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    HEL80 Firstboot problems

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Idiotique, Jan 29, 2007.

  1. Idiotique

    Idiotique Newbie

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    Recently I ordered a Compal HEL80 barebones (Xoticpc.com), T7200 Core 2 Duo, Seagate 7200RPM SATA HD, 2X1GB OCZ PC2-5400 sticks, and a DVDRW drive.

    After a somewhat clumsly construction, I try to turn my laptop on for the first time; The CPU fan turns on quite loudly for the first few seconds, then turns off. The screen stays blank, and after the CPU fan goes silent, the only indication that the laptop is on is its power light. Justin at Xoticpc told me that the BIOS supports Core 2 Duo's out of the box, and I've double-checked all of my part's intilations, to no avail. I thought my ram may have ben incompatible, but NCIX.com lists it in its HEL80 custom laptop configuration.

    As it stands, I'm at a loss as to what my next step should be. I hope that I'm missing something minor that some kindly notebookreview person can shed some light on.

    Any input will be much appreciated,
    Thanks
     
    Idiotique, Jan 29, 2007
    #1
  2. ajfink

    ajfink Notebook Deity

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    Reseat the processor and RAM.
     
    ajfink, Jan 29, 2007
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  3. otakuoverlord

    otakuoverlord Notebook Evangelist

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    Agreed, and triple-check all the ribbon cables, connectors, and the like. Make sure you have everything seated properly.
     
    otakuoverlord, Jan 29, 2007
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  4. Idiotique

    Idiotique Newbie

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    I tried re-seating the ram, but havent done the CPU yet. Does this mean I'll have to re-apply the thermal paste, and if so, how much?
    thanks
     
    Idiotique, Jan 30, 2007
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  5. Lil Mayz

    Lil Mayz Notebook Deity

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    Well I had the same problem with my laptop. Tightening up all the screws on the bottom fixed the issue, so it seems you need to check your installation.

    Dont over apply the thermal paste, getting it all over the motherbaord :p, but apply a generous layer
     
    Lil Mayz, Jan 30, 2007
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  6. Idiotique

    Idiotique Newbie

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    Wait, you got your laptop to boot by literally tightening up all the bottom crews of your laptop, or is that a euphamism for re-installing the hardware? Sorry if I am misinterpreting your feedback.

    I guess I'll try re-installing my CPU and see if that helps... if it does, should I expect to see the BIOS load screen immediatly, or should I expect something different?

    Thanks for all your help!
     
    Idiotique, Jan 30, 2007
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  7. Idiotique

    Idiotique Newbie

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    It worked!
    Turned out that I forgot to lock the CPU in; fixed that, put on some arctic silver 5...
    So now that I set up the BIOS, is the next step installing the OS? If so, is Vista where its at now?

    thanks to everyone for your input, this has been the first subject I've posted in =)
     
    Idiotique, Jan 30, 2007
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  8. otakuoverlord

    otakuoverlord Notebook Evangelist

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    You'd be amazed how many times it's that extra quarter millimeter that screws everything up...

    Vista is an option, but XP is still probably your best bet.
     
    otakuoverlord, Jan 30, 2007
    #8