Built computer doesn't work :-(

[Steve]

See messages below-

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "Dina Lerret" <bunniqula at ...>
wrote:
>
> On 2/27/06, Steve <bboyminn at ...> wrote:
> 
> > You should be aware that if the FAN plugs on the motherboard are
> > THREE WIRE fans, one of the wires is a feedback signal indicating 
> > that the...

> Dina:
> 
> I know there are at least three spots (front, rear, aux) on the
> motherboard where case fans are plugged in, however, these
> connections go through the hardcano temp sensor, which has its 
> own on/off switch, and not the motherboard.  ...
> 

bboyminn/Steve:

Of course, my point is that each individual fan plug has three wires -
Power, Ground, and Feedback. Regardless of how you have it configured,
if the motherboard is not getting 'feedback' signals from the fans it
will not allow the power supply to come on.

I would first try to configue everything without the Hardcano. See if
you can get it working that way, then once it is working, add the
Hardcano. In other word, start with the least complicated
configuration then work your way to the most complicated.

I can't say for sure that this is your problem, but it sounds like it.
 While I only speculate, I assume the Hardcano case provides feedback
signals to the motherboard; perhaps they are plugged wrong. Maybe the
feedback line is plugged to the Power pin. The point is, if, for now,
you eliminate the Hardcano, you have eliminated one variable. 

Also, make absolutely sure all other plugs (like hard drive, etc...)
are not connected backwards. If you have a lot of optional equipment,
start with the most basic configuration, Motherboard, memory, video,
hard drive with all other 'things' removed. Get in working in a basic
configuation, then add the extras.

> > bboyminn:
> > ... If the fan is not working, or the feedback signal is not 
> > there, the power supply is shut down before it even has a 
> > chance to start up. Basically, you turn the power on and hear
> > a faint 'click' and ...nothing.
> Dina: 
> I don't hear anything and my ear is within half a foot of an open 
> case.
> 
> I followed both case and motherboard instructions and studied every
> part of that motherboard.  Intel came with a very detailed 
> instruction booklet and diagram--both of which are in color--which 
> is why I went with this board, besides it being a recommended solid 
> board.
> 
> The easiest test I've thought of is to unhook the hardcano, 
> including removing the fan plugs, from the Thermaltake tower and 
> hook it up to a spare power on another working tower.
> 
> Dina
>

bboyminn/Steve:

The 'faint click' is a tiny encapsulated reed relay opening. When I
say faint, I mean 'faint'.

My whole point is to start with the most basic working configuration.
The more 'stuff' you have, the more complications you have. Connect
the appropriate fans to the appropriate fan connections on the mother
board, make absolutely sure they are polarized correctly, and start
from there.

Once you have it working, then add the Hardcano controller.

Also regarding Static Protection while installing. There is some
debate about whether the Power Supply should be plugged in while
working on the computer. No you don't want power, but YOU DO WANT the
ground wire. I suggest plugging the computer into a plugged-in Power
Outlet Strip and turning the power switch on the Outlet Strip OFF.
That way you are assured of no power, but the ground wire is still
available to bleed off any static charge.

Personally, I never use a static wrist cord and I have never had a
problem, BUT I am fanatic about using static guarded pads to handle
everything. I absolutely never touch the circuits or contact points,
PLUS I always touch the bare metal case of the Power Supply to make
sure any static charge is released before touching anything. I suggest
you both maintain strict Static Guard precautions. make sure you have
a plugged-in ground wire, and also wear a static wrist cord. 

Besides Static, two other things will guarantee failure - no feeback
lines on the motherboard fan plugs, and any connector that is
connected BACKWARDS. 

So-
- Must have feedback lines
- Must have all plugs in correctly
- Start with the simplest configuration and expand from there with
each success.

I like to consider this frustrating experience 'Computer Wrestling'
because that is exactly what it feels like - a battle to the death
between me and the computer. Sometimes it may take weeks, but so far,
I've alwasy won; beat and bloody on occassion, but I always win.

Good Luck.

Steve/bboyminn