Dead Mini-itx motherboard?

[TheGrinder]

Hi All,

I have a VIA Epia ME6000 motherboard that was working perfectly two weeks ago. I've built a new case for it and then switched it on with all of the other components (pci card, HD, DVD-ROM etc) attached, nothing! Dead. The power LED does light up though, but there's nothing coming out of the vga port. The monitor (which is fine with another pc) doesn't even switch on!

I've tried removing all of the extra components, even the RAM, and re-booting, but still nothing.

Has anyone had a similar problems that they managed to fix? Or does anyone have any other ideas that might help.

Thanks

 

[kestrel1]

Make sure that everything is attached correctly.
Make sure the graphics card is properly seated.
Do you get any beeps from the internel speaker?

 

[TheGrinder]

This mobo has onboard graphics/sound/network and is fanless. I can't actually remember if it has ever beeped on startup (helpful I know!) the is no internal speaker attached, so I guess that it wouldn't anyway!

 

[BadBigBen]

Question: have you tried another PSU?

check faq602-2731 for more information...

also make sure that front USB connectors are correctly installed, wrong jumpering can lead to no POST...

Ben

PS - possibility that there is a short caused by the metal posts in the new case?

 

[kestrel1]

You say the mobo is fanless! surely the CPU has got a fan on it?

 

[TheGrinder]

Nope, the CPU is fanless. Runs at 600 Mhz though, so it's not the fastest pc around, but is silent and very small.

Mini-itx is the small form factor version of ATX:
See here:-

http://www.mini-itx.com/

 

[ceh4702]

A lot of Mini-ITX systems have very weak power supplies. This is what I would check first.

Some of the Mini-ITX processors are C3 style processors with no fan. They are designed to use less power and create less heat. They may need a little air flow around them to cool them off. Sometimes a power supply with a fan is all they need. If they are using a small DC power board and an AC-DC adapter, then they have no fan and are relying solely on radiant heat. This can be a problem if the case has no air flow.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[TheGrinder]

Thanks ceh4702 I'll bear that in mind when finishing off the case and thinking about airflow.

The problem is, that I've removed the motherboard and all components and they are sitting on a piece of newspaper with free air flow!!! I just can't understand it.

 

[BadBigBen]

Hi there, clear CMOS, sometimes mobos don't like being moved and will not start until the CMOS was cleared...

then make sure that the PSI is functioning properly...

don't use the normal switch to start the mobo, either use the RESET button or short the jumper with a screwdriver... (the powerswitch could be shortening out)

make sure that the CPU is seated correctly...

Ben

 

[TheGrinder]

Right. After much fuming and experimentation. Still nothing!!!

Just about ready to bin it and buy a new one (even though this is only 6 months old!)

I'm pretty sure I've tried just about everything. I've even worked my way through the FAQ on tek-tips for 'why am i getting no post/boot'!

Cleared the CMOS, removed everything, connected a PC speaker, connected a fan (just to see). LED lights up, fan doesn't turn. Now, this could be because of the power output from the power pack. I'm using a low power - silent - dc power pack instead of a normal ATX PSU.

So - I replaced this with a standard PSU - now the fan spins, the LED lights up, but still nothing else happens!!

AAARRGGH - why are computers so frustrating!!

I don't expect anyone to be able to solve this one now, as almost all roads have been taken. If I don't get anywhere, I'll be sure to thank you all for your help.

Cheers

Grinder

 

[paparazi]

You must take it back to the bare minimum, nothing connected apart from:
1 stick of good memory
Know good PSU
CPU/heatsink
Onboard VGA?

Pull off all IDE cables and disconnect all power cables to roms and HDD's etc incl front panel connectors.

If the power supply has popped then there is a possibility that it has taken out the hard drive or CDrom, when it does this it often puts them to ground "dead short" so preventing post.
So just the bare minimum connected, clear the cmos and then momentarily touch power header connectors on the motherboard to post.
If it still doesn't post then it's time for a warranty claim.
Martin


Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[ceh4702]

I have seen motherboards like this seem to become unresponsive when you use them with TV out and then they seemed like they did not work. Try resetting the BIOS. If it does not work pull the motherboard out of the case and test it outside of the case. This eliminates all possible grounding issues. Put it on some cardboard and use the two pins that are for the power on switch to power on the motherboard. You have to connect a Power supply first. Then you may want to plug in a monitor.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.