Your PC won't boot and all you're left with a black screen? This is the post for you.

This is the last of three posts written specially for people who have built their computer but need help because it won’t power on or won’t boot.

1. Friday, Jan. 8th: 10 Quick Tips for 1st Time PC Builders
2. Saturday, Jan. 9th: FAQ: How to Build Your own Computer
   
3. Sunday, Jan 10th: Help me: Why won’t my newly assembled PC start?

Help me: Why won’t my newly assembled PC start?

There are plenty of reasons why a newly PC won’t start. Resolving a problem is usually fairly simple, the problem is finding it, which can be either easy and fast or hard and a long process.

Here’s what to look for to find the main problems:
(Note this is not an extensive list of all the problems/solutions, but rather a simple quick guide for the most common ones)

If the PC doesn’t power on at first:
This is most probably due to you forgetting to plug in a power cable/cord.

• Is the power cord plugged into a wall outlet and into the power supply?
• Is the power supply switched on?
• Is the power lead cable (power SW) from the case plugged into the motherboard?
• Make sure that all the power cables are plugged in. The video card may require one or two PCI-Express power connectors and the motherboard requires the 24-pin ATX connector along with the 4/8-pin ATX power.

If the PC still doesn’t power on after that:
This might be due to a broken power SW switch (Try using the reset one instead to see if that one does work.)
If the PC still doesn’t on even while trying the reset switch instead, the problem is most likely due to a defective power supply. Try an ATX Power Supply Tester ($10)

If the PC doesn’t boot (Power up, but nothing is displayed on the monitor):

• Once again, make sure that all the power cables are plugged in. The video card may require one or two PCI-Express power connectors and the motherboard requires the 24-pin ATX connector along with the 4/8-pin ATX power. Other components such as hard drives and optical  drives also require dedicated power.
• Make sure that memory modules are plugged where they should be, that is slot 1 and 3 (some motherboards work only with slot 2 and 4). Try one stick a time.
• Ensure that the motherboard stand-offs are installed correctly (including the insulation washers) and that the motherboard is not touching any part of the case.
• Check your CPU for proper seating, and possibly a bent pin.
• Think through everything you have done in the setup, even the heat sink and thermal paste.
• If you have a speaker for the mother/case, listen to the beep code and find out the problem with your manual. You didn’t get a speaker with your case? Use this kit from FrozenCPU ($12)

If the PC still won’t boot:
1- Clear the CMOS: This can be done either with the jumper (located close to the battery on the motherboard) or by removing the battery.

2-Remove one component at a time, until the PC boot. The last component that was removed before it booted is most likely the problem. Try using an alternative part if possible, otherwise consider a return (RMA).

3- I recommend that you do your build outside of the case at first, so if you have a problem, it’s easier to troubleshoot. I would take the motherboard out of the case and just set it on the foam pad that came with the box that the motherboard came in. You can also set the pad on the actual box. You should not have to take the PSU out of the case, just set the case near the board.

Hook up the following,
1. 24-pin main ATX power
2. 8-pin 12v CPU power
3. CPU cooler fan
4. 1 stick of RAM in the first slot
5. video card
6. 6-pin/8-pin PCIe video card power connector(s)
there can be up to 4 of these depending on the card
7. monitor
8. mouse
9. keyboard
10. 2-pin f_panel POWER SW connector

The power sw comes from the case power switch and the proper connector should be labeled. The motherboard manual will say where it goes, and there should be something like “PSW” or “Power SW” printed on the board with a color code for the proper header.

Plug in the PSU, turn on the power switch, and push the power button. You may have to hold the power button down for a few seconds.

If that works, add one part back in at the time, while booting the PC every time. If it stops booting, it is most likely due to the last part that you inserted.

Additional Guides:

Here are three other guides to help you out if you need them:

1. Computer Won’t Turn On from About.com
2. How to Figure out Why a Computer Won’t Boot: 12 Steps from Wikihow
3. Problem: Your Computer Won’t boot from PC World

Conclusion

If you still have problems with your PC not powering or not booting after using this guide, leave a comment describing your problem and everything that you’ve tried and I’ll do my best to help you out.

I hope that this guide, and this series, was useful to you. Next week, I’ll start updating the Gaming PCs, so make sure to subscribe via RSS or E-mail for free to automatically receive the updated and new builds.

If the fact that you’ll be receiving outstanding custom Gaming PC designs for free is not enough to convince you, here are 7 Reasons to Subscribe.

1. Friday, Jan. 8th: 10 Quick Tips for 1st Time PC Builders
2. Saturday, Jan. 9th: FAQ: How to BuildYour own Computer
   
3. Sunday, Jan 10th: Help me: Why won’t my newly assembled PC start?

FAQ: How to Build Your Own Computer

Summary:

Click on a question to jump to it

1. What if I have never built a PC before?
2. Why should I build a PC instead of buying one in a store?
3. Which type of PC do I need?
4. What if I’m outdated on what are the current best parts or simply don’t know which parts to pick?
5. Who are you to tell me which parts to choose and why should I go with Hardware Revolution’s Builds?
6. What if I don’t agree with your choices?
7. Can you suggest me a step to step guide to build a computer?
8. Do you have tips for someone building a PC for the first time?
9. What if I get stuck or need help?
10. What if I want more performance than a build has to offer?

