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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.10.28 20:34:00 -
[1]
Just under two weeks ago, my EVE machine died. I got home from work, pressed the Power button and nothing happened except for the fans spinning and the PSU emitting a descending high-pitched squeal after I cut power. No attempt at boot, no attempt to read from removable media, no signal to monitor, nothing. The whole thing was an expensive paperweight with spinning fans and some LRC resonance.
I figured the PSU was toast, so I removed it and powered it up no-load. Yep, it squeals like nails on a blackboard.
I removed the old internals and installed a new PSU, motherboard, CPU, RAM and graphics card into the original case. I retained the original HDDs and removable media drives. Guess what? No signal to monitor.
I wasn't sure the HDDs were functoning either, so I took one from a functioning PC and connected it. I think it spins, but doesn't boot, and as before, no signal to monitor.
I haven't checked the original HDDs in my healthy machine yet, but their status is a moot point as a certifiably healthy HDD doesn't boot in the faulty machine.
Bear in mind I'm using that other machine now, so there is nothing wrong with either my mains supply, power cables or monitors. And yes, I do use a surge protector.
The hardware is compatible. The new PSU is 750W, while the failed original had been 650W, so it is definitely up to the task.
Other peripherals are the standard keyboard, mouse and modem, they are OK and shouldn't screw with boot anyway.
So, WTF is up? Am I overlooking something really dumb?
Connections and jumpers are all in the right places, by the way. My one remaining concern is the case, specifically the front panel, pretty much the only component I have not swapped out. It has various connectors, but everything that gives a visual output seems to work fine (ie Power, Reset, Power LED, HDD LED, CPU Temperature, even the chavvy neon blue running lights). USB and headset audio aren't connected to anything, but that shouldn't matter, most of it was never connected originally in the first place.
My one remaining theory is the front panel contains some additional logic circuitry which does not give a visual output, but which forms part of pre-boot checks and was damaged in the PSU failure.
Is this possible?
If not, is there any alternative explanation anyone can offer for what is otherwise a new build machine sitting dead with fans spinning, not booting, just like the old one?
Logoffs
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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.10.28 20:55:00 -
[2]
Edited by: Cmdr Sy on 28/10/2007 20:55:55
By the way, the problem isn't with HDD power or data cables. New PSU means new cables, and this is SATA stuff so I have tried both types. Also tried it with a non-SATA HDD (name escapes me) using ribbon data cable. No success. So, erm...yeah.
Logoffs
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Spaced Skunk
D00M.
Triumvirate.
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Posted - 2007.10.28 20:57:00 -
[3]
Hmmm do you get any beeps at all when starting?
To Spawny, a great guy, a great laugh. Rest in peace buddy.
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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:01:00 -
[4]
 Originally by: Spaced Skunk
Hmmm do you get any beeps at all when starting?
No, none. No speakers plugged into the onboard sound, but system beeps come directly off the motherboard, so that should not make a difference. I'm not sure the original ever beeped before, anyway. But it doesn't now, if that's useful.
Logoffs
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Spaced Skunk
D00M.
Triumvirate.
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:01:00 -
[5]
Oh sorry forgot to add, if it doesnt beep at all, its almost certian that your mobo BIOS chip is dead.
BIOS will beep to tell you if the RAM/CPU is faulty mainly, and should also beep if no graphics card is connected.
To Spawny, a great guy, a great laugh. Rest in peace buddy.
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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:04:00 -
[6]
How unlucky do you have to be to buy a replacement motherboard and have a fault with it? 
Logoffs
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Spaced Skunk
D00M.
Triumvirate.
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:09:00 -
[7]
Originally by: Cmdr Sy
How unlucky do you have to be to buy a replacement motherboard and have a fault with it?
You can replace the BIOS chip if you know the model and have a search.
I cannot say much really though, it appears that you have tried almost everything. Usually you'll get something on the screen at the startup unless its the motherboard or CPU.
Ermm you could try to reset CMOS on your motherboard, see if that helps. Can't find a decent guide though. See if you understand this one.
To Spawny, a great guy, a great laugh. Rest in peace buddy.
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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:28:00 -
[8]
Edited by: Cmdr Sy on 28/10/2007 21:36:01
Just reset BIOS. Made no difference. 
