Abit TH7 II + 1.6A Doesn't Work!

[anyname]

I just got my Abit TH7 II + 1.6A , 4 x 128mb Rambus. I put it together, and it doesnt work.
The LED shows a code of 29.
I have installed only a video card and HD. I tried different video cards(AGP and PCI), HDs and HD cables. I tried different combos of memory trying to eliminate a possible bad one also.NOTHING.
Still shows code 29. So is it the MB or CPU thats no good? Code 29 is the step just before it displays the BIOS info on the screen.

 

[ginfest]

You probably got an older BIOS on the TH7-II. This is a common problem with these boards and the 1.6A. You need BIOS "38" to recognize the CPU. Although some people have had luck posting at an oddball CPU speed then flashing, I had no luck. I contacted Abit and got a new BIOS sent out. they will probably want $10.00US plus shipping, maybe you can argue with them and get it sent for shipping alone.
The other option is to find someone with an older P4-478 and then you can boot/flash the board. Most shops can do this but I found that it was cheaper to order the new chip.

 

[tigerbait]

<< I contacted Abit and got a new BIOS sent out >>



is it hard to replace the BIOS chip?

 

[KenAF]

> is it hard to replace the BIOS chip?

It takes about the same amount of effort as changing a pair of batteries in a TV remote. Snap out, snap in. 10 seconds. Done.

 

[dave8311]

Did you try 2 rimms and 2 crimms?

People have had trouble running four sticks of Rambus on this board.

 

[anyname]

Ok, first I would like to say thanks for the info on the BIOS upgrade.
I called Abit and the tech support new all about this. He told me to call their Bios number for a free upgrade chip.
So I called. At first they wanted me to pay 12 bucks, but I told them the tech support guy said it was free. So they are sending out a new bios chip free. Just how long do I have to wait for it to arrive?! :-(

I remember checking Abit's website before I bought this MB, and it says nothing at all about the problem. I guess they dont want to scare off potential customers. Who would buy a MB that needs a new BIOS chip before it can be used? You can only flash it if you have a non-Northwood P4. I dont have spare cpus just lying around!

Anyway, in my research into this problem, I have noticed lots of posts about random reboots and 4 rimm problems. Is this MB a lemon?!!!! If I have more problems with it, it is going back. And I will stick with ASUS!

 

[DashK]

I don't know about the TH7-II, but the BD7-Raid is a lemon board, Abit sucks IMO.