What if I have never built a PC before?

Now is the time to start. Make the jump, do not be afraid. Building a computer has never been more simple. While the whole process may look overwhelming, if you look at it one part at a time, you’ll realize how simple it really is.

At Hardware Revolution, we do our best to assist you through the whole process, starting with figuring out your needs, then finding which parts to choose to match your needs, giving you guides on how to actually build it and finally, assisting you if you need help in the process.

Why should I build my own PC instead of buying one in a store?

There are many reasons, here are a few:

• You get more performance for the same price or you pay less for the same performance.
• You choose every part of your computer.
• You get longer warranties or at least equivalent warranties on every part.
• Once you’re done, you get the satisfaction of a job well done.
• You know that it’s your custom PC, not the same Dell/HP/etc. that everyone else has.

Which type of PC do I need?

Ask yourself what do you intend to use the computer for? Video games? Watching movies and TV in your living room? Work? Or simply to browse the Web? We have custom Computer Builds designs to match your needs.

What if I’m outdated on what are the current best parts or simply don’t know which parts to pick?

If you don’t have the knowledge or time to choose your parts, simply stick to my recommendations in my articles. You can tell them apart because they are in Bold. I always make sure that they are all compatible and ready to work together. Stick to my recommendations and you’ll be more than happy. That’s my promise.

Who are you to tell me which parts to choose and why should I go with Hardware Revolution’s Builds?

My name is Mathieu Bourgie and I’m a computer enthusiast with 10 years of experience in building, fixing and modifying computers.

I share my knowledge by blogging on Hardware Revolution, where I offer various custom computer builds designs, along with useful articles such as Warning: 6 Surefire Ways of Blowing Up Your Computer Due to an Inadequate Power Supply, to help you figure out what are the best parts for a computer at a given price.

Why should I go with Hardware Revolution’s Builds?

As Blain, one of our readers, puts it:
““Pre-configured” computer systems makes building your own computer a reality (or as close as it gets). With the market flooded with computer parts even the tech savvy individual is lost until they come here.” More Testimonials

If you have the time, reading detailed computer parts reviews and specifications are a lot of fun. However, most of us don’t have the time to do the research and just want the answers. In other words, what you want to know is what are the best parts for a computer within your budget.

This is what I offer here on Hardware Revolution. My various Custom Computer Builds, that are updated on a regular basis, will guide you through the countless parts that exist and tell exactly which parts will offer you the best performance possible for a given price. That is my promise.

I also offer my Best Of guides, which will help you find the best various parts, if for example, you are planning an upgrade or simply want to know what is The Best Video Card For Your Money.

If you would like more information on Hardware Revolution or Mathieu Bourgie, read our About page.

What if I don’t agree with your choices?

This is the great part of building your own computer(s), you can customize it to your taste, instead of getting what the manufacturer wants you to get with a pre-built computer. If you have the knowledge and/or the time to learn, you’re free to use my recommendations as a base and then to customize any build just how you want it.

Can you suggest me a step to step guide to build a computer?

Of course. Here are a few that I recommend:

1. From ArsTechnica – Part 1: Hardware
2. From ArsTechnica – Part 2: Software

• From DriverHeaven.net
• From Maximumpc.com
• From PC Perspective (Video)

If you take your time, are careful and follow guides/videos:

You’ll end up with a fully functional computer, at a lower cost than a comparable Dell PC, with the best parts that your money can buy, instead of “ok” parts chosen by Dell. The best part? You’ll be proud of a job well done

Do you have tips for someone building a PC for the first time?

Sure thing. Read 10 Quick Tips for 1st Time PC Builders.

What if I get stuck or need help?

Simply drop a comment at the end of the build post and either a helpful member of this community or myself will answer you. You can also Contact me directly for some assistance. While I’m pretty busy, I’ll try my best to answer you quickly.

What if I want more performance than a build has to offer?

No problem. In every of our Computer Builds, you’ll find included the best possible upgrades in Italic. They are still priced reasonably in regard to the budget and are all compatible with the rest of the system. Yes, every upgrade is compatible with each other, so you can pick one or three upgrade and everything will still be compatible. (You’ll also find the price difference over my recommendation in parentheses).

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are other upgrades, but I focused on telling you which ones offered the most value for your money

In simple terms, if you want a more powerful CPU or video card, simply pick it from the list of recommended upgrades that are in Italic.

If upgrades just don’t cut it, visit the Computer Builds page, where you’ll find descriptions and links to other computer custom build designs.

Conclusion:

I hope that this FAQ on How to Build Your Own Computer has been useful to you. If you have any additional questions or comments, drop a comment below.

