No POST messages, won't boot

[rip_1956]

I have a spare mobo/cpu/etc to play with. Before I got a case for it, I connected it together on the floor just for fun. It booted up ok, and I loaded Vector Linux without any problems. This is an Asus mobo/Duron 1100mhz.

Here's where the problem started:

I acquired a Compaq Deskpro (500mhz) which was in good working order. I rm'ed the old mobo and put in the Asus/Duron. After connecting it all, I fired it up. The monitor displayed the colored square that displays before the PC boots up (it says something like "This monitor is working, check the video card or PC" ). This is what it does if the video cable is not connected.

That's as far as it gets. I tried 4 diff vidcards, swapped ram, cleared cmos, can't get as far as a POST display.

Just remembered that I have no 'beep codes' because I didn't connect the speaker. I'll do that tonight.

In the meanwhile, any thoughts on why it won't get as far as a POST?

[MJCfromCT]

Are you sure it was installed properly into the case? Is there a short anywhere? You could try taking it back out of the case, place it on a soft, non-conductive surface, and see if it will boot again. That way at least you are confirming that the problem is located somewhere along the way of putting the motherboard in the case.

[rip_1956]

Thanks for the quick reply, MJC I didn't consider that. If I remember correctly, it has metal standoffs which could be a problem if they touch the Asus mobo differently. And the small wires for the LED's, the reset switch button and the power button have a weird connector which I will have to break apart to attach to the mobo.
Makes me wonder if using a somewhat proprietary Compaq case is a good idea at all.

I'm watching the 'Not starting up...' post by sean1983uk. That problem is similar to mine.

[MJCfromCT]

If I remember correctly, it has metal standoffs which could be a problem if they touch the Asus mobo differently

That could definitely cause a problem, if any of the standoffs are in direct contact with the motherboard, rather than the specific area where they are designed to touch.

[Sterling_Aug]

Save yourself the headache, buy a new case. It is never a good idea to reuse a name brand case with clone parts.

The name brands (IBM, Dell, Compaq, HP, etc) all had the mobos made "special" to fit their cases. Not all the standoffs will line up, some may be missing, and there may be extras, not to mention the power supplies are under rated for new parts.

[rip_1956]

Thanks, Sterling. I suspected that might be the problem. In the past I have had problems swapping parts in and out of Compaq Presarios, so it isn't a surprise that the DeskPro series is any different. And at the same time you were responding to this thread, I was yanking the Asus out and putting the Deskpro back together. This was just something I was doing for fun/boredom. And I learned something in doing so.

We're done here (heading for the fridge ...)