So I just built a new computer and everything worked for a day or so, but I tried hotswapping the DVI cable that was connected to a PNY card to the other port (so I'd have room for the antenna off the wireless card, but that's neither here nor there).
Got no video, so I shut down the computer and for some reason it wouldn't start! When I pushed the power button in front (XION case) the lights and fans started for about half a second and then it went dead. I could duplicate this by cycling the PSU switch and repeating. If I left the switch on but just tried pushing the button again, it did nothing at all.
I unplugged the DVI cable, cycled the switch, and the computer started (but now no video).
I got it to work again after I switched to another DVI cable. What is wrong here?
Please note that (1) This cable has worked for years on another computer/monitor combination and (2) even if using the new cable will work from now on, I think it's important to know why having a video cable connected would prevent a computer from starting.
Stats:
ASUS P5E3 Premium MB
PNY nVIDIA 8800GT video card
2 DDR3 ram
PATA HD (Western Digital) and DVD-ROM on same ribbon (cable select)
Thermaltake Toughpower 1200W PSU
Intel Core 2 Quad Pro (not the thousand dollar one)
PNY card connected to 12V PSU outlet
The rest connected into peripheral PSU outlets
That's it I think. Thanks for any help.