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Hello,I recently bought a new motherboard (I'm not sure what model number exactly, but it's from a Dell Precision Workstation 420) a new processor (2.6ghz.), and new ram (2 512 rdram modules). I have a Dell dimension computer that's stock besides RAM and and a videocard upgrade. I recently dismantled my computer to give it the new motherboard, RAM, and processor, but keep everything else. I then took my now spare motherboard, processor, and RAM and built a spare computer with an extra case and other parts. Once all was said and done and I was feeling proud, I tried to boot them up but neither worked. I tried switching the power cords. Nothing. I tried switching the power supplies. Nothing. So I put my computer back to how it was originaly. Nothing. I've heard it might be a power supply failure, but I've tried 3 different ones and they all do the same thing. When I plug the power cord in, the fan spins for about a second, and there's a green LED that stays lit on the motherboard, but the drives don't spin and the power button doesn't do anything. Also, when I have both the 20 pin and 4 pin power connctors plugged into the motherboard, the fan spins for one second. But if just the 20 pin is connected, the fan stays running, but it still will not boot.

I'd greatly appreciate any assistance anyone could provide me with, and I appologize for my lack of technical specs on my setup. Thanks for your help.

Hey there Bojag and welcome to the forums.

Right so you have everything connected the way it was originally, so try the following:

• Make sure you connect only the basics (so disconnect everything not listed)
  • RAM (make sure it is firmly pushed in)
  • Power supply (both the 20pin + 4 pin cord)
  • Processor
  • Video card
  • Monitor
  • Keyboard
• Try booting the system and see if anything happens.
• If nothing appears then power down the system and remove the CMOS battery (little round silver battery on the motherboard), leave it out for about 1 minute. Plug it back in and try to boot it up again.

Let us know if any of this helps.

Do you get any beeps from the system?

Howdy Bojag and a welcome from myself as well,

If I my add my 2 cents in, I know in Delss motherboards when the green light is on that means everythign is working fine.

On your old but new pc did you connect the old Dell power supply to the motherbaord? As Dells use only there power supplies and if you try to swicth them the pc does not like it and will act up. Dont ask me why just the way they made them,
Are you sure the IDE connectors are correctly set to master? ANd did you plug in the Power button cords into the corresp[onding ones on the motherboard>?

Thank you very much for your replies! The problem was that I didn't reconnect the power switch to the motherboard. I thought that was just for the front usb and speaker ports... After I re-connected that, it booted right up with no problem! Thank you so much for the help.

Also, the spare case I'm trying to use has the front power wires split into 5 different connectors, but my newer case has it as 1 cable. Both motherboards use the same 1 cable design. I was wondering if there was some sort of converter for the 5 port setup or if it would just be easier for me to get a new case. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

You should still be able to connect these cables to your motherboard, take a look at the following website and see if it helps you.
http://www.directron.com/installusb.html

If you still have problems then post the make/model of your motherboard and we can do some extra research for ya.