installing new motherboard tomorrow, need a bit of help please

[steve2470]

Last edited Wed Jun 5, 2013, 05:50 PM - Edit history (1)

I always get nervous when I have to replace a motherboard and it does not boot up right away.

These are the things that I know of, to look for if it doesn't boot up right away:

1- Shorting out on case
2- Not hooked up to power correctly
3- CPU not seated properly in its socket
4- Memory sticks not seated correctly

Anything else I need to be aware of ? This is the new motherboard by the way: GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3


eta: This thread seems to be very valuable with troubleshooting tips.

[lpbk2713]

1. Make sure your BIOS is set up appropriately.

And you'll probably need to have your boot order set for your disc drive first.

[trotsky]

2. Of those my only concern is 1.

2 - they make it so it's pretty much impossible to do that.
3 - same
4 - same

Maybe you've already done this but when I install a new mobo I first put it on a piece of cardboard on my workbench, install the CPU, RAM, etc,. hook up the power supply, video, etc. and boot it that way. Just to make sure the board is good with all the components installed. That way if it doesn't boot in the case, you know it's not the board or the installation of the components.

Also, while this isn't as big of a concern as it used to be with giant IDE and floppy ribbon cables shoved in there, just make sure no internal cables are near a spinning fan!

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

3. In my experience...

I've have a gigabyte board now that's a bit finicky about what RAM it likes.
Check the approved list: http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Memory/memory_ga-990fxa-ud3.pdf

If your intended RAM isn't on the list I'd look for info on the web at tom's or other forums regarding the mobo/RAM combination. I'm not real crazy about gigabyte's RAID drivers/utility. (just an opinion)

Let me know how it goes, I may be buying the same board soon.

[steve2470]

4. ok RAM checks out, thanks for that nt

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

9. Best of luck...

...and let us know how it goes.

What are you using for a video card?
(I was thinking about: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125457 )

Which CPU?
(I was thinking: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113285 )

[steve2470]

10. answers and thank you !:

Video card: http://www.galaxytechus.com/usa/productview.aspx?id=160 (from my current rig, don't want to pay to upgrade this just yet)

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

11. Good plan

Video card is an easy upgrade later. How much RAM are planning?

[steve2470]

12. 8 gigs, too much really but it's well rated and fairly cheap right now

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

13. I have this arrangement:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3516#ov
An Athlon II x4, in a CM Scout case with 2 WD 320GB black drives in raid 0.

I went from 8GB to 16GB and didn't see much difference. 8 is probably plenty.

[steve2470]

15. my case is an Antec 1200, drives are 4 SSD's (small ones) in RAID10 with a LSI raid card

I have no apps that tax my rig any more, so really no point in upgrading much except for geek joy lol

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

16. And your OS???? n/t

[steve2470]

17. oh, Windows 8 x64, I'm a glutton for punishment, and yours ? nt

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

18. July 2009 before the RTM...

...I bought an advanced purchase discounted copy of 7 Pro (x64) for $100. It was available to D/L at the October release.

I'm see Win8 as a good OS with a problematic UI. I hear most of those issues are addressed in 8.1.

[steve2470]

19. from what I read, they are bringing back part of the Start button functionality and letting.....

desktop users boot straight to desktop, which is a great idea I think. They need to make it very easy for we desktop users.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

14. I had 4 sticks of...

...F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL (2GB each).

[hobbit709]

5. Make sure the Clear CMOS jumper is in the Normal position.

That's always the first thing I check.
Check to make sure the power connectors are properly seated.

Those two are the most common reasons nothing happens when you power up.

If RAM is not seated properly you will get a beep code.

[steve2470]

6. good advice, thank you, would not have thought about the CMOS jumper nt

[pennylane100]

7. I am not a computer expert but husband sometimes builds them

so I asked him what problems he has encountered and to name a few:

Voltage setting is wrong
Video Card not seated properly
BIOS not compatible with CPU, needs to be flash.


I have no idea if any of this is helpful but would be glad to give you more of his hints if you need them.

[steve2470]

8. tell your husband thanks, please nt

[steve2470]

20. my son installed the motherboard, everything went perfectly, thanks all nt