ECS k7s5a problem - everything spins up, but no video or beeps

[Shag]

I'm helping my dad troubleshoot a ECS k7s5a with a 1800+ Palomino cpu. I've pulled everything from the box, except the cpu, memory, and vid card. I've re-seated both the memory and the vid card. When I hit the power switch, everything spins up (fans, hd, etc), but I get no video whatsoever. There are also no beep codes. I removed everything but the cpu, and still got no beep codes. Does this board even use beep error codes? There's no mention of it at all in the manual. I've also cleared the CMOS, with no luck.

Anyone have any idea what the problem might be? Do I need to flash the bios for the mobo to recognize the cpu?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[clumsum]

Shag,

Check out the K7S5A FAQs posted in the FORUM at OverClockWorkbench .......
Don't give up until you have tried all the tips several times, this mb can be touchy when seating memory or video cards and clearing cmos.

I'm not sure about the bios flash, I haven't used a Palomino yet ......?
Make sure you have an approved psu at least 300W.

 

[Shag]

Okay, more info. We have 2 of the ECS boards here, a 1800+ Palomino, and a 1.4GHz Athlon (non-Palo). Tried the 1.4 in the 1st ECS, and got the same problem. Replaced the mobo, put in a single DDR DIMM, the vid card, and the 1.4 - same problem. So, using 2 cpus and 2 mobos, we're seeing the same problem. Using a 300W approved PSU.

I'm really at a loss here...

 

[hwstock]

<< I'm helping my dad troubleshoot a ECS k7s5a with a 1800+ Palomino cpu. I've pulled everything from the box, except the cpu, memory, and vid card. I've re-seated both the memory and the vid card. When I hit the power switch, everything spins up (fans, hd, etc), but I get no video whatsoever. There are also no beep codes. I removed everything but the cpu, and still got no beep codes. Does this board even use beep error codes? There's no mention of it at all in the manual. I've also cleared the CMOS, with no luck.

Anyone have any idea what the problem might be? Do I need to flash the bios for the mobo to recognize the cpu?
>>



Go to the AMI site to get:

AMI Beep Codes

If you aren't getting any beeps, you probably aren't even getting through the CMOS read. Check if:
(1) your board was one of those shipped with the CMOS clear jumper (JP4) set in "clear" position (not too sure, but this may drain battery; popping out the battery and checking voltage may be useful).
(2) you are absolutely sure the CPU is placed correctly in the ZIF. I know that is a pain, so if you/your dad are really confident, save it as a last resort.

You didn't mention the memory type you are using... ?

 

[Shag]

I'm 99% sure the clear-CMOS jumper is in the correct position, but I will check it yet again when I go back to the computer. Tried another PS as well, with the same results. Was nearly positive the vid card wasn't the problem (not even getting through POST), but verified that worked fine, too. I am completely and totally at a loss here. I can't believe that using 2 brand new boards and 2 brand new cpus, that no combo will boot properly.

The only other thing I can think of is that maybe the case speaker is dead, but I have no clue how to check that. Anyone have any ideas?

Oh, and we're using Crucial PC2100 DDR, and have tried both slots and both sticks, with no luck...

 

[Duvie]

Make sure case cables are hooked to mobo correctly or you could be shorting the board...just hook up power switch and speaker for now..no reset or leds...

What are the sizes of the 2 power supplies you have tried??? This board is very picky for clean and abundance of power...I have seen many having issue with 1.4ghz tbird and the mobo neede at least 350watt ps to kick start it...

 

[Dually]

Make sure you cleared the bios. My guess is the ram. Reseat it and then try other ram is that doesn't work.

 

[breweyez]

I have the same problem with my ecs MB. Its very strange, but if I wait a minute or so, the damn thing finnaly starts up!!! I have noticed that it doesnt detect the hard drive on autodetect. After that, it sees it as a primary. I have not flashed the bios yet. If that doesnt fix it, thn I will send it back. I am 99.9% sure this is just the MB, and not a combination problem.