splash Screen at boot up was too big for the screen.  I am using a Sony KDS-55A2020 as my monitor.  The HTPC goes to a Pioneer VSX-1120K to the Sony all via HDMI.  But even if I run the HTPC to the TV directly, the Splash Screen is too big.

[Dark Mantis]

Ok so the boot drive is fine as a WD Blue.

You still didn't answer as to whether you have a buzzer installed ?

The oversize splash screen I realy don't know about at the moment but I feel that is not so important at the moment and the main criterior is to find the fault with booting.

Try watching this video and then follow the instructions on yours  and let us know what happens.

How to jump start a PSU video   http://www.corsair.com/cinema/movie.aspx?id=1358543

[pmaisn]

Yes, there's a buzzer installed.  The PSU jumpstart did nothing different.  I am convinced that that the PSU is working. 

[Dark Mantis]

Fair enough but we have to start somewhere and the beginning is a good place.

Remove the memory and disconnect from the power and motherboard everything apart from the PSU, the CPU heatsink/fan combination, and buzzer then try and start up.

Please post what beeps it makes.

[pmaisn]

The buzzer is silent, and as before, the led's are flashing and the cpu heatsink fan spins and stops, spins and stop, spins and stops...it's intermittent, but nothing else happens.

[Dark Mantis]

Ok, if we are still not getting anything we shall have to remove the motherboard from the case.

Make sure that you observe anti-static precautions.

Lay some cardboard or use the motherboard box that is non-conductive on the worktop and remove the motherboard/CPU/heatsink/fan/buzzer/one stick of memory in the first slot and PSU from the case and put it on the cardboard.

Add the keyboard and now try and boot. The system should try and then fail emitting a series of beeps. Please post what sounds it makes.

[pmaisn]

I tried yr recommendation and as expected, nothing happened. Not a beep, nothing!!!  Not a single sound. The cpu/heat sink fan spins up, the led's flash and that's it.  I also did a psu jumpstart....that seems to work just fine.  The PSU fan spins up when the green pin and ground are jumped, using a paper clip.

[Dark Mantis]

I think we need to check the CPU socket for any damaged /bent pins.

Very carefully remove the heatsink and fan. Probably a slight twisting motion is best to release the two as the thermal paste can act like a glue.

Once off remove the CPU taking extreme care both physically and electrically(static) and place somewhere safe.

Make sure that the lighting is very good and even.

Now scrutinise the socket for any pins that are out of alignment, even slightly.
If in any doubt whatsoever take a couple of macro (close up) photos of the socket and post them on here for us to check.

Also look at the bottom of the CPU at the lands (little copper circles) and make sure that there is a mark in each somewhere near the centre.
If there are any missing marks or any of the pins are obviously bent then that is your problem.

Before refitting the CPU clean off all residue of the old thermal paste and the same on the heatsink and then apply a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) to the centre of the CPU once it is inserted in the socket.

[pmaisn]

Can you tell me how the pins of a CPU get's damaged?  Would there need to be some sort of physical damage to the computer for this to happen?  I mean, as far as I know, the computer was working up until the past weekend. I was watching Grown Ups (Blu-Ray) on it.  Turned it off and went to bed.  Attempted to turn it on on Tuesday and nothing...   I'll give it try nonetheless....not sure about the pics however.

[Dark Mantis]

I know it sounds unlikely but it is a possibility as these pins are very fine and can become bent by heat from the electrical circuit running through them or from the nearby CPU itself if it gets too hot.

[pmaisn]

This is best I can do for now (Camera Phone)...lol.  Upon inspection, I see no evidence of bent pins, etc.