ECS K7S5A Boot Problem

[HiTek21]

I have an ECS K7S5A mobo on my uncles PC and it has a very odd problem while booting. You can boot up the PC if you've just plugged it into the outlet without problems. If you shut down the PC after running windows and try to boot up again it will power up but won't post. You can hear the HDD, Fans and CD Rom power up but won't post. You have to unplug the Power supply from the outlet and let it power down for a few seconds then plug it back in to get it to post. Now I thought this was because I had some cheap generic PSU or the Generic RAM, but today I just upgraded to an Enermax 350w PSU and 256mb Kingston PC2100 DDR Ram and it still has the same problems. Its annoying that I have to unplug the PSU after each shut down. I've changed out a lot of components trying to figure out whats causing this problem, but I can't find it. I was thinking maybe if I flashed the BIOS to the latest it might go away but I have my doubts about that. Anyone have any suggestions?

Here are the system specs

ECS K7S5A Mobo
Duron 1.3GHz CPU
GeForce 32MB DDR
256 PC2100 Kingston RAM
13.4GB Western Digital 7200RPM HDD
350w Enermax PSU
TDK Velo 24x10x40 CDRW

 

[DieHardware]

Had a similar problem with a rev.1 K7S5A(originally with the 7/24/01 BIOS). It wouldn't boot consistantly when flashed with a BIOS version later than 11/21/01. I would try the BIOS update(maybe even a few of them). Also do you have the FSB/RAM running at 100/100MHz or 100/133MHz?

 

[BG4533]

If your PSU has a power switch flipping it should do the same thing as unplugging it. I would try flashing the bios as well. I have an ECS that refuses to boot with certain hardware configurations. Example, with my HD plugged into IDE1 and ZIP/DVD in IDE2 the board will not post. With HD on IDE2 and ZIP/DVD on IDE1 all is good. If flashing does not work, try moving components around a bit.

Brian

 

[Buz2b]

Try a few things first.
1). Reset the CMOS following the included instructions. That would be my first course of action. Then, test the boot process.
2). Update the BIOS to latest version following the included instructions. Make sure you confirm your IDE locations for boot process are correct. Test the boot process.
3). Try removing all hardware except the basics; HDD, floppy, RAM, video card, CPU w/hsf; no CDROM. BTW, what is your HSF combo and where do you have the fan plugged in?
4). Come back and complain that you've tried everything and nothing works.
5). Go to overclockers workbench ECS 2003 Forum and seek more info. Look in the (archived I belive) ECS 2002 forum. Search for Boot Problem and you will get a great deal of info. Actually, it is probably something simple so don't get too frustrated. This too shall pass.

 

[HiTek21]

I've tried a few of the meantioned above,

I ran the FSB / DRAM settings at 100 / 100 and 100 / 133
I reset the CMOS
I unplugged the CDRom but I left the case fans running.
did not see any changes


The upgrades I put in

Duron 800 -> Duron 1.3GHz
Transworld 300w PSU -> Enermax 350w PSU
Generic 256MB PC133 RAM -> Kingston 256 PC2100 DDR RAM
Creative 4x4x24 CDRW -> TDK Velo 24x10x40 CDRW

There was no change before and after the upgrades.

Next chance I get I will try flashing the BIOS to a newer version, switching the IDE Cables for the HDD / CDRom around, maybe even change the jumpers on the HDD itself.

As for the heatsink I put on, its just some upgraded Retail heatsink with a copper imbedded base instead of all aluminum, and I have it plugged into the Mobo under Fan 1. I'm just hoping its a very simple problem like the Cables need to be swapped and the board not being bad to where I'd have to RMA it to ECS.

 

[Buz2b]

When you reset the CMOS you really have to be methodical it seems with that board. Unplug the ATX power cable to the MB first (extremely important). Then unplug any and all cables. Move the jumper to the Clear position and go have a cup of coffee (just leave it for 10 minutes or so). Then re-position the jumper, cables, power, etc.

Try it again, just for giggles. And, you're right; it wouldn't hurt to go back over the cabling, switches on the HD, etc. It also wouldn't hurt to unplug all fans but the HSF and leave the side of the case off while booting. This is beginning to sound like the infamous "cold boot problem" seen in the past. I don't have time to do so but if I were you I'd do a search for just that on the Overclockers Workbench ECS forum. I'm sure you'll find some info there. It can be cured. Got to go for now.

 

[Cogtx]

Just a quick thought before you change everything around and end up in the nut house...I have a K7S5A MB which is working well since the initial install. However, you might replace the CMOS battery which came with the board. Heard others had probs due to the batt failure...just my 2 cents worth...good luck!!!

BTW...diehardware may be on to something with his suggestion. Check that the FSB/RAM running at 100/100MHz rather than 100/133mhz. Mine wouldn't post at the 133mhz with the duron...

 

[Peter]

With DDR RAM, 100/100 is indeed faster than 100/133. The latter is only useful if you have SDR RAM. But provided your RAM does actually work at PC2100 aka 133 MHz, that wouldn't prevent it from booting, it'd just be slower.