Abit KV8 Won't Boot Up

[Eidolon]

I just got the Abit KV8 Pro and installed everything and when I powered it up I would get a post code error of 0.4. So I took out the motherboard, reinstalled it, only hooked up the power cables (both), one stick of RAM, a video card, and the power switch.

When I power up, it goes through a couple tests very fast and then gets to 9.0 and just stays there. Nothing shows up on the monitor. I've tried clearing the CMOS using the jumper, detatching the power cable and reattaching, trying different RAM, and trying the other DIMM slot, but all result in the 9.0 post code error. I've also tried another monitor, to make sure the monitor wasn't busted, and that isn't the case either. I don't hear any beeps or anything.

Any idea what is causing this and how I can fix it?

 

[mechBgon]

Precise system specs including power supply brand & model?

 

[LiLithTecH]

The 9.0 just means the BIOS is in the DETECTION Phase.
So it is obvious it is hanging on a piece hardware (CPU Fan, System fan, PSU, etc.)

Which is why mechBgon asked for a system listing.

 

[Eidolon]

PowerSupply: Antec TrueBlue 480W
Mobo: Abit KV8 Pro
CPU: Athlon 64 (can't remember speed - building computer for another person)
I've got a Thermaltake CPU fan/heatsink that I can unplug and a couple case fans plugged into the PSU.
Video Card: Raedon 9700
RAM: Corsair XMS 3200 (Tried some OCZ EB3700 as well)

Hope this helps

 

[mechBgon]

Do you have another type of video card you could try really quick? Video card's firmly seated in both layers of contacts? It sounds like you know your way around a computer so I doubt that's the problem

 

[Eidolon]

Ok I yanked my GeForce 4 ti4600 out of this computer and plugged it in - same problem. I made sure everything is seated correctly, and I have NO idea what to do from here.

Any ideas?

 

[LiLithTecH]

Have you tried testing it OUTSIDE of the CASE?

 

[Eidolon]

I pulled it outside the case at one point and installed the bare essentials, and tried to boot up. What would happen is one of two things: it would either boot up for about 5-10 seconds and then just shut itself down, or it would boot for about 1 second and immediatly shut down. Either way I was getting no where

 

[LiLithTecH]

Have you tried RESEATING the CPU.

It is very easy to mis-align the Cooling fan and
or Warp the board (which the Abit board is prone to).

If that doesn't cure it, I believe it will be RMA time.

Also, the AMD 64 boards are very picky on the RAM they
will work with.

 

[Eidolon]

To reseat the CPU do I just pull straight up on the heatsink until the CPU and Heatsink come off togeather? I want to make sure I don't damage the CPU or socket.

And when you say mis-align the cooling fan, what do you mean?

 

[LiLithTecH]

If the heatsink is seated peoperly on the CPU, and it comes
off as one, then that is fine. If not, you may want to clean
an apply new paste (like Artic Silver) to it (after you try it briefly
though to see if the board posts).

Also, you may want to take a look at the ABIT FORUMS.
Seems you not the only one with this problem.

Abit Forums

 

[Eidolon]

I appreciate the help, I'll see what I can do