Epox 4G4A+ won't even show BIOS. no O/C yet!

[BumpNGrynd]

After reading mostly positive reviews of the 4G4A+ I got one today and eagerly installed a retail Intel 1.8A (Malay) and 512 MB PC2700 DDR SDRAM. At first I also put in my GF4 and a Promise IDE controller as I could otherwise not enable all my drives (don't want to use the Highpoint yet).

So I power it on. Things start spinning, I'm happy. Oops, first long beep. Silence. Second long beep. POST display says 'C1' and then I get this diee-da-diee-da- dooo-da-dooo-da-dooo-da wailing siren. C1 POST means 'Detect memory - auto detection of dram size, type and ecc - auto detection of L2 cache (socket 7 or below)'. Not very helpful.

So I removed my Promise and GF4 and moved the monitor to the built in graphics. Same result. Reseated the memory. Same.

I'm not (yet) trying to overclock, I just want this darn thing to boot.

Anyone with any tips?

Thanks,

Bump

 

[o1die]

You didn't say what brand of memory you had. Could be a bad stick. Also, try a different slot. My friend just had the same problem with kingston. Took it back to best buy, and they gave him a hard time about exchanging it, but he was right. A bad stick. The new one worked fine the first time. You could also try clearing the cmos, or placing the board on the static bag, and try booting with just the memory, cpu/heatsink and video.

 

[Mem]

Epox boards can be tricky with memory,make sure it`s fully seated,I know somebody that took them over 10 tries to get it in seated right and trying a different slot is a good idea by o1die,yes it`s possible the ram is faulty but try the other things first or another stick of ram if possible to rule out it being faulty ram.

 

[DoobieOnline]

I had the same problem on first boot, but clearing CMOS took care of it. Run your memory in slot 2, also.

 

[BumpNGrynd]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I did clear the CMOS actually but I only held the jumper in place for a few seconds. I don't think the 'manual' says how long you should do that.

As far as the memory stick goes, this is BuyAIB house brand. Not the most reputable brand but I figured that I'm not going over the DDR333 mark so I can live with memory certified to that speed.

I will try running the stick in slot 2 but that's counter what the manual says, right? I'll also try reseating it a few times. Perhaps run a q-tip with alcohol (I need a shot) along the contact.

I also noticed that the mobo is bent quite a bit underneath the CPU because of the heat sink levers. Is this normal?

thanks,

Bump

 

[BumpNGrynd]

I forgot to ask, I have a stick of PC133 SDRAM, could I try this instead to rule out the mobo/CPU? I seem to recall the 845G chipset is compatible with regular SDRAM but I'm not sure.

Thanks,

Bump

 

[BumpNGrynd]

Never mind. Pin count isn't even the same.

 

[Mem]

also noticed that the mobo is bent quite a bit underneath the CPU because of the heat sink levers. Is this normal?

It`s quite common on some boards,I know some companies like Soltek have reinforced the underside of the board to prevent this.

 

[BumpNGrynd]

EPoX got back to me, here's what they said:

Dear User,

Both the "C1" error and the beep code that you are receiving indicate a
possible memory problem. Please try reseating the memory, also try
testing the memory in each of the dimm slots on the motherboard. If the
problems persists, please check the following items:

1) Check CMOS clear jumper JP1 (JBAT1 on some systems). Set for CLEAR
for 5 seconds, then move back.
2) Check CPU host clock jumpers (if any) are properly set. Note: does
not control memory bus.
3) Check your power supply. Should be 110/115v for North America.
4) Unplug all data cables for IDE and FDD from the motherboard.
5) Unplug all power supply cables attaching to your IDE and FDD drives.
6) Remove all cards and devices EXCEPT for video, RAM, CPU, CPU
heatsink/FAN.
7) Move memory into a different bank, if available.
8) Unplug the CPU and reattach.
9) Ensure your CPU heatsink/FAN is attached properly to the CPU.
10) Retest.

11) If 1-10 do not help power off and test the motherboard outside the
computer case to eliminate a case/motherboard power short.

12) Retest. If the board now works check for case problems. If the
system still is not working continue...

13) You may have a possible hardware problem. Any device in the system
may be a possible culprit. Use process of elimination to determine the
cause. Swap out as many components as possible starting with RAM, CPU,
POWER SUPPLY, VIDEO CARD (if present) and/or MOTHERBOARD.

Thank you for your interest in EPoX products and contacting our support
department. If you reply ensure to include all previous E-mail text. It
will prevent unnecessary delays and guarantee the fastest possible
response.

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Technical Support (24)

EPoX International, Inc. USA