AN35 - can't save settings

[amallah]

I have a Shuttle AN35 with an Athlon 2400+. Just got new OCZ RAM and installed it. When I was adjusting the settings to match my new RAM (upgrading from PC2700 to PC3200), I set my FSB to 200 (from 169), but forgot to change the multiplier down from 12.5.

When the computer rebooted, it wouldn't POST. I used the CMOS reset jumper and it booted into the motherboards safe mode (200x9). However, if I attempt to save any setting (even the same settings), I can't get it to POST again. In fact, if I reboot the PC, I have to reset the CMOS. I've also tried removing and reseating the CMOS battery, but no luck.

Does anyone have any advice on what to do - what exactly did I break?

 

[will889]

If you can at least get to your bios screen can you take out one of your mem sticks and while you are on the bios screen lower your ram letency timings? can you see thos timings? If so try going cas 2.5 7-4-4 or something manually. When you clear CMOS do it with the ATX connector, battery, and ram removed. I had thiis board a ways back and i had the same issue with a XP2500 and the only thing that brought it back was what i call a 'hard cmos reset'. I powered off, removed the ram, battery, atx connector. Move jumper. Wait 15 full minutes, Put all back in but use only 1 stick of mem. Make sure CMOS jumper is on retain and not clear. Set bios to optimized right away, then make your changes.

 

[amallah]

Removed ATX connector, battery, RAM, powered off and removed power cable from PS. Left jumper on clear for 30 minutes. Replaced power, 1 RAM, battery and ATX connector. Powered on and got the "safe mode" CMOS setting. Hit DEL to enter CMOS and selected "Optimized Settings". Selected "Save and Exit" and the computer did not boot.

Using CPU-Z, I can see that the "safe settings" are 100 MHz FSB, 200 MHz BUS, x15 Multiplier, memory running at 2.0-2-2-5 at 200MHz. And according the CMOS, when I put both ram in, it is running as DDR.

Is it possible that my CMOS is corrupt somehow and not letting me save? Is there a "harder" reset?

 

[will889]

"harder" not per say. I guess what i would do is let that sucker stand with the battery out and ATX connetor off for a full 1/2 day to 24 hours. I know it sounds extreme but this had worked for other boards. Also make SURE that the ram is not runnig at 200 DDR. Go into "expert" settings, then advanced chipset, activate "expert". Set the CPU manually @ 133 and the multi at 15. Set the DDR to 100% effective speed, and when you do that (manually) you should see you're ram "resulting freq) of 133. If you don't see a resulting freq of 133 and you see 166 then manually specify a ratio of 83% and that should get you down to 133. Then see if it will start up.

 

[will889]

I'll check back manyana.

 

[amallah]

Ok, everything is out and I'll let it sit around for 24 hours. I'll let you know my results. Thanks for the help

 

[will889]

You're welcome. BTW the same thing exactly happened to me but it was some time ago. Regular clear didn't work, but 1/2 day unhooked did, as well as lowering my ram letencies of course upon re-entering the bios. If it doesn't work you can get a new bios chip at badflash.com, shouldn't cost very much at all.

 

[amallah]

Well, 24 hours unhooked and didn't reboot with 133x15 =/ I placed an order at badflash -- I hope that works

 

[will889]

Mee too. Good luck! Should be fine.