Epox 8KHA+ won't boot, post code FF

[cookdog]

I just tried to fire up my new system : Epox 8kha+ with 1800+, enlight case with rated PS. no PCI cards yet. and Video card tested on other system OK. Will not boot. All fans work and power to CD, HD and floppy OK. I doesn't even beep, just get FF on the motherboard LEDs. I wasa very careful with all installs and did reseat the muskin 512 DDR which was in good to begin with.
HELP. I hate to tear this thing apart and return the mobo and or chip.

 

[chaswood]

FF means it booted (my 8KHA+ readouts say FF as I type this). What are the other symptoms? Blank screen? Please give us some more to work with.

 

[cookdog]

When I start it. Blank screen, no post beeps, it just sits there with all the fans running. I checked all cables, removed video card and installed it in another system. It was OK.

 

[Jesta]

Does it ever display anything other than FF? If I remember right it goes through some other letters/numbers before it finally stops at FF.

 

[chaswood]

Lots of possibilities, but my first guess is a video card compatibility problem, even though it works on another system.

I had a similar problem years ago with a Diamond Stealth 64 card, system booted okay, but the screen was blank (I could type in the shutdown keystrokes and the system would then shut down correctly). Plugged in a Rage card and everything was fine.

Did a quick search on the Epox website on "blank screen" and came up with the following:

**********************

''Diamond Speedstar A90 AGP locks with blank screen after driver install ''
Location: Technical Bulletin
Article #: 1204
Product: EP-3VBM
Operating System: Windows 98, Windows 98SE

ISSUE

Diamond Speedstar A90 AGP locks with blank screen after driver install.

SOLUTION

Update the Diamond Speedstar A90 AGP graphics card BIOS to version 2.25E4807 or newer.

The update is available on the Diamond website.

********************************

Do you have any other video cards that you could try? If not, are there some familiar keystrokes (i.e. shutdown) for your Windows version that you can type in to see if your system reacts?

 

[sgtpepper06]

I had the exact same error with the same motherboard awhile ago. I tried everything wouldnt boot all i would get is FF. In the manual it means memory error, so try and reseat your memory. I never got mine working RMAed it and got an Abit, runs like a beauty.

 

[MacaroneePenguin]

 

[MacaroneePenguin]

Try to startup the computer with bareminimum components. For instance, if you have two hard Drives, only connect one. If you have a Hard Drive and CDROM only connect the Hard Drive. It could be a bad connection to the HD or even a bad HD. If that doesn't work, then try switching the Video Card. If that doesn't work, I would take it all apart and reinstall everything again, you could have overlooked something and make sure the few jumpers it has is OK.

btw, FF on the Epox 8khA+ does = Fully Functional I have the same mobo.

 

[Mem]

Did you check the 100/133 FSB jumper on the motherboard is set at 133 mhz ,normally the board comes set at the 100mhz setting.Also try clearing the CMOS and try booting with the motherboard out of the case as well.


"FF" code is what you normally get when the board is booting up and working fine.

 

[cookdog]

I tried another video card. Still no signal. Jumpers are set correct. WHen I power up, FF lights up first and that's it. no beeps or signal. I fear it's the CPU or the board. will try out of case but I can't see anything that could cause a short.

 

[ugh]

This could be a problem with your power supply. Head on over to AMD MB Forums to search for the messages there. A lot have been posted there regarding this motherboard. I solved my problem there too

 

[mee987]

To really narrow the problem down, try booting with BARE minimum components -- CPU, RAM, and video only. No drives, no multimedia devices, etc.

 

[cookdog]

I pulled the board out of the case. installed just the video card and powered up. It went through the boot sequence. I put it all back together the way I had it the first time and now it works. GO figure?

 

[chaswood]

Glad everything finally worked. My guess is that you had either a bad connection (something poorly seated) or a short (like a loose screw under the motherboard).

It's good that you stuck with it. A lot of boards get RMA'd and get a bad rap because people aren't always as persistent as you. The 8KHA+ is a great board.

 

[cookdog]

Yeah, there is a guy on the amdmb forum having the exact same problem. I sure am thankful for the help and encouragement. This has become quite an education and I've ended up with a kickass PC for a fraction of the retail price.