I don't know, I find it hard to believe I could get a PC destroyed, then buy a faulty motherboard and end up with a PC that displays the same characteristics. I think if the behaviour has not changed, then some condition has not changed. Whatever is wrong is still wrong. That points me to the front panel, but that's a really weird thought.
Logoffs
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annoing
Amarr
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:34:00 -
[9]
I need to know the name and make of your mobo, cpu, ram and GFX.
Currently there is a problem that is affecting the new 680i nvidia and IP35/X38 mobos with the bios's and RAM interface. This causes a complete failure for the system where the system will not boot and the dreaded Black screen of death. Knowing the make of the cpu, ram and mobo will enable me to search a solution if it is the bios. The likelyhood is, if it is the bios crash you will need to contact the mobo manufacturer and get a new bios chip. If still under warrenty you can get a new mobo instead. The RAM/BIOS crash is not new and is fixable under the right circumstances. The thing I would ask you to do right now, is take the battery OUT of the affected mobo for the night. This resets the CMOS without the risk of it resetting back again. This has been proven to work for many of the newer mobos who get the BSOD due to RAM/BIOS, though it is NOT a guarenteed solution.
Good luck.
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Mtthias Clemi
Gallente
Infinitus Odium
The Church.
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:35:00 -
[10]
an EPIC fail.
(prepare for actual answer, reading.)
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THE CAKE IS A LIE!
THE CAKE IS A LIE!
THE CAKE IS A LIE!
THE CAKE IS A LIE!
THE CAKE IS A LIE! |
Spaced Skunk
D00M.
Triumvirate.
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:36:00 -
[11]
Originally by: Cmdr Sy
Just reset BIOS. Made no difference.
I am sorry mate, I think its your BIOS and/or motherboard in general. From what I have read anyway, try using a different GFX card if you have a spare.
From researching on the internet all of peoples problems relating to yours appears to be the motherboard, and a high possibility its been short circuited somehow (such as this). If indeed your mobo has become short circuited, it is hard to tell whether it is the BIOS chip itself of any other chip on the motherboard.
I can only recommend you send your motherboard back if you still can.
To Spawny, a great guy, a great laugh. Rest in peace buddy.
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lofty29
Reikoku
Band of Brothers
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:41:00 -
[12]
Originally by: Mtthias Clemi
an EPIC fail.
(prepare for actual answer, reading.)
You got...post...before me...what?
I feel sick, I need to lie down...
---
Latest Video : FAT- Camp |
Mtthias Clemi
Gallente
Infinitus Odium
The Church.
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:46:00 -
[13]
Originally by: lofty29
Originally by: Mtthias Clemi
an EPIC fail.
(prepare for actual answer, reading.)
You got...post...before me...what?
I feel sick, I need to lie down...
--------------------------------------------
THE CAKE IS A LIE!
THE CAKE IS A LIE!
THE CAKE IS A LIE!
THE CAKE IS A LIE!
THE CAKE IS A LIE! |
Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.10.28 21:48:00 -
[14]
Motherboard is an Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe AM2 Skt940 nForce 570SLI, CPU is AMD Athlon 64 Dual Core 4000 AM2, RAM is Elixir 1024MB DDR2 800 PC6400, GFX is Sparkle GeForce 8500GT.
I can certainly take the battery out overnight and try again in the morning, but I'm not optimistic.
If I'm short-circuiting the motherboard somehow, beats me how I'm doing it.
Logoffs
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Kata Dakini
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Posted - 2007.10.28 22:03:00 -
[15]
The mobo and psu have the same 20, 20+4, or 24 power connectors, right?
New motherboards don't just ship with a dead bios. You're missing something power related.
220/110 switch?
Using the additional +4 power connector?
CPU, RAM, and cards seated properly?
Power connector to video card?
For more enjoyment and greater efficiency, consumption is being standardized.
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annoing
Amarr
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Posted - 2007.10.28 22:05:00 -
[16]
No, you dont have to feel optimistic, but it wont hurt. How you could have short-circuted the mobo I dont know, you certainly didnt describe anything like that. I am currently researching your mobo and ram to see if thats the problem but as its the older 570 im not certain that might be the fault now.
I'll get back as soon as i can
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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.10.28 22:16:00 -
[17]
Edited by: Cmdr Sy on 28/10/2007 22:22:07
Originally by: Kata Dakini
The mobo and psu have the same 20, 20+4, or 24 power connectors, right?
New motherboards don't just ship with a dead bios. You're missing something power related.
