Solution:
Check that all power and data cables in the PC are properly connected. In the case of a parallel ATA (EIDE [Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics]/DMA[direct memory access]/ATA[Advanced Technology Attachment]) hard drive, make sure that its jumpers are set correctly. The Master drive should connect to the end of a PATA data cable, and any slave device should attach to the middle connector, if present. A PATA hard drive with the operating system on it, such as Windows, should generally be the master device on the primary channel’s cable.
If the new part is a processor, verify that it was installed correctly and that its fan runs when the PC is turned on, if applicable. Make sure that the motherboard supports the chip, too. In some cases, you may have to reinstall the old processor, install a BIOS (basic input/output system) update that includes support for the new CPU, and then reinstall the new chip.
For a video card, remove it and reinstall it in its slot to make sure that it is seated properly. Many cards must draw supplemental power from one of the PSU’s cables. Ensure that the card’s cooling fan works when the PC is on, if applicable.
Try spreading out high-draw devices, such as hard drives, optical drives, and video cards, among available power cables. For instance, three such devices might be too much for a single power cable on a PSU, but they may work OK when spread out among the power supply’s other cables.
Finally, upgrade to a power supply with a higher wattage rating and more amperage on the 12-volt rail, or circuit (perhaps expressed as 12v – 25a in the case of a 25-amp, 12-volt circuit). In general, a higher wattage rating implies a PSU that can run more power-hungry devices, although manufacturers do not always use the same standards to determine the wattage. CPU and graphics chip manufacturers may recommend particular models or wattage levels, especially when linking two video cards in an SLI or Crossfire scenario. Some reliable PSU brands are Antec, Enermax, and Fortron/Source.
If all else fails, the new part may be bad. Try a replacement.
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