Dead CPU???

[adamfelker]

OK, I'm in desperate need of some help, so if you're reading this please take the time to respond if you have any ideas. Here's my situation. I have an MSI KT3 ULTRA (non-ARU) and an Athlon XP1800+ cooled by an Alpha PAL8045 w/ L1A. The problem is, when I use this cpu and turn on the computer, no video signal is passed to the monitor and the system is totally useless. I'm pretty sure the problem is with the cpu (when using an old T'bird 900 everything works fine...). I would've checked for BIOS updates, but MSI's site is down at the moment. So basically, I'd appreciate it if anyone could either post some ideas or confirm that they too have seen this issue. The current Athlon XP is a replacement from an RMA (the original cpu was returned because of this same issue). As I said earlier, I'm really frustrated and am just looking for answers... Thanks!

 

[Boonesmi]

what powersupply do you use? how many amps on the 3v and 5v lines? (it should be printed right on the powersupply)

 

[adamfelker]

I'm using an Antec True480, so the power supply definitely isn't an issue. Actually, I just got it working by switching the heatsink from the Alpha to a Vantec w/6800rpm Delta Fan.

 

[r0ck]

great news..best of luck

 

[Buz2b]

I just got it working by switching the heatsink from the Alpha to a Vantec w/6800rpm Delta Fan

Uhh, that shouldn't have made any difference. Must have been something else that you did, not the HSF change. Maybe the difference is where you plugged the fan in, the speed of the fan, the connection that was made between the cpu and hsf, etc; but you should have no trouble using an alpha on that cpu and you would probably get better cooling.

 

[adamfelker]

Buz2b: Yeah, it didn't make any sense to me either. The only thing I did was change the heatsinks. The fans were all plugged into the same headers. The only thing I can think of is that the fan on the Alpha (a Panaflo L1a) is causing problems because it doesn't have a RPM sensing wire. I'll try the Alpha with a RPM-sensing fan and will post the results. I'll also try reseating the Alpha (although I've tried this many times, maybe I'll inadvertently do something differently and it will all work...). I'm really interested in finding out why the Alpha won't work, because the noise of the Delta on my current Vantec HSF is killing me...

 

[Buz2b]

(a Panaflo L1a)

That right there could be the problem. That fan is a low rpm model and I have seen similar problems with similar situations. One case was that a MB BIOS refused to "sense" a fan with rpm's lower than 3000. He was able to "fix" this with a BIOS update but it may be settable in your BIOS. Of course, if the other fan with the monitoring cable is a higher rpm fan then the problem will solve itself anyway. At any rate, you are on the right track with this. I'm sure you will solve the mystery.

 

[adamfelker]

Buz2b: You were right about the Panaflo. I replaced it with an Adda fan (the model that comes stock in the front of Lian-Li cases) that has an rpm-sensing cable. It is running at 2700rpm as we speak (so apparently the BIOS will let the computer start with less than 3000rpm, but you were at least generally right). The idle temperature in MBM5 is between 38 and 42C, which I guess are good temperatures. Anyway, thanks SO MUCH for your help with this. I was getting really frustrated.

 

[Buz2b]

Well, 2700 or 3000, it really doesn't matter. I may have missquoted the rpm limit. Bottom line is it is working. HOORRAY!! I'm glad you got it going. Have fun and "see" you around.