My computer makes me sad

I recently got a new video camera and I wanted to boost my computer so I could edit large quantities with little-no lag, but I have had nothing but trouble...

I bought a Soltek motherboard (Model: SL-K8AN2-GR/SL-K8AN2E-GR)
an Athlon 64 processor
a Chaintech GeForce FX (2800?) (it is the watered-down version)

I think those are the only components that would matter, but here is the situation...

I plugged everything in and there is a red light on the mobo. I press the power and the CPU fan starts, but the computer does not boot (no beeps).

I thought the power supply was too weak, so I bought a 400W and tried that, but it did not work.

I could not find anything about the motherboard LED on the web site or in the literature that came with the board, so I don't know if it is telling me to do something specific.

Please help...

Zach, the computer Grim Reaper

 

Many things that coudl be wrong, plus I'm probably a bi too drunk to be of much help atm...
Hmmm, are you sure all the components will work together..?

 

If it's not even trying to POST, chances are the processor isn't seated correctly. Remove the processor and re-seat it.

 

Those chips aren't as Idiot-Proof as they used to be. Ya gotta be sure it's IN the right way, and fully seated. Also, make SURE all the pins are straight, and go in the holes they are supposed to be in.

 

Argh! Not the dreaded bent pins of doom!!!!!!

 

It's worth a look Dok. I had to take mine outside to have enough light, to get my small forceps on the pin and bend it gently back into place. The replacement Processor chip woulda cost me $400! (I didn't pay THAT for the whole machine. NEW!)
Factory Crap. Anyway.

 

Yeah, I know. It's a bitch. Bent pins can be a pain in the ass.

 

Thanks for the help everyone, I guess I will have to check that out... unbending pins is a big pain in the ass, but I hope I can fix this up and get back on my own computer soon.

Thanks again

Zach

 

IT"S STILL NOT WORKING!

I took out the processor and found that a couple pins were slighly bent, but that might have happened when I was taking it out. They were straitened and everything was put back together. I am still getting the same problem, though.

There is some stuff that is probably important that I forgot to mention at first. When everything is plugged in, I hit the power button and not only does it not post, but none of the drives (CD, CDR, Floppy) work.

Also, I think I mentioned this. There is a red light on the board by the power connector and RAM that I am pretty sure is telling me something. Unfortunately I cannot find any information about it in the booklet.

Any other ideas anyone? It is not the power supply. I have gotten several power supplies as high as 500W and the same problem persists.

 

Depending on the mobo, the red light might just be a power indicator.

Not many options left. Next thing to check is any possilbe earth contacts between the mobo and the case. Best way to be sure about this is to see if the system will post with the mobo outside the case. Make sure it's sitting on something well insulated and static-free, obviously.

 

earth contacts? you mean the motherboard might be touching the case and this would keep it from posting?

I guess I will give it a try... what anti-static type location do you suggest I put it in? Should I use an anti-static bag?

 

might be dirt, but if its brand new i doubt it, if everything is lined up correctly and its still giving you trouble, are you sure the devices are compatable, or if you still cant get it started, just give it a little kick, that sometimes helps

 

I am starting to worry about compatibility. Is there a way to double check if the components are compatible? The only thing I have to worry about is if the mobo and CPU are compatible, right?