Well, I was given a bunch of parts from a friend who used to want to make their own computer before their parents bought them a 5000$ Mac laptop. I bought everything I thought I'd need, since the mobo had intergrated audio and video. I follow the manual to the best of my ability, had some issues installing the heatsink and CD-ROM drive, but everything else went in without a hitch. I plug in a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and power it on for the first time. It sounds just like it should, CD-ROM drive opens and closes, and attempts to read a CD I put in. Unfortunately, neither the light on my keyboard or mouse goes on. I'm also getting no picture. Can anyone give me some tips? My motherboard is here: http://uk.shopping.com/xPF-MicroStar_VIAPM266A_M_ATX_P4_S478_533MHZ_2_8GHZ_PRESCOTT_LAN_3PCI_4XAG0
Also, I can't get the fucking heatsink off, if anyone can explain how to do that, I'll be happy.
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Anonymous2006-10-24 19:49
First, ignore the CD-ROM - it will appear to be working as long as it's got power going to it, so it serves no diagnostic purpose here. Second, if you got the heatsink on and it's sitting okay, you probably didn't fuck up the installation of the processor (it's pretty hard to fuck that up unless you're being obviously ham-fisted and forcing stuff into where it shouldn't be). Since we're dealing with integrated video, that just leaves the RAM, and the motherboard to diagnose.
Standard procedure in this situation is to go right back to basics, then you're not complicating the issue with anything. Completely unplug everything from the m/b (hard disk, floppy, CD, etc), leaving just the CPU, heatsink and one stick of RAM (and of course the front panel controls connected). For good measure, reset the CMOS too (it can't hurt, and has brought back befuddled computers before for me). Try booting this and see if it passes POST (single beep). If not, swap out the RAM and try again. If still not, check for shorts on the motherboard (even try running the motherboard outside of the case on a static insulated mat). When/if you get things going, then you start connecting the rest of the components back up one at a time - that way if you've got a faulty component bringing down the whole show, you know exactly which one.
You should also consider the possibility that your friend gave you a bunch of duff parts that he has already fucked up with clumsy attempts to assemble them, then badgered his parents into buying him that Mac.
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Anonymous2006-10-24 20:01
Actually, I took it apart again, the silicon on the CPU was chipped, as well as having about 6 pins bent. It was most likely my friend's brother who fucked it up, who tried to assemble it before and quit halfway for some odd reason.
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Anonymous2006-10-24 20:20
Mmm hmm, friends brother... FUCKING CPU ABUSE
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Anonymous2006-10-24 20:20
Anyway, I need a new CPU, would a Intel Celeron D 310 Prescott 2.13GHz 256KB L2 Cache Socket 478 Processor work in place of my current Intel Pentium 4 1.6GHz 400MHz 256K Socket 478 Processor?
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Anonymous2006-10-24 20:35
>>5
Should do. Check your manual to be sure though (the URL in the OP is dead, and MSI sell at least three motherboards with that chipset so I can't be bothered to narrow it down to which exact one you're using).