HELP - WEIRD ISSUE - ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe

[joelrh79]

HELP - I've run out of ideas...

I recently switched cases for my computer because we got a new desk and the old case was too large.

Nothing changed really - I even used the same power supply. But, when I went to boot up after moving all of my components over it freezes on the Windows boot-up screen or if I hit the delete key to go to the BIOS setup.

The weird thing is that I can successfully start the computer in safe mode or in VGA mode if I hit F8 on startup.

I have the following:

ASUS A8N SLI-Deluxe
2 Gb OCZ Ram
2 x BFG Tech 7800 GTX OC
Athlon XP 2800+

I have tried the following troubleshooting steps:

Booting with all combinations of RAM in different slots
Booting with the graphics cards switched and each by themselves
Flashing the bios (from safe mode) with the latest bios
Clearing the CMOS
Removing the battery for different periods of time and clearing the CMOS
All power cords are appropriately connected

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Is there a way to access and manipulate the BIOS from windows?

 

[lopri]

Did you try both USB and PS/2 keyboards? Also it's possible that your monitor is slow to wake up when it gets the signal. Try timing well hitting the delete key. But other than that, it's weird, yes.

 

[joelrh79]

Yes - I've tried all of my mice and keyboards (both PS2 and USB). Remember - I can boot up in safe mode and VGA mode and everything works.

I just can't boot up Windows normally or access the BIOS screen.

 

[joelrh79]

Error: my CPU is not an Athlon XP 2800+

It is an AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 2.2GHz

 

[joelrh79]

*Bump* Pros Attention Needed

 

[Csst]

Have you try to go to site and try to even downgrade your BIO.. just a suggestion..

 

[NXIL]

Hi JoelRH,

not a computer pro...but, I know someone who played one on TV.

Since the PC worked fine in old case, and now does not work in new case, either it is a problem with the case (see below) or with some connection, or, something was damaged in the move.

Possible damage: static electricity? Not sure what the weather is like where you are, but dry/hot air makes it easy for static electricity to accumulate. Also, did you clean off the motherboard with a vacuum, or canned air spray?

Motherboard/case: small lost screw shorting out some contact or trace between mobo and case?

Motherboard standoffs not in right place, or, an extra one that is causing a short? (And yes, I know that does not really explain the booting in safe mode....)

Power connectors all locked in, and, cables not crimped/damaged in smaller new case? Power cable damaged and shorted by sharp edge in new case?

USB cable connected to firewire hookup, or vice versa?

Chipset fan on A8N-SLI damaged, not working, not making contact?

CPU fan in