Computer no longer posts, URGENT

[Eeezee]

Specs:

ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz FSB Socket 939
Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 ST3250823AS 250GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-430 ATX12V 430W Power Supply
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel
Connect3D x800 XL 256MB Video Card PCIE

I had some trouble with this computer the first time I started to hook it up. It wouldn't post to a monitor until I unplugged everything except for RAM, video card, and CPU. I plugged everything back in and it worked

Now I've been running fine for about a week. In fact, the 3dmark scores had similar computers beat despite the cheap ram.

I try to boot it this morning and the system won't post AT ALL. I checked the monitor with another computer, it's fine. I've completely removed the motherboard from the case. Right now it's setup with just the PSU, the video card, and the CPU fan (stock one that come with the procesor). It's still not posting. I tried throwing in a PCI video card, still no post. I don't have a spare power supply to test.

There are no beeps coming from the system speaker. Nothing is posting to the monitor. When everything was plugged in, my two optical drives were blinking like mad. I tried to open one, but it would immediately close itself. It's as though the computer is infinitely rebooting in very short intervals.

How do I know if my CPU or MB is faulty? I'm not overclocking at all. There is 1 120mm and 3 80mm fans in the case in addition to the 120mm fan on the power supply.

Any suggestions on what I should do? I don't think it's the video card and I don't have a way to test that either. I also don't have a way of testing the CPU (it's the only socket 939 CPU I have).

Also, I've cleared the CMOS (with the jumper and removing the battery for 5 minutes). Still doesn't post! There is no noticable damage on the MB. When the computer was still running (had no problems during that time), CPU temp was idel 38 and up to 48 under load (games, benchmarks)

I need help!!! Do I try and RMA my motherboard/CPU? =(

 

[meltdown75]

I had a very similar issue with my Asus board. The only solution for my situation was to get a new mobo. There have been issues with some of the Asus boards not posting - all the behaviour is the same. No posts, no beeps - sometimes a 10% success rate in posting or just random posts. When I had this happening to me, I would leave my system on for days because I knew that it wouldn't post again if I were to shut it down. Not cool.

First, try checking your mobo / case for a short. Ensure that none of your screws are shorting out on the case, for instance. Personally I like to use the little felt washers with my mobo standoffs just to be safe. Looks like your specs are good to go though, including your PSU.

It sucks but you may have to try another mobo - sounds like you've run the gamut of the other troubleshooting techniques. Good luck.

 

[wpshooter]

Check seating/connection of all components including CPU and heatsink.

If that does not cure would start to suspect power supply.

 

[Eeezee]

CPU and heatsink are firmly and correctly seated, power supply works fine on another computer with different specs. It's possible that it just isn't working with this current setup :-

That sucks that newer ASUS boards are having all of these problems. Right now the MOBO is not even in a case, it's resting on its static shield bag. When it was in the case, I was using rubber screws. Still no dice. I've left the battery out all day, hopefully it at least boots up this time.

Geeze, ASUS used to be so good =(

Correction: Still isn't posting. I'm filing an RMA with newegg. I can't even return it for a refund because it was a combo deal with my processor =(

 

[mechBgon]

You have all three power connections hooked up? 24-pin main, ATX12V four-pin square, and the EZ-Plug (like an optical drive uses).

Also, your RAM is noted on Asus's list as NOT passing their compatibility tests in 2-module configurations. Try with a single module if you didn't already.

 

[Eeezee]

Only 2 are needed, EZ-Plug is only if the motherboard is in SLI-mode. That's what the manual says anyway. But just in case, I've tried plugging in the EZ-Plug as well, still didn't post.

Right now there's only 1 stick of RAM in the motherboard, hasn't posted in that configuration. I tried both sticks individually, both on the same channel, and one on each channel.

 

[mechBgon]

Excuse my next dumb question but you do have the video card's auxiliary power cable hooked up too, correct? And I would use all the power connectors all the time no matter what Asus says, if it were me. Well, sorry for your predicament, I hope it works out in the end

 

[boomerang]

My standard cure-all is to reset the BIOS. It's easy and worth a try before replacing the board. But from previous answers it sounds as if the board is hosed and nothing will fix it.

As Billy C. once said, "I feel your pain."

 

[Eeezee]

The x800 XL does not have an auxillary power connector. It's more powerful than the 9800 series card, but unlike the Pro it draws all of its power from the PCI-E slot (which provides more power than an AGP splot). There is the EZ-Plug on the board itself for SLI, but the card doesn't require its own separate power connector.

How would I reset the BIOS beyond removing the battery and resetting the CMOS by jumper? =( I really don't want to have to send my motherboard back, that would be a PINTA (pain in the arse)

 

[Eeezee]

Seriously, does anyone have ANY ideas that I can try? I can't think of anything else that would help me avoid going through the hassle of an RMA (and running the risk of receiving the same board and being told that it's fine)

 

[wpshooter]

Me thinks you have done a pretty fine job of trouble shooting it.

Explain to M/B vendor what you have done and have them send you another board - preferrably not the same one. Get the serial number, etc. off of it before you send it back, so you will know for sure if they send you the same one back.

I know this is a hassle, I have been there.

Good luck.

 

[Eeezee]

All right, thanks for the advice. I spoke with a newegg rep and she was nice enough to give me a refund.

I think I'll get a Gigabyte this time. Thank you everyone for all of your help