System with NF-M2 nView turns on, then quickly turns off

[problemo]

Hi ppl!

I wonder if anyone here has encountered a similar problem to mine:

I have assembled a completely new system, all new components. The motherboard is installed in the case, with the processor and BOX heatsink that came with the processor on it, and with ONLY ONE 1 GB memory module installed - I am using a minimal number of components so that I can easier determine which one is broken. Both power connectors (24-pin and 4-pin) are connected, and also the rear bracket that comes with the motherboard (with 2 USBs and IEEE1394), and the case front panel connectors (USB and AC'97), and all the case switches and leds too (pwr, rst, pwr led, hdd led, pc speaker). Storage devices are disconnected, they're not necessary at this stage. Of the fans, the 4-pin CPU fan is the only one connected to the motherboard, and the 12 cm front intake case fan is connected to one of the standard 4-pin power connectors of the power supply.

The red 5VSB led (LED1) is on.

Here is what happens when I push the power button on the case:

1) FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 SECOND (MAYBE EVEN A LITTLE SHORTER) THESE THINGS HAPPEN:
-the green VCC led (LED2) lights up
-all the fans start spinning: CPU, power supply, front case fan
(not a single sound from the PC Speaker is heard)

2) THEN, VERY QUICKLY AFTER THIS SHORT MOMENT HAS PASSED:
-the green led goes out
-all the fans stop

Please tell me if this situation sounds familiar to you and if you know the cause of this problem.

It looks to me as if the motherboard is turning on some self-protection mechanism to prevent system damage, as if some components or contacts on the motherboard were shorted with some metal parts of the case, or as if the CPU fan was disconnected, but I am positively 100% sure that neither of those are the case. (the CPU fan is not broken because I clearly see that it starts spinning, along with all the other fans)

I have tried to clear the CMOS memory. it didn't help.

I have tried another power supply that works for sure: ENERMAX 350W - actually it doesn't have the 24-pin power connector, only 20-pin, and of course it has the 12V 4-pin connector. The red 5VSB led turned on again, so I guess it is enough power for this motherboard. Anyway, didn't do any good - the same situation as before: system turned on, and shortly thereafter turned off.
I have also tried to connect the FORTRON power supply to another PC and turned this other pc on - it was working.

I can conclude that something is wrong with one or more of these 3: CPU, MB, or MEMORY (least likely, high quality Kingmax 75$ sticks)

I have tried the other memory module as well, but I haven't tried the dual channel combination with two modules - is it possible that the system won't boot up because of a faulty memory module? I think it doesn't matter, a faulty memory module is not a reason for the whole system to turn off, am I right?

Did I forget to connect some cable or add some basic component?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

---

System specs:

Subject: System turns on, then quickly turns off

Motherboard: NF-M2 nView (S/N: NFM2NUDJ000059) (here are the specifications: http://www.abit.com.tw/page/en/motherboard/motherboard_detail.php?pMODEL_NAME=NF-M2+nView&fMTYPE=Socket%20AM2)

BIOS Version: not flashed, the version that comes out of the box (I'm not even able to boot the system normally, so I don't know which version I have exactly)

CPU: AMD Sempron 3000+ BOX

Memory brand: KINGMAX DDR-667 (Module P/N: KLCD48F-A8KB5)

Memory size: 2 GB

Memory configuration: 2 x 1 GB modules

Graphics card: none (built-in graphics)

Power supply maker: FORTRON (FSP) Blue Storm II, ATX v2.2, has a 24-pin power connector and 4-pin 12V connector

Power supply wattage: 350W (here are the specifications: www.fsp-group.com.tw/europe/1_product/2_detail.asp?mainid=1&fid=49&proid=515)

Storage devices: HDD Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 120 GB 8 MB cache, DVD+/-RW LG H42N-BK

Operating system: not yet installed

[problemo]

Actually, maybe nothing's wrong with any of the 3 components:

check this out: http://www.lejabeach.com/ABIT/nf-m2/

Look at the 3. change in the BIOS version nfm211.zip: Cool n' Quiet: Set to disable

Sempron doesn't support Cool n' Quiet. Maybe that's why the system won't start.

I checked the CPU compatibility tests on abit site: http://www.abit.com.tw/cpu-support-list/mb/nv_gforce6150_nf-m2_series.htm

It says there that this MB works OK with Sempron 3000+, but note that all CPUs the tests were performed with the latest version of BIOS, BIOS ID:13

So (if there are no other opinions about this) maybe I should change my question:

Can I flash my BIOS without the CPU connected? Will I be able to boot with just the floppy connected (for flashing bios), and the memory and monitor of course? Or do I have to get an Athlon CPU somewhere (which supports Cool n' Quiet)?

Didn't want to try this because I'm out of thermal grease, and also because applying it is such a p-i-t-a... Still hoping to get it working as it is...

Someone please confirm if I'm making any sense.

Thanx.

[problemo]

And how about this:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=127770