Epox EP-8k7A Booting Issues

[TunaBoo]

My Epox EP-8K7A is having problems booting. half the time it boots fine, the other half of the time the little error code screen says FF (which means it got past post) but I get a blank screen. A power off and on fixes it. I think it has something to do with my VAC, because my video card is a really old ATi Rage 128 Pro 16 megger. Any ideas on what to change?

 

[TunaBoo]

I havent got mobo monitor yet, but I am using the Via harware monitor I have sitting around from my previous abit kt7-raid. It is scaring me. CPU temp never changes, and it says my 2.5V rail is at like 1.57 V. I am sure the CPU temps are off due to a diff temp monitor, but the rest of the voltages are right. WTF is making my 2.5 V drop way down, I have a enermax 351 wisper, real nice PSU.

 

[TunaBoo]

^

Me thinking the good ol defective via southbridge? grumble

 

[Pabster]

Sounds like the recently discovered defective VIA north bridge. I've got a couple KT133A boards that have this problem, and a couple that don't. It's not a big deal for me, since I rarely reboot (warm boots are usually OK) but I'm sure it gets annoying...

 

[TunaBoo]

I thought that too, but I have a AMD northbridge, and via southbridge. Is this a northbridge only via issue?

Even with this bug, it kicks the crapamolies out of any other chipset. Im getting some great preformance.

 

[yazman]

Yes I read it's only via northbridge that has issues and
not even all of those. Got my epox yesterday haven't
started building it yet though, I'll let you know if
I encounter something similar.

 

[TunaBoo]

I have areally old 16 meg video card. Maybe it needs more I/O voltage? I found a setting for 1/2x mode or 4X mode, and the instruction book hints that this will change what the I/O voltage is?

Also, what does your 5V line read, mine reads 1.9 sometimes, agh. (1.9ish should be my 3.3V line, which it reads correct)

 

[mrwade]

The problems I have seen have been with a warm reboot. If the system gives no video, then unplugging it and reapplication of power get the system up and running. I didn't realize the latest boards still have this problem.

 

[yazman]

Maybe you should try a diff PS. Dunno.

 

[TunaBoo]

<< Maybe you should try a diff PS. Dunno. >>



its a 1 month old Enermax, all power output it fine according to my multimeter.

 

[stingray2]

TunaBoo, I have this motherboard, and when I built it, and turned it on for the first time...
I got nothing.. checked wires.. ect.. tried to turn it on several times, and it finally turned on. i ended up replacing the Powersupply (both were AMD athlon Approved), in an Antec case. and I took out most of the metal posts that connect the motherboard to the case. I now only have about 4 posts, and have insulation between the posts and motherboard, and the screws that connect to the posts and the motherboard. it now works fine.. not sure if it was the power supply, or it being a short circuit between the motherboard and the case.
I have succefully built around 20 computers (not with this motherboard, or case) and have never had this problem.
so you might want to insulate your motherboard lock down posts, and or remove some of them.

just my 2 cents..

 

[TunaBoo]

<< TunaBoo, I have this motherboard, and when I built it, and turned it on for the first time...
I got nothing.. checked wires.. ect.. tried to turn it on several times, and it finally turned on. i ended up replacing the Powersupply (both were AMD athlon Approved), in an Antec case. and I took out most of the metal posts that connect the motherboard to the case. I now only have about 4 posts, and have insulation between the posts and motherboard, and the screws that connect to the posts and the motherboard. it now works fine.. not sure if it was the power supply, or it being a short circuit between the motherboard and the case.
I have succefully built around 20 computers (not with this motherboard, or case) and have never had this problem.
so you might want to insulate your motherboard lock down posts, and or remove some of them.

just my 2 cents.. >>



Hum I have red cardboard washers between MoBo and board. After I get some food in my tummy I will try to see if any are on crooked, I may have messed up in my rush. I have like 8 or 9 diff brass standoffs.