I'm building a new system with a Abit AN9 32x and a AMD 64 x2 6400 CPU.

I am not getting any kind of screen when I turn it on and I think it is the mobo.

The main question I have about the CPU is I went to bench test it and placed it on a box and anti static bag, the problem is I powered the mobo, CPU, RAM, and video on but I for got to put the CPU heatsink and fan on.

*Could this have caused any problems with the CPU?
It didn't smoke or give any visual signs, I don't know if the CPU is even getting any juice if the mobo is bad. No burn marks on the anti static bag or anything.

Note: When I tested it silly me left it on for about 5 minutes with no heat sink.

"When I tested it silly me left it on for about 5 minutes with no heat sink"

You *may* have fried it, then again *maybe* not. AMD CPUs have built-in thermal protection similar to Intel's, so it's possible that it's OK. The thing about the 6400+ is that it's a power hog...consuming 125W. You'll need a darn good PSU to run your system. Do you have one?

I'm running a 600W PSU.

Like I said I didn't see or feel any signs of over heating, it just worried me after I realized what I did.

600W means nothing. The amperage specs are what's important, especially on the +12v rail(s). Plus the PSU has to be of good quality, which generally means it should be a reputable brand name unit & not a cheap generic brand. If you didn't pay at least $75-100 for your PSU, it's very possible that it's inadequate.

This is the PSU I got...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...

COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-600-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 600W Power Supply 115/ 230 V Safety Nemko, TUV, cUL, CE, BSMI, FCC, CCC - Retail

That unit should be OK, unless you got a bad one?

How are you attempting to start the system when it's on the bench...with a screwdriver?

I have the 24 pin and 4 pin CPU connector in, 6 pin for the video card and then I plugged in the power switch and speaker from my case to actually be able to turn it on.

I don't think it would matter but the PSU is also in the case when I bench tested it.

I copied the following from one of the AMD A64 data sheets. It explains AMD's thermal protection "THERMTRIP" :

"The processor provides a hardware-enforced thermal protection mechanism. When the processor’s die temperature exceeds a specified temperature, the processor is designed to stop its internal clocks
and assert the THERMTRIP_L output.

THERMTRIP_L assertion is only valid when PWROK is asserted and RESET_L is deasserted.

THERMTRIP_L assertion indicates the processor die temperature has exceeded normal operating parameters. PWROK must be deasserted in response to a THERMTRIP_L assertion to enable proper processor operation.

Once asserted, THERMTRIP_L remains asserted until RESET_L is asserted.

If the processor’s die temperature still exceeds the thermal trip point when RESET_L is deasserted, THERMTRIP_L will immediately be reasserted and the processor’s internal clocks stop"

In other words, when the CPU reaches a certain "trigger temp", it automatically shuts down to prevent itself from frying.

Thats great news, I should be okay then. I am testing another CPU on Monday so if that doesn't work I'll send th emobo in for replacement.

I'm assuming that after you discovered you had not installed the HSF on your CPU the first time you tried to benchtest, you went back & installed the HSF with the proper amount of thermal paste before trying again. Did you still get nothing on the screen the second time? This may be a long shot, but did you make sure the video card was properly seated?

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Yep, yep and yep.

I also tried another PCI video card in adition to the 8800GT and the same thing happened.

You stated you had the case speaker and power buttons connected. Di you hear and beeps at startup?