ESC K7S5A Won't boot- Checking NVRAM message

[Gasman]

Forgive me if the answer to this has already been posted, but I just assembled a new system and the system won't get past Checking NVRAM at startup- can't even get into the BIOS.

The video card is an old Diamond stealth 4Mb PCI- it's in the 1st (upper) PCI slot. CPU=Duron 900 Coolermaster HS/fan.

Here's what I've verified tested so far:

1. No shorts in case (all standoffs used)
2. Tried two different PS- One is a Enermax 430W
3. Cleared CMOS - Tried different Memory, SDR, DDR (crucial, working on this PC)
4. Only PCI video card and RAM , no other components

Any help would be appreciated- Thanks.

 

[xes]

er......I may be wrong about this,but dont you need a cpu in there, too?

 

[Gasman]

I probably updated this before your last hit, but it's a Duron 900 CPU.

I'm in need of something after hours of useless parts swapping with this board

 

[lsman]

when you clear BIOS, do you set the jumper for a while (like one minute) before u set it back and while doing it. disconnect the power cord?
Can you use a AGP card to try out?
Try put a HD.
when you press del for BIOS, wait longer... see if it appear (you scroll lock or caps lock should work in your keyboard if the computer is not hang)

 

[xes]

Sorry I don't have any useful advice for you,my K7S5A install went without a hitch.You may want to try a search here It seems to be a great resource for E.C.S. info.

Hope you get it working.

 

[Gasman]

I guess the AGP vid card is the next test- I'm booting with PCI vid card and RAM only- should be last variable. No Mouse/keyboard.

Isman: I jumped it for 3 mins with no power cord. My original test included HD/FD/CDROM/key/mouse= no go. I'll try the DEL key hold; did try the hold power button with reset butoon on reboot, unsuccessfully.

Thanks for the help, hope I don't have to RMA this puppy.

 

[RossGr]

I had this exact problem, finally got it to POST by putting PCI Vid card in one of the higher slots, Try slot 4 or 5, see what happens.

The rest of the story is the my ECS ran fine for 3 weeks then started to randomly lock up, then finally after a week refused to POST. The replacement Shuttle AK31 V3.1 has been running most fine from installation.

 

[Gasman]

Swapped PCI slots for video- IT'S ALIVE!

Thanks Ross.

Hopefully, I won't be taking the Shuttle.