I am assembling a new computer for the first time in 4 years, and I've ran into a problem. I assembled all of the components (Intel Q6600 CPU, RAM, etc.) as suggested on the motherboards directions (It's an Intel DG35EC board with onboard video), plugged in the power cables (CPU 2x2 connector, and the 2x12 main power connector), plugged in the main power cord feeding the PSU itself, but when I nervously hit the power button, all of the fans started to spin, the +5 Volt Standby power indicator was lit on M/B, and the lights on the computer case came on (power button, etc.), but I never received a signal to my monitor. I've verified that it's plugged in correctly, heck I've even gone as far as trying different monitors, different cables, different connectors and everything else you could image, but the lite on my monitor continues to remain amber. I've powered the system on and off several times, tried hitting every key on the keyboard but still nothing, the monitor never comes out of it's hibernation mode. In otherwords, it acts as though it's not plugged in. The more I think about it the more frustrated I become. Again, I have power to board itself, the DVD writers, hard drives, floppy etc., but for whatever reason no signal is being sent to my monitor. Something else you should know is that this is the second mother board that I have tried and received the same results. Like I said previously, this is a brand new build. When I ran into the same problem this morning, I assumed it was a defective mother board, so I went down to the store that I purchased the first board from, and purchase another brand new one (same model though) but again, I am still having the same problem. I find it hard to believe it's the motherboard, and now I'm beginning to think that I've missed a critical step somewhere. When I assembled the second board, I was especially careful but again nothing. Now I also have a brand new EVGA GeForce GTX 260 sitting on my desk for the computer, so I installed it and still got absolutely nothing. What am I missing here? Can someone please help? I really don't want to take it down to the GeeK Squad with my tail between my legs looking like a dork! HELP!!!

I don't know how many times this has to be repeated but you should ALWAYS benchtest a board before installing it in a case. It's also very important to have a decent quality power supply, especially if you're gonna run a high end video card. That generally means you have to pay a good buck...$20-30 isn't gonna do it. $75-100 range is more like it. Of course, you have to know what to look for too, high price doesn't necessarily mean high quality. "If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions" - Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in Pulp Fiction

Thank you very much for the info, and I agree with your advice and being aware of the components that are purchased and installed, however I was lucky enough to find out what the problem turned out to be....which was not the power supply. I remembered reading a post on either this sie or another, about how unseated or a bad RAM module can actually cause the same issue. Since I have 2 memory modules (each being 2 gigs), I began to experiment with moving them around the board and even only having one stick installed at a time. After playing with them for some time, I got lucky and the computer started as it should. From what I can now determine, it looks like one of my two memory sticks is defective. Whenever it is installed(either by itslef or along with the other stick), and regardless of which channel it was/is installed in, it would prevent the computer from starting. When it was installed and after I would hit the power button, the motherboard would beep three times, then nothing would happen. Without it, the computer runs like a champ. Again, thanks for the input.