Power Issues For MSI Neo4-F

BrianLohman · TweakNOOB Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 8

I just put together this computer. Im using an MSI K8N Neo4-F motherboard with an AMD Athlon 3200 processor. I am pretty sure i have all the drives hooked up correctly. I used the same 4 pin power connector for both so that shoulnt be the issue. However, when i push the power button it starts to boot but shuts off after like 2 seconds. When instaling the heatsink for the processor i did pick it up after putting in on the processor because i thought i might have put in in wrong. There was a note in the processor manual saying that this was bad because of the silicon putty on the heatsink. I put the heatsink right back on after picking it up and seeing what i had done. Could this be the problem, and if so how do i fix it.
Thanks
Brian

Google · Sponsor

mojo1340 · UberTweaker Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1022

Without knowing more about exactly what hardware you're using, it's going to be difficult for us to help you. Please post ALL the components you're using and exactly what happens (any beeps, monitor activity, fan behavior etc.)

As a rule, I always test the system before I put it in the case, using the bare minimum components (mobo, PSU, 1 stick memory, CPU & cooler, video adapter) and, providing the boot is successful, add components one at a time untill I have all the hardware connected and working. Saves headaches later on.

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

^^^ What he said.

Post your full system specs, right down to the screws you used to hold the side of the case on.

It does sound like a thermal issue. Make positively sure your heatsink/fan (HSF) is on facing the right direction.........it DOES matter with AMD's. Also make sure it's properly seated, I've been known to install a HSF slightly cockeyed in the past.
_________________
Big enough to scare you

[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 10:29 am Post subject:

to help rule out a thermal problem you need to remove the heat sink and clean all of the Thermal Interface Material (TIM) off of it and the cpu. The best things to use for this is cotton swabs and alchol. The higher the percentage of alchol the better (ie 90%). Then apply some new TIM and reinstall the heat sink, being careful not to shift or lift the heat sink. Once this is done then you can continue on with other diagnosis.
_________________
I tweaked and it tweaked back! So I Tweaked some more!

"Barney is like the Michael Jackson of PBS." - James Tybeerious

BrianLohman · TweakNOOB Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 8

Thanks for all the willingness to help guys. However, i did figure it out on my own. I put in new RAM and it all worked. I didnt think that a bad stick of RAM would keep the system from booting. Now i know.

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Sure it will. When the BIOS hands over control to the proc, if the RAM is bad.........nothing gets through.

Good to hear you figured it out.
_________________
Big enough to scare you

[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 4:38 pm Post subject:

I have seen where it won't even post if the ram is bad.
_________________
I tweaked and it tweaked back! So I Tweaked some more!

"Barney is like the Michael Jackson of PBS." - James Tybeerious