Foxconn NF4SK8AA Won't Post

[JediNight]

I'm building a new box for a friend, and it initially posted without problems. So far so good. I set up the BIOS config and restart ... still good. I see the RAM is only running in single channel mode for some reason though. I moved the ram to the other channel slot and now I'm just getting error beep codes from it. *sigh* The VGA never comes on, but the keyboard does work if I Ctrl-Alt-Del to reboot it.

I've tried resetting the CMOS twice, I tried all the different memory channels AND swapped in ram from my system in each slot as well. No dice.

It runs Phoenix BIOS and I looked up the codes. It sounds like 2 long beeps (or maybe 4, it's hard to tell) followed by a triple beep. Which the error guide either says it cannot read the CMOS config and I need a new mobo, or it could be one that is just memory related.

Anyone got any pointers I could try at this point? I really don't want to have to RMA this motherboard.

 

[mechBgon]

1) is the power supply a decent-quality brand?

2) does the power supply have enough wattage for the system? If in doubt, post specs.

3) you have the ATX12V cable connected, right? In this pic :camera:, it's the "4-pin CPU power connector." I would also use the "Additional power connector," regardless of whether you're doing SLI or not. More power-delivery points = better.

4) what brand & model of RAM are you using on it?

 

[JediNight]

Thermaltech 430W PSU, all that's in it is a SATA DVDR, SATA HDD, and a regular video card.

The ATX12V is connected, as well as I connected power to the "Additional Power Connector" on the board. I can try unplugging that possibly, as maybe that is only for SLI mode, I'm not sure.

It was posting fine to begin with until I moved the ram (with the PSU off and unplugged). I'm fairly certain it's not the ram, but who knows.

 

[mechBgon]

Do you happen to have a name-brand PSU you could try in there? Also, what sort of RAM did you use?

 

[JediNight]

Thermaltake PSU even, excuse me. Isn't that name-brand enough? I've used their CPU coolers for years, and the PSU had good reviews on Newegg.

I should only need to have the CMOS battery out for like a minute, correct?

Patriot dual channel memory.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: JediNight
Thermaltake PSU even, excuse me. Isn't that name-brand enough? I've used their CPU coolers for years, and the PSU had good reviews on Newegg.

Ahh, ThermalScum :evil: Do you have any other power supplies you could test with?

I should only need to have the CMOS battery out for like a minute, correct?

Clearing the CMOS is normally a 2-stage or 3-stage procedure depending on the motherboard.

1) unplug the computer from the wall

2) remove the CMOS battery

3) while the system's unplugged and the battery is out, move the CMOS jumper to the Clear position for about 15 seconds or more

...then put the jumper back, the battery back, and plug it in again. Consult the motherboard's owner's manual for its specific procedure.

Patriot dual channel memory.

Can you narrow it down to the actual model of Patriot modules? Some modules are intended for higher-than-stock voltages, and can throw a fit if they don't get it. Fancy cars, premium gasoline. Fancy RAM, voltage boost.

I have some more troubleshooting things to check, written up here (scroll down to "Assorted reasons your computer might not start or POST").

 

[JediNight]

PDC2G3200LLK is the product number on the ram. 2-3-2-5 timings listed

And no I don't have another PSU lying around to test with, sorry.

Think I should leave that Additional power connector thing plugged into the mobo?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: JediNight
PDC2G3200LLK is the product number on the ram. 2-3-2-5 timings listed

Ok, that's apparently set up for a target of 2.7 volts, which isn't too far off the "official" spec of 2.5 volts. If you can get the motherboard to POST again, try jumping into the BIOS and manually setting 2.7 volts for the memory voltage.

Think I should leave that Additional power connector thing plugged into the mobo?

Yes, because more power-delivery lines help spread out the load on the individual wires & connectors. Not that it should matter with lower- or mid-range video cards, but hey 🙂

Good luck! 🙂

 

[JediNight]

I remember seeing the voltage on the memory saying 2.7V when it WAS working originally, so hmm...

Reset the CMOS again, still no dice dammit...

 

[JediNight]

Oh thank god, I finally got it to post again. I noticed the video card became unseated slightly and then it posted. But I'm fairly sure that only got knocked loose when I tried switching monitors connected to it in the testing process.

So probably something got borked and the CMOS reset fixed it.

 

[mechBgon]

sweet 😎 good luck from here on!