I noticed that about half of the posts here are about the same thing...new machine will not put image onto monitor. Seems like a good sticky to have.
Here are a few things to try before posting:
1.) Disconnect/remove everything not needed for post, this includes drives, cards, more than one stick of memory, case lights, USB/fireware headers.
2.) Make sure all power connectors are connected. Most boards with 24-pin ATX connectors will start with a 20-pin connector...but not always. There are also other connectors. A 4-pin or 8-pin 12v connector is common, and some boards also need power from a molex or floppy power connector. Newer video cards also need power from a 6-pin connector on the card.
3.) Reset CMOS, this fixes lots of problems.
4.) Check for short circuits: the mainboard tray has stand-offs that the screws go into, make sure there are none touching the back of the mainboard. Also check for debris.
5.) Make sure you have enough power; many power supplys have multple 12v "rail"s; if everything is trying to run off of one "rail" the system might not start.
6.) Check video card seeting: some cheap cases might obstuct complete insertion of cards.
7.) Check the jumpers: some boards are shipped with lots of jumpers, sometimes they are not in the correct place for your application.
...I am sure I forgot something; if a moderater wants to delete this & make a new post, he will not hurt my feelings.
