8RDA+ system declines, now won't POST... AARGH

KnickNut3

Platinum Member
Oct 1, 2001
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I wrestled with this 8RDA+ system for a month and a half just to get it running, and it ran decently smoothly for about a month, and now it won't post.

The specs:
Epox 8RDA+
AthlonXP 2200+
512MB Crucial PC2100
Geforce 4 MX440
40GB HD
Onboard sound, etc.

First, my father complained of a number of errors with it, "internet wasn't working either," then with it giving BSODs. It was also running more slowly (I don't think it ever ran as fast as it should have). I tried to help, then it started freezing up. Then, as I used failsafe defaults, then tried to run some diagnostics/etc. It was running OK, so I left it on to run, and when I came back to it, it was a black screen, so I shut it off. When he came back today to turn it on, it didn't post.

I suspected RAM before this from the lockups, but he said his floppy drive stopped working too. (AARRGH) So upon seeing this, I took the memory out and popped it into my machine (similar setup) and it didn't post. I was almost glad--at least I knew what it was. However, when I put my (good) memory into his machine, IT STILL WOULDN'T POST. So his memory is bad, and something else in the machine?

The LCD display reads "FF," which it posted last time when I finally figured out the processor was bad. Could the new one have gone bad, too? I don't know how to test it without ripping up this machine for parts over hours upon hours. Something dangerous and time consuming, and I'd like to avoid it. Thanks for additional suggestions--it won't boot barebones or with new memory. I had inclination that the CPU was fried, but I have a good heatsink on there, and it never went above around 52C--I was even underclocking it a bit.

OK, thanks for the help.
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
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Is it possible your heatsink was reversed? On the 8RDA+, the end of the heatsink that has a step in its base must go at the top (ditto for the end of the clip that has the screwdriver-tip fitting on it). Because it's less convenient to clip it down in that orientation, sometimes people install it the other way, not realizing it makes a difference which way it goes. What kind of heatsink were you using, if you happen to know?
 

KnickNut3

Platinum Member
Oct 1, 2001
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Thanks for the response. It's a Thermalright SK-6+. If I recall, I might have put it that way (it was easier to install with the clip side down.

Wait... actually, I think the clip is unconnected on that one. So, I put it in its most logical orientation--the side that had some extra spacebetween the CPU and the clip, I think the bottom, was matched up with the side that had some non-contact level (it went up a little) on the base of the heatsink. Sorry that's explained so poorly.

Would you mind explaining why this makes a difference again? I couldn't quite get your gist...

All that being said, it was never that hot. ...
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
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This guide shows in Figures 7, 13, and 14 why it is important and the things to watch for: link