Why do computers never work? [SOLVED: but I think I have adult ADD...]

RNEMESiS42

All right, so, I decided to upgrade my video card. I picked up a GeForce 9800 GTX, and I was excited to start pwning noobs. I installed card, made sure the PCI-E power cord is hooked up, and proceed to boot up the computer. Of course I get a "No signal detected" on my monitor. I made sure it's seated properly, and try to do a reboot. The reset button turns computer off...then seconds later the computer starts up again. Interesting. I get the same absence of video as before, so I decided to turn off the computer and swap back in my old video card. I hit the power button to turn the computer off...nothing. I had to hit the reset button to turn it off, then switch off the power supply. Definitely odd. I also noticed that my optical mouse doesn't turn on at all.

I swapped back in my old video card, still get no signal. Now I'm worried shit hit the fan somehow for no reason at all, like usual with computers. I took my case apart and made sure the connections to the power buttons were secure, and nothing seemed loose or dislodged. I plugged everything back in, and still get the weird power button problems, and no video (with the old card).

I don't know what is up, since everything was running fine until I replaced the video card, and I've replaced video cards a hundred million times. What the eff?

MagicPrime

Was your power supply big enough to handle the new card?

tsmvengy

MagicPrime wrote: »

Was your power supply big enough to handle the new card?

This, what's the wattage and brand on that PSU?

Wulf

Did you unplug the computer entirely from the power before installing?

RNEMESiS42

Yes, it should be powerful enough. It's 500 watts and should get pretty high amperage on the rails. The computer was unplugged on my dining room table in between swaps.

embrik

ESD? Did you make sure to ground yourself while working? Check for blown capacitors, etc on the mobo.

MoSiAc

This is one of "those" questions but you did make sure to plug the monitor back in after you installed your new card? I know its stupid but you can't assume anything that you don't type.

RNEMESiS42

Yes, I grounded myself. I installed the monitor when I put the new card it, and when I switched back in my old card. I even tried a different monitor. Eh...I'm going to take everything out and put it back in the mobo, and check to see if anything looks exploded.

Invisible

That's odd. Did you make sure you plugged in both power cords into the mobo?

RNEMESiS42

Yeah, they're both plugged in. I didn't unplug them anyway.

RNEMESiS42

I am stupid. When I took the mobo out of the case to dissect it, I started to take the RAM out first. Each of them came out effortlessly...WHAT? They were completely loose. I have no idea how that happened. I snapped them back in and hooked up the power supply to the board...and presto...startup...I'm very relieved but feel real stupid. I had no reason to thing that the RAM would have been loose though, I didn't touch it at all. Oh well, problem solved. I'm going to try to get the new video card running and play some Left 4 Dead flawlessly. CHEERS!