Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6 POST issues

[c0d1f1ed]

Hi all,

My system behaves kinda strangely. After pressing the power button the fans rev up and just when you expect to see a POST screen it shuts down, only to restart a second later and do the same thing all over.

Only when I leave it off for a while, it does the restart just once and then works perfectly fine.

I've tried replacing the graphics card, exchanged the RAM, pulled out all hard drives, removed the sound card... but it still going into an endless restart loop when I do a manual 'warm' restart.

So I suspect that my motherboard is the culprit. It's a Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6. My question is, does anyone else know of such issues (with this board or another)? Also, can you think of any other cause? I don't want to return the board unless I know for sure it's broken.

Thanks,

Nicolas

 

[jay2334]

I have the DDR3 variant of the board and I'm having the same problem. I figured it was my power supply (PSU) going bad, but now after seeing your post I'm beginning to wonder if it's the motherboard that is the culprit. I also have the latest BIOS version installed.

I have to unplug the power cord from my PSU and switch the on/off button... well off then on. I'm going to check and recheck all of my settings in the BIOS before I figure that it's the motherboard that is the issue.

 

[TheBeagle]

Good Afternoon Everyone.

I have the GA-X38-DQ6 board and it ALWAYS needs two attempts to start successfully. I have a ToughPower 850 PSU, so I don't think it's that item. Although the double start is a bit annoying, since it ALWAYS starts the second time, which is within 2 seconds of the first attempt, I really don't pay much attention to it.

Best regards to everyone. TheBeagle :beer:

 

[c0d1f1ed]

Hmm, it's not very assuring that at least two people also have a similar problem.

Interestingly, I think the problem got a little worse when I *upgraded* my power supply from a no-name 400 Watt to a supposedly high-quality Zalman 550 Watt.

Maybe the motherboard short-circuits or pulls a lot of power for a very brief moment, and the power supply's protection decides to shut off completely?

Thanks guys.

 

[ultra laser]

My Gigabyte P35-DS3R did the same thing. Then one day it wouldn't boot up at all, just a constant on/off/on/off cycle.

I'm currently in the process of RMAing it and it's HORRIBLE. Expect to be out of a motherboard for 5-8 weeks if you choose to follow this path.

 

[c0d1f1ed]

This morning my system didn't want to boot at all (constant restart). :Q The issue definitely seems to be getting worse.

I replaced the power supply with my old one, and after two tries it did start up properly. Then I switched back to the new power supply and the system started booted without a single hitch.

I'm afraid to turn it off again now. I'm close to just throwing this board out and buying an ASUS or whatever. But I still want to give this GIGABYTE board a chance. It hasn't failed me once IF it boots up. I've read some other forums describing similar issues and some blame the RAM voltage and others CPU overclocking. Would it be worth trying to increase voltages on RAM and/or CPU? If yes, what are absolutely safe margins? I don't want to make things worse and blow up other parts...

Thanks.

 

[Qbah]

EP35-DS3R user here. Same boot-up loops. Eventually mine will start, if I let it try a few times. The moment it dies, I'm getting an ASUS replacement.

 

[c0d1f1ed]

I ended up bying an ASUS P5Q Deluxe. It booted up fine... till I had to restart due to a driver update. Again it restarted several times before POST-ing succesfully. I think my heart skipped a beat, or two.

Could you all post your power supply specifications? Thanks a bunch.

 

[c0d1f1ed]

Allright, it might not be the motherboard nor the power supply, but the RAM!

I have 4 GB of 800 MHz GEIL memory, and while it has a sticker on it specifying 1.8 Volt, I checked their website and was surprised to find out it's specified for 1.9 - 2.4 Volt. So I increased the voltage to 2.2 in the BIOS (when I finally got it to boot again), and so far it looks like the entire restart issue is gone!

 

[GigabyteColin]

As mentioned in the other X48-DQ6 thread, please carefully read the memory voltage settings according to your mem. manufacturer. It is strange that GEIL put wrong spec on package. GIGABYTE when designing our boards has followed Intel design guidelines regarding mem volts at default. However, many of the memory manufacturers have increased the default volt settings for their modules, so it is important to do a check. If you find the default for your memory is higher than the 1.8 default of the mobo, please follow these instructions if you are having booting issues.

1. Turn off Power and remove all RAM sticks
2. Remove CMOS battery for 10 seconds
3. Replace battery and put one stick in DDR2 slot 1
4. Power up and go directly into BIOS
5. Adjust Mem to rated voltage from manufacturer and exit BIOS
6. Replace second stick after succesful boot.

Cheers Guys,
Colin

 

[c0d1f1ed]

Originally posted by: GigabyteColin
1. Turn off Power and remove all RAM sticks
2. Remove CMOS battery for 10 seconds
3. Replace battery and put one stick in DDR2 slot 1
4. Power up and go directly into BIOS
5. Adjust Mem to rated voltage from manufacturer and exit BIOS
6. Replace second stick after succesful boot.

That would have been extremely helpful information before I bought the P5Q.

Anyway, I'll remember this when constructing a secondary system with the GA-X38-DQ6. It's indeed weird that GEIL gave the wrong specification (both the sticker and SPD are 1.8 Volt, while on their site there is no mention of anything lower than 1.9 Volt). I suppose I have an early revision that can start to malfunction at 1.8 Volt after a while (used it half a year without trouble). Either way, I'm happy the issue is completely gone (fingers crossed) and I can use the system normally again.

Thanks all!