This is either a computer or home electric problem.

This may be long...

first i built a new computer from scratch. the first time trying to boot it up i received no signal to my monitor. all computer components seemed to get power (i.e. fans running). after a lot of searching on the internet and doing some minor troubleshooting (swapping ram, changing outlets, etc...) i caved and took the computer into 'geek squad' at bestbuy. i got a call back real soon after dropping it off saying that the computer posted bios fine and that all my hardware checked out. this made me feel good being i just spent a lot of money on it and it was my first build. i took it home and it still did not work. so i thought the problem was with my monitor. i brought everything back (including the monitor & cables) to 'geek squad' and still they were able to get it to boot.

so after all this work i have narrowed the problem down to the power i have in my apartment. it is odd that this is the case being there are other appliences that work just fine such as air conditioner, fridge, and other computers. the only difference that i can find is that the power supply in my computer is 650 W while the other computers run on 300 W power supplies.

i am completely confused... through reading other forums i suspect that there is a break/short in the neutral in the apartment power.

i am somewhat electrical savvy. i own a multimeter and am fully able and comfortable doing electric checks.

i appreciate any advice/steps on fixing my computer problems.

Thanx

noonshadow

i just finished testing the outlets in the house. i did find bad ones. the good ones have values of 120 V btwn hot and neutral & btwn hot and gnd. i get about 0.125 V btwn gnd and neutral. i believe these to be good values.

i also (while plugged into one of these good outlets) tested the cable (6-pin) going from my computers internal power supply (650 W) to the video card and i get about 12 V btwn all the leads.

like i said all other appliences work out of the outlets. the computer has worked when i took it to best buy. it is just not working in my apartment.

someone plez help

Scleros

Your story ranks up there as one of the bizarrest tales I've heard. Did you actually see it run at BestBuy?

Unplug signal and power cables from everything (drives, adapter cards) but motherboard and video card and try booting in minimum configuration from known good outlet. Does it power briefly or stay completely dead?

I'd also try using a power supply from one of the other computers just for kicks.