To make sure that you don’t miss the last post of this series, Help me: Why won’t my newly assembled PC start?, I invite you to subscribe via RSS or E-mail for free to automatically receive our future articles.

If the fact that you’ll be receiving outstanding articles for free is not enough to convince you, here are 7 Reasons to Subscribe.

1. Friday, Jan. 8th: 10 Quick Tips for 1st Time PC Builders
2. Saturday, Jan. 9th: Building Your own Computer FAQ
3. Sunday, Jan 10th: Help me: Why won’t my newly assembled PC start?

10 Quick Tips for 1st Time PC Builders

Building your first PC is definitely a fun project that you can get excited about and I don’t blame you. However, to ensure that you have smooth experience and that in the end, you have a functional PC that didn’t cost you more than it should have, here are 10 Quick Tips for 1st Time PC Builders. I hope that they will be useful to you:

Before buying your parts:

1- Plan, plan and plan
Take your sweet time to plan every aspect of the computer that you want to build, before buying the parts that is. If you buy the parts and realize that they are either not compatible or under/over-powered for your needs, you’ll have to pay return fees in most stores to change your parts.

2- Buy the appropritate parts based on YOUR needs.
Make a list of all the programs, video games and everything else that you plan to run/do on your PC. This will help you figure out what are the components that YOU need. Trust me, most of us don’t need the latest and fastest.

3- Buying online vs buying in a brick and mortar store
Are you better off buying your parts online or in a retail store? I weighted the pro and cons of both in Buying online versus buying in a retail store.

4- Be patient
The expression goes that “Patience pays off” and this is especially when it comes to computers. With the insane rate at which new parts are released, if you’re patient, you’ll be either able to go with the newer, more powerful part or perhaps you’ll be able to save up because stores are liquidating older parts to get rid of them.

5- Buy all your parts at the same time
Yes, I know, I said be patient. However, most of time, you’re better off saving up your money to buy all your parts at the same time. Usually, as time goes by, new parts come out and prices on older parts drop. If you buy one part at a time, you might get the problem that some new parts are not compatible with older ones.

However, the main reason for my recommendation is that for most parts, you only have a certain time to return if they are defective, for example, 30 days. If you buy them one at a time, you can’t test them before you have all the parts, unless you have another compatible computer to try them, which may result in that you’ll be stuck with a defective part that you can’t return!

Building process:

6- Give yourself plenty of time, space and light.
Make sure to have many hours ahead of you to build your PC. It is not something that you want to rush, especially not when handling expensive and fragile parts. Work on a large table, with plenty of light available to make the process easier for you. Avoid working on carpets, as the resulting static is deadly for PC components.

7- Don’t force anything in or out
The vast majority of components can only be inserted one way. It if doesn’t fit, do not try to force it, as you’ll most likely just going to break it. Simply try to fit it another way. Heatsinks are the exception here though, sometimes they require quite a lot of force to secure them.

8- Handle the parts with care:
Computer parts are very fragile and should be handled with extreme care. Whether it’s the pins on the CPU, motherboard socket, caps on various parts, thin wires all around, etc. etc., it is very easy to damage something if you’re not careful.

Troubleshooting

9- Omg, omg, my PC won’t power on!
First of all, calm down. Rushing is the worst thing to do when working with a computer. Once you’ve calmed down, here’s a few things to check. They are simple, but sometimes we take it for granted and forget about it:

Make sure to double-check every power connection. Your motherboard will need a 24-pin connector, as well as a 4 or 8-pin connector. Video cards require one or two 6 or 8-pin PCI-Express power connector. Did you connect the cables that came with your case to the bottom of your motherboard, as the manual specified?

10- My PC powers on, but nothing shows up on my monitor!
This is something that can happen with a variety of reasons. When someone writes to me, here’s what I usually ask them if I don’t have enough information to help them:

• Is the CPU fan spinning at all when you start the PC?
• Reseat (Unplug and replug) all cables.
• Make sure that memory modules are plugged where they should be, that is slot 1 and 3 (some motherboards work only with slot 2 and 4). Try one stick a time.
• Make sure that all the power cables are plugged in. The video card required one or two PCI-Express power connectors and the motherboard requires the 24-pin ATX connector along with the 4/8-pin ATX power.
• Ensure that the motherboard stand-offs are installed correctly (including the insulation washers) and the mobo is not touching any part of the case.
• Check your CPU for proper seating, and possibly a bent pin.
• Think through everything you have done in the setup, even the heat sink and thermal paste.

Something else you can do to is take a few clear, well-lighted pictures of the motherboard and the components with the cables plugged in and send it to me, highest resolution possible please.

Conclusion

Do you have any tips of your own to share for first time builders? Share them below in the comments.

To make sure that you don’t miss the next two posts of this series, Building Your own Computer FAQ and Help me: Why won’t my newly assembled PC start?, I invite you to subscribe via RSS or E-mail for free to automatically receive our future articles.

If the fact that you’ll be receiving outstanding articles for free is not enough to convince you, here are 7 Reasons to Subscribe.