220/110 switch?
Using the additional +4 power connector?
CPU, RAM, and cards seated properly?
Power connector to video card?
PSU voltage switch is showing 230V, as it should.
4P+20 main power connector to motherboard is fully plugged into its socket.
The 4-pin additional power connector is fully plugged into the ATX12V socket.
All cards seated properly.
Graphics card is a little unusual, no power connector, sits in a PCI-E slot and is passively cooled by an enormous heatsink.
Logoffs
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Gummi
Laughing Leprechauns Corporation
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Posted - 2007.10.28 22:29:00 -
[18]
Check the capacitors around your cpu heatsink, if they are domed topped they are blown. It can happen even to well known brands of mainboards.
Linkage
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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.10.28 22:44:00 -
[19]
Edited by: Cmdr Sy on 28/10/2007 22:45:15
All capacitors look fine.
I haven't had a chance to go over the board with a multimeter to perform continuity tests or anything, that's not on the agenda until next weekend, but at this stage there is no visual evidence of physical damage and at no point have I had any smoke or burning smell. In fact, the CPU temperature indicator shows a healthy 20C on power-on, around 5 degrees above ambient and about what I expect to see.
I'm going to sleep on this, in the meantime many many thanks to all you guys!
Logoffs
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Saya Hime
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Posted - 2007.10.28 23:04:00 -
[20]
Happened several times for me. I had to hotflash the bios eeprom.
Good luck my dear, cause it seems the "dissasemble the whole thing and test components one by one" is gonna hit you soon. XD
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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.11.02 20:55:00 -
[21]
Resetting CMOS didn't work, neither did taking the front panel out of the circuit.
Bizarre. It just doesn't try to boot.
I'm getting a friend to take a look at it tomorrow.
Logoffs
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Godstrike
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Posted - 2007.11.02 22:00:00 -
[22]
Just a though, try pluggin your computer in somewhere else.
Even in another room maybe.
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Sharupak
Minmatar
Knights Of the Black Sun
Rule of Three
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Posted - 2007.11.02 22:01:00 -
[23]
Edited by: Sharupak on 02/11/2007 22:01:12
Originally by: Godstrike
Just a though, try pluggin your computer in somewhere else.
Even in another room maybe.
WTF how did you get out! Get back in your cage alt!
_______________________________________________
RuntimeError: ChainEvent is blocking by design, but you're block trapped. You have'll have to find some alternative means to do Your Thing, dude. |
cinderbrood
Caldari
Dark Prophecy Inc.
Knights Of the Southerncross
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Posted - 2007.11.03 01:57:00 -
[24]
Now ima go out on a limb seeing as im sure u did check it, but when fitting the new mobo to the case, u did those riser bolt spacer thingys right ? and not bolt it down directly onto the backplate ?
ive just seen a few people do this then ask me why its not working.
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Cmdr Sy
Appetite 4 Destruction
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Posted - 2007.11.03 18:54:00 -
[25]
It appears to be sorted. Apparently in spite of what the motherboard manual says, single-channel RAM mode doesn't work, and neither does one of the dual channel configurations. That teaches me to plug in the RAM where the manual says. 
Anyway, now I only face the lesser challenge of figuring out a way of reactivating WinXP 64.
Thanks for all the help, guys.
Logoffs
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Spaced Skunk
D00M.
Triumvirate.
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Posted - 2007.11.03 21:21:00 -
[26]
Originally by: Cmdr Sy
It appears to be sorted. Apparently in spite of what the motherboard manual says, single-channel RAM mode doesn't work, and neither does one of the dual channel configurations. That teaches me to plug in the RAM where the manual says.
Anyway, now I only face the lesser challenge of figuring out a way of reactivating WinXP 64.
Thanks for all the help, guys.
Hahaha, now see BIOS beeps does inform you of incorrect RAM configurations...plug in your internal speaker now! 
To Spawny, a great guy, a great laugh. Rest in peace buddy.
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Phantom Slave
Amarr
Mozzaki United
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Posted - 2007.11.04 16:34:00 -
[27]
As Spaced Skunk said, you need to plug in the external speaker (it's inside the case). Your motherboard can't beep on it's own, because the magnet on a speaker can screw with the currents running through the board.
Glad you got it fixed though!
____________________
Changes on Sisi are NOT the end of the world. Wait until Rev III/Trinity is released before drawing conclusions. |
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