BIOS keeps resettting itself

[Dopekitten]

So recently, my motherboard keeps resetting its BIOS (i can tell because the fan speed jumps becuase i have it set to a lower value in the BIOS).

This happens after a powerdown and powerup cycle.

Well, it did happen, like 5-6 times, but now my computer won't boot up at all. I switched RAM sticks out and my video card, but those didn't yeild results.

My computer does turn on, i.e. LED's/fans (cpu/video card) and the motherboard has lights on, but nothing happens, my monitor doesn't turn on.

I have reason to believe that perhaps my BIOS has been wiped? Maybe because my CMOS battery ran out of juice...but i can't seem to find a CMOS battery on my motherboard.

I have these:

Asus P5Q-E (P45 chipset)
Q9450

Asus tech support is down right now due to some thunderstorm.

If it's a problem with my motherboard, can i fix it? Or do i need to RMA it?
Could it be a problem with my CPU? I had it overclocked, but i've had it back at normal speeds for about a month now (and when overclocking, i never had it above 1.3 volts, which is well within the 1.365v max spec for Q9450's)

 

[jdjbuffalo]

Dopekitten, I have this exact same motherboard. It is very likely that the CMOS battery needs to be replaced. I've never had to replace it on mine though. You can get these batteries at your local Radio Shack or grocery store.

 

[Dopekitten]

Hmm, well I don't know about the same motherboard, your sig says P5K-E

Maybe a mistype?

So yea, i thought it might be my CMOS battery, but i can't find it on my motherboard...Am i blind?

Edit: Nevermind, I'm not blind, it's just RIGHT UNDER my massive 4870. Ok, so do you think if i replace the battery it will work again? Even after it's failed?

Edit #2: I replaced the battery (i had one of the same size laying around), still no luck. You think it could be a faulty BIOS chip? (i doubt it because I think i have a dual-bios thing)

Could it be my CPU--i can replace it, i have an old pentium 4 around, but shit, it's a pain in the ass to switch those CPU's out, my fan is large, heatsink is big, and i hate reapplying thermal paste in the proper way (which i don't even remeber anymore).

 

[jdjbuffalo]

Sorry, I misread your motherboard model. It is a slightly different model.

I recommend downloading the Manual, if you don't have the physical copy. You can download it here: http://dlsvr.asus.com/pub/ASUS...5q-e_series_manual.zip

Are you getting beeps? The number of beeps will help diagnose the problem. You can see a chart of what the issue is by going to page 2-41 in the manual.

Have you tried resetting the BIOS by using the jumper? Make sure it's set right, as the computer will not boot if it's shorted out.

It is possible that your BIOS is corrupt. This motherboard does have the "ASUS Diehard BIOS" which should keep your BIOS from being corrupt but it's not a guarantee. If this is the case you, you will need to get it replaced either under warranty or buy a new one.

It could be your CPU. Your old P4 won't work in your current rig. It has a different PIN out.

 

[taltamir]

Replace the battery already. Why don't you want to? it is 99% likely that your issue is the battery, it doesn't matter what KIND of mobo you have, every single mobo ever made by any company has a battery and will have the exact same issue when the battery is running low.
And you can buy them for about a DOLLAR each. So go to frys, spend a DOLLAR, and get a new battery.

If you still have the issue with a fresh battery come back to us.

 

[Dopekitten]

@jdjbuffalo: My BIOS jumper is fine, and i'm trying to get a case speaker but for the life of me cannot find one--frys/microcenter/radioshack, can't find it.

Also, my P4 is a 775 socket--it works, i've tested it before

@taltamir: I did replace my battery, check the edits in my post before this one. It did not fix the problem.

 

[jdjbuffalo]

Wow, I must have missed that. I didn't think they came out with a P4 with the 775 socket...

If you can't get a speaker then I would just try the P4 processor. I know it's a pain but this should let you know if it's a motherboard or processor issue. It could very likely be the processor. They rarely fail unless pushed past their thermal limit (which is possible in your case as you did overclock it.)