ASUS Z87 Deluxe Dual won't post after I changed the BIOS - how do I reset the BIOS?

[BeethovensCat]

Dear All,

Installed a new ASUS Z87 Deluxe Dual motherboard.

The board wouldn’t post at first with four RAM sticks in (Corsair Vengeance – CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10 – on the list of qualified vendors).

But with two, it started nicely.

I then installed Windows on a RAID 0 array on a couple of new Intel 530 SSDs without a problem.

After installing Windows and all the drivers provided by ASUS (AI Suite not installed) I tried to insert the last two memory sticks to see if it would run with four. The system booted but I soon got blue screen of death, so I took them out and the computer ran fine again.

After some hours of the system running in a completely stable way, I returned to the BIOS to see if I could make sense of the RAM issue.

Found that the RAM speed was set to 1333 rather than 1600. So, I changed it to 1600 and re-booted.

All well at first, the system posted, but now one of the new Intel SSDs showed a fault on the Intel RAID interface menu. Consequently, Windows could not load.

Into the BIOS again. The system saw both SSDs. I disabled the Realtec LAN controller because I won’t need it. Also disabled the onboard audio.

But changed nothing regarding the SSDs (as I couldn’t find anything to change).

Then I rebooted the system and to my surprise it wouldn’t post. Nothing! A terrible feeling, at least for a non-pro!

On top of that, it sounds like the fans are making more noise than before I touched the BIOS. Not sure why?

Of course, the main problem is that I can’t post and enter the BIOS again.

Does anyone know whether there is a way to restore the BIOS to its default settings so I can access the system again and figure out whether the problem is with the SSD and/or with RAM slots or it is just a matter of manually setting the RAM to the right speed.

I am inclined to think there is something wrong with the RAM slot, as it shouldn’t be a problem to run RAM at a lower speed than it is certified for.

Anyway, your advise on how to breathe life into my system again is greatly appreciated!!

Many thanks in advance!

Philip

 

[Ketchup]

On your board CLEAR CMOS is a button on the bottom, just to the right of the diagnostic LEDs.

 

[BeethovensCat]

Thanks - Ketchup!

Will try that.

Will also see what error code the system reports.

Couldn't find the section in the manual where they were explained, so I didn't pay much attention to it.

Will report back a little later.

Philip

 

[BeethovensCat]

Unfortunately still no luck!

Tried taking the battery out, resetting the CMOS (onboard button), and the RAM button.

I think there is probably something wrong with the motherboard.

When I install the RAM in slot A2/B2 I get error code 55, which means no RAM inserted.

In the other slots, I get Error Code 99 which I am not sure what means, something about Super IO initialization.

Any ideas on how to overcome that issue?

From what I gather on the net, seems like the board has to be RMAed.

Cheers,
Philip

 

[Ketchup]

I think you are correct. Interestingly, someone here had a very similar issue not too long agnce his new board came everything was fine.

 

[BeethovensCat]

Having a technician to look at it tomorrow, but it is probably going back.

One of the things I did notice when I was in the BIOS before it refused to post was the that the stepping version was C1. I read elsewhere that C2 apparently fixes some issue.

I am surprised they are still selling version C1 when C2 came out in July (or so).

And also, how does one tell whether it is version C1 or C2. I guess the seller might have an idea. Or perhaps could guarantee that it is C2.

Thanks for the guidance!
Philip

 

[BeethovensCat]

By the way Ketchup,

Can see you have Gigabyte. Which of the Gigabyte boards would correspond to the ASUS Z87 Deluxe?

Am not entirely convinced that I will stay with ASUS, even if I have only have two bad boards in 10-15 years.

Cheers!

 

[Alan G]

I am surprised they are still selling version C1 when C2 came out in July (or so).

Philip

If the vender did not exercise proper inventory management (First in First Out) it could be quite easy to get a MoBo with an older BIOS.

 

[Ketchup]

By the way Ketchup,

Can see you have Gigabyte. Which of the Gigabyte boards would correspond to the ASUS Z87 Deluxe?

Am not entirely convinced that I will stay with ASUS, even if I have only have two bad boards in 10-15 years.

Cheers!

I have been very happy with Gigabyte over the years. Have had a very myself and put several in others' computers. Never had a problem. There is a lot of selection out there. Here are a few that I found. Any features in particular you are looking for?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131987
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128594
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128593
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128592
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128650
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128617

 

[schmuckley]

You could get a new BIOS chip from BiosDepot on ebay.They cost about the price of shipping a board.I would try that.

On the topic of new board,Biostar Hi-Fi z87x 3d will do pretty much everything Asus z87 Deluxe will.(at a much cheaper price)

 

[BeethovensCat]

Many thanks for your suggestions guys!

Much appreciated.

Am now getting a replacement board from Amazon - hopefully that will work!?

I actually found out what the problem was that caused the Board not to post - it had blown the graphic card!

Very annoying, as I now have to buy a new graphics card as well.

I found a similar report on Amazon. This is really very tedious. How can Asus have such poor quality control that this is a 'not uncommon' thing!?

So, I could post and boot with the monitor connected though the HDMI port. But the RAM still only ran at 1333 and only two of the four channels worked. So back to Amazon. Fortunately easy to replace.

The in-built Intel graphic was not impressive, by the way. So, I wouldn't recommend that anyone run their computer without a graphic card!

I keep my fingers crossed that the next one will work. Otherwise, I will look at Gigabyte or another brand.

Cheers!
Philip

 

[robertkey]

asus boards have a lot of problems in them

 

[BeethovensCat]

They used to be very solid, but it is possible that the quality control has gone down the drain. That would be a poor business strategy!

If my next board is faulty too, I don't think I will be patient enough to request a third copy! Keeping my fingers crossed.