Help! Still can't get ASUS A8N-SLI to POST

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babyjocko

Member
Jan 30, 2005
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Originally posted by: monkeydust
They said it pretty much has to be the motherboard.
No way! Not the motherboard. Why would you ever take your computer to CompUSA to help them solve your problems anyway? They have no clue.

1) You've assumed you had a bad mobo and have therefore replaced it twice. This is your 3rd mobo you say? They say doing the same thing and expecting different results defines insanity.

2) They were not able to test your CPU, which would tell you really what you need to know at this point. Through all this time you've had a problem with your computer not POSTing, you may have shifted the problem from one place to another. I've noticed that you've started the system with the heatsink removed from your CPU. That is a no-no, even for 10 seconds!

Everything is pointing towards a bad CPU at this point. The BIOS may be able to recogonize whether or not a CPU is present, but it can't tell whether a CPU is bad or not. No beeps at all during POST points toward the CPU either being bad or misplaced. It doesn't proceed from there, which is why you get no other POST errors, even with no memory sticks in place.

 

monkeydust

Member
Jan 7, 2005
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I've already replaced the CPU. I took it to a local computer shop, not CompUSA.

I replaced the mobo, the cpu, then the mobo again.

Plus, I've never had it on for more than 5 seconds without the HSF on (didn't get more than slightly warm).
 

FastEddie

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,946
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Originally posted by: monkeydust
I went ahead and ordered the DFI since they were in stock. May God of mercy on my soul!

Keep us posted how the build goes. :thumbsup:

 

monkeydust

Member
Jan 7, 2005
128
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Keep us posted how the build goes. :thumbsup:

ComputerHQ isn't wanting to give me credit because it is outiside the 14 day credit period. So, I may wind up with an extra motherboard lying around here.

I'm thinking about taking this CPU to Best Buy or CompUSA to see if they will throw it in a machine for me to test it.

I'm kind of wondering if maybe the motherboard wasn't able to sense the HSF running on the motherboard and wouldn't POST for that reason. What a nightmare.
 

FastEddie

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,946
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Next time around, don't ever try to get the system to POST without the proper cooling installed on the processor. It doesn't take 4 or 5 seconds---it only takes miloseconds to fry the cpu. Afterwhich, it will be very cool to the touch because no current is actually running through it. ;)
 

monkeydust

Member
Jan 7, 2005
128
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Well, I called CompUSA and they said it would be $100 for them to test my CPU for me! So, that wasn't an option.

I ended up calling a coworker that has a 939 AGP system. I went over there and he was able to boot to Windows with my CPU installed.

So, that leaves only the motherboard that could be the culprit.

I'm going to go ahead and get the DFI mobo and RMA the ASUS one to ASUS (then probably keep it for a future system or sell it to somebody).
 

monkeydust

Member
Jan 7, 2005
128
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There much of a chance that there could be something wrong with my PSU and that is is blowing the mobo's when I plug it in and turn it on?
 

FastEddie

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: monkeydust
There much of a chance that there could be something wrong with my PSU and that is is blowing the mobo's when I plug it in and turn it on?

You'd need to have it tested, or buy a $10 psu tester. It will tell you if the psu is working. Or, you can use a volt meter and test the indivudual power rails for proper voltage. ;)

 

chicosy

Junior Member
Aug 22, 2000
8
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Hi,

I have exactly the same thing happen to me.

No video, no beeps, nothing. Read through the whole thread, did the same and pfft. Getting the board RMA'd. Hopefully it'll turn out better.

Just letting you know that someone's going through the same grief your going through. :)
 

monkeydust

Member
Jan 7, 2005
128
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Well, I got my DFI-SLI mobo today and am now formatting my drives on it. I guess I did get two bad ASUS boards since I'm having no problems with my new DFI mobo so far.
 

Mr. Lennon

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2004
3,492
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Man I have the same problem as you. I hope nothing is wrong with it after I RMA. I am really considering going the DFI route as well, I cant stand not having my computer.
 

mpalmer

Junior Member
Feb 10, 2005
2
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I have the same problem. I've read this thread, the "riddle of a8n post" thread, etc, and tried everything.

I have a "problem #" or something with Asus and they're supposed to call me back--tonight, he assured me (yeah right).

System worked fine for about a week. I opened it up to replace the PSU, since the amps on the 12v rail were a little low and I was having problems when the DVD drive started spinning much (machine_check_exception bsod'd). Put in a new Antec and I haven't seen the boot screen since. Fans spin, no beeps, no messages unless I take out the CPU.
 

Mr. Lennon

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2004
3,492
1
81
Yeah sounds exactly like my problem mpalmer. Im over this bs, dfi here I come. Should I get the SLI? I have an X850xt PE, but im guessing later down the road when SLI matures I might use it.
 

GuitarDaddy

Lifer
Nov 9, 2004
11,465
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Originally posted by: mpalmer
I have the same problem. I've read this thread, the "riddle of a8n post" thread, etc, and tried everything.

I have a "problem #" or something with Asus and they're supposed to call me back--tonight, he assured me (yeah right).

System worked fine for about a week. I opened it up to replace the PSU, since the amps on the 12v rail were a little low and I was having problems when the DVD drive started spinning much (machine_check_exception bsod'd). Put in a new Antec and I haven't seen the boot screen since. Fans spin, no beeps, no messages unless I take out the CPU.

Have you tried resetting the RTC(Cmos) jumper. One of the quirks of this board is that adding or removing hardware often requires resetting CMOS. Give it a try
 

mpalmer

Junior Member
Feb 10, 2005
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Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Have you tried resetting the RTC(Cmos) jumper. One of the quirks of this board is that adding or removing hardware often requires resetting CMOS. Give it a try

yep. i read that some people had everything fixed by a simple cmos reset, but no such luck for me. i've tried it at least 10 times tonight, with different combinations of parts. no beeps, no messages, no video.
 

monkeydust

Member
Jan 7, 2005
128
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I'm posting from my new system right now. Have had absolutely no problems with my DFI installation yet. I'm just in the process of installing all the esentials like 3DMark, World of Warcraft, and Half-Life 2.

I really thought there was something else screwed up with my system because the odds of having the same problem with two ASUS motherboards was pretty darn low. But, things are looking good so far with the DFI.
 

monkeydust

Member
Jan 7, 2005
128
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Great, now I can't get it to POST with my DFI board anymore. I wish i never built this thing. I'm back to my old computer now. :(
 

monkeydust

Member
Jan 7, 2005
128
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Not exactly sure what you are asking. I have tried switching different power supplies and switching which rails go to what on my motherboard (and disconnected extraneous devices).