Installing an old motherboard with no manual

[ArneHD]

Ok: my sister has until recently been using an old computer for school work, surfing the internet, playing Sims, nothing heavy. However, we recently got her a new motherboard, new processor and some other components. We decided not to change the old tower though. We tried to install the new motherboard, but it didn't want to turn on (having trouble connecting the ON button to the board).

At any rate, we decided that until we could find out what was wrong we would put the old motherboard and parts back in so that she had a computer of her own. We then found, or rather did not find, the missing manual for the old motherboard (AOpen ak77 333). This means that while we can figure out where most of the connections are supposed to go, the connection from the ON button to the motherboard still eludes us. As far as we can tell it would work perfectly if only we could connect this.

So, are there any general guidelines on how to identify these points? Or could you find a manual for it online? I tried to search for it in Google, but it turned up empty.

 

[Cutlass]

The case had a book also, and that book tells you which wire is which. Assuming you can't locate that, take the case far enough apart so that you can trace which wires go to the on switch.

 

[MarineCorps]

I've down it without the manual. A key is printed onto the motherboard near the jumper. However the manufacture should have a copy of the manual online.

 

[ArneHD]

The case had a book also, and that book tells you which wire is which. Assuming you can't locate that, take the case far enough apart so that you can trace which wires go to the on switch.

Thing is, I can't find ANY of the materials that we got with it. The board itself is pretty old: 2002 or some such.

Marine Corps: I will see if I can find it. Thank you.

 

[GrandAdmiral]

However, we recently got her a new motherboard, new processor and some other components. We decided not to change the old tower though. We tried to install the new motherboard, but it didn't want to turn on (having trouble connecting the ON button to the board).

I'm assuming that you are using the old power supply. But you have the manual for the new board correct? So you should know where the the power switch is supposed to be connected. If you don't have the manual for the new motherboard then you can download it from the manufacturers website.

If you connect it properly and it still isn't turning on then it is probably your connection to the power supply. Some newer boards have additional connections to the power supply that older motherboards do not have. You also want to make sure the power supply can handle the new load. If not it might not turn on.

 

[jono256]

You can test your motherboard's ON button by using a piece of metal (i use a screwdriver). Just connect everything, and touch the pins 2 by 2 with the screwdriver, they should be side by side, in the same area as the HDD LED, power LED , reset btn, etc; you can find out where the ON btn pins are faster this way.
If it doesn't boot up, it's prolly dead.

GrandAdmiral is right, an old PSU might have problems with a new MB

 

[GoodGame]

Yes on that point you may need a plug that converts the pins. It's like a 32 pin vs. a 28 pin. Your PSU to motherboard pins line up exactly correct? Is there an auxillary power lead (should receive a 4-pin or 6-pin square plug from the PSU) in the mobo?

The leads for the power, and other controls at the front of the case should be pretty much grouped together, even if they separate into single leads, and they should go to the same section of the mobo together or header.

Though rare, maybe the issue is there is a header that connects to the mobo?

 

[Genocidicbunny]

Not 32 vs 28 but rather 24/20+4 vs 20

What is the processor you are trying to use. If its anything newer ( socket 775 ) then it most definitely requires 24 pin connections.