Gigabyte U3DR Computer Won't Start

[Lippy]

Hey,

I've just built a new computer and it won't seem to start. When i push the power button, an orange and green LED appears on the u3dr motherboard as well as the blue light (clr CMOS) at the back of the motherboard and nothing else. (Lights right beside the RAM slots. I believe they are the DDR Phase LEDs) The lights appear in this order:

X
X
X
Orange
Green
X
X

X = no lights.

I've tried numerous amounts of trouble shooting such as: re-arranging the RAM, re-plugging the GPU, and replugging the HDD. I've checked for loose wires and checked If I wired my "power switch" correctly.

My system specs are:

Antec 900 Case
Gigabyte U3DR Motherboard
i7-950
6GB of Patriot II Sector 7 RAM in triple channel( 3 X 2GBs)
Zotac GTX 480
500GB Seagate HDD
750W Antec PSU

Any help would really be appreciated

[Dark Mantis]

HI and welcome to the Gigabyte forum.

You seem to have a problem there that could be caused by several things.

The first one is a simple power problem such as if you have failed to connect the 8 pin 12v connector near the CPU. So check that and the 24 pin to make sure they are both solid.

Next could be a short to the chassis from the back of the board. Check this and if any doubt remove the bopard and try on the cardboard box outside the case.

[Lippy]

I've double checked and the connectors were plugged in tightly.

How would I check to see if there's a short to the chassis from the back of the board? Do you mean taking everything out and putting the parts back in?

Sorry for being a total noob :/

[Lippy]

I took out the motherboard and placed it on the box that came with the motherboard. The CPU, CPU heatsink, RAM, and power connectors along with the power switch were the only things connected to it and it gave to same response of LED lights

Is my 750W PSU enough to power the computer?

[Dark Mantis]

OK, what slots do you have the memory installed in ?

Try removing all modules apart from one in DDR3_1 and then rebooting.

[Lippy]

I have the RAM installed in DDR3_1, DDR3_3 and DDR3_5.

I've taken the sticks out of DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 but it still gave the same set of lights.

[Dark Mantis]

Try swapping the module inserted for another one and then reboot.

[Lippy]

Sames LEDs appear.

[Dark Mantis]

Ok let's try something else.

It would be worth checking for bent pins on the CPU socket also.

Take all the usual anti-static precautions.

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.

[Lippy]

I've heard that you need to wipe of the residue with alcohol. Is it ok If you just wipe it off with a tissue without alcohol?

[Dark Mantis]

Yes certainly. Some people like to use an alcohol wipe to clean off the residue and others argue against it. Myself, I haven't found it makes any difference but do make sure it is all gone from all round the chip and heatsink.

[Lippy]

I checked the pins on the CPU and motherboard and all of them looks good. I've replaced the CPU and tried it with only the CPU, 1 module of RAM in the DDR3_1 slot and the power connectors but still the same LEDs.

[Lippy]

I tried taking parts out of the motherboard one by one to see if the lights change or anything. But the LEDs were the same even when only the power connectors were connected. Could I have bought a defective motherboard?

[Dark Mantis]

Well it is beginning to look that way unless the CPU is dead. Does the fans on the PSU etc start when you power up ?

[Lippy]

Nope, nothing starts.

I have replaced the motherboard and it still doesn't power up. I'm guessing that my power supply doesn't have enough wattage? Its a 750W Antec truepower. My system specs. are:

Antec 900 Case
Asus Rampage Gene III
Zotac GTX 480 GPU
6GB Patriot Sector 7 RAM (3 x 2GBs) in triple channel
i7-950
Corsair CPU heatsink
500GB Seagate HDD

What do you think?