Side panel may be shorting Mobo

LickMyShoes

Honorable
Nov 1, 2013
4
0
10,510
Okay, my buddy told me his computer was acting a bit weird. The computer would start, but no signal to the monitor (it stayed black). I confirmed that (used new cables, monitor and made sure the connectors were well fitted). I took off the side panel and tried to start it. it booted as normal and everything was okay. I thought I put on the side panel and then the problems started again. So, I think the side panel is some how creating a short and the PC won't display info. Even when the PC is successfully booted and then I put the side panel on, it freezes the screen, then crashes.

I'm thinking it may be a unused wire from the power supply that is making contact or something like that. If anyone has any experience with this issue, please let me know what you did to fix it or somethings I can do to troubleshoot to find the issue. Thank you very much!

**And No, we can't run his computer without the side panel because of the fan noise.**
 
I am willing to bet that the mobo isn't aligned properly in the case. When the cover is placed back on, it shorts out. To fix this, loosen (don't remove) the screws to the mobo on the case (laying it on it's side). Make sure that the cards are aligned properly (you may have to remove them, and re-insert them). Then tighten the screws.