I recently built my first PC, and I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed because absolutely nothing is working except for the fans. The GPU fans don't kick in when I power it on, they only spin briefly when I switch it off. I've tried removing the GPU, hoping to run it just as an office computer, but I still get no display or output. To make matters worse, my keyboard doesn't light up at all when plugged in, and the mouse barely lights up, almost like it's struggling. I don't think it's a power supply issue since I have a 750W unit that's more than enough for my setup, and I sourced almost all of my parts from Micro Center. I'm really in need of help here; any ideas?
4 Answers
Don't panic, this happens to a lot of first-time builders! Sometimes the RAM seating is the culprit. Make sure it's in the right slots as per your motherboard manual. Also, is your PSU turned on? There's often a switch at the back of the unit. Lastly, did you remember to connect the required power cables to both the motherboard and the GPU? Take a moment to check everything—better safe than sorry. Hang in there!
It sounds like a classic case of something not being connected properly. Have you double-checked the motherboard standoffs are installed correctly? If not, the motherboard could be grounded improperly. I’d also recommend removing everything from the case and setting it up on the motherboard box to rule out any case-related grounding issues. Just connect the essential components: motherboard, CPU, one stick of RAM, and no GPU. If that works, you can start adding components one by one until you find the culprit.
It sounds like you're having a frustrating experience! First off, let's troubleshoot this step by step. Here are some things to check:
1. Make sure your display cables are securely connected to the GPU.
2. Verify that the GPU is seated firmly and that its power connectors are also plugged in securely.
3. If you have a spare CPU, try swapping that out, otherwise don’t stress too much about that one for now.
4. Check your RAM—try seating it in different slots, or if you have multiple sticks, test with just one.
5. Ensure that all your front panel headers are connected properly, with no bent pins.
6. Look for any visible damage on the motherboard.
7. Confirm your SSD is properly connected.
8. If you’ve got any additional accessories, they could also be causing a short if they’re defective.
9. Lastly, attempt a CMOS reset by removing the battery for 30 seconds and then reinserting it. Let us know if any of that helps!
Firstly, take a deep breath! Every builder faces these kinds of issues. In my experience, it’s usually just a simple fix you might be overlooking. After ensuring everything is connected—especially the power cables—give it some time during the first boot. Sometimes, the system just takes longer to initialize. If you continue to have trouble, taking it to a local shop for troubleshooting can be worth it. You’ll be back up and running in no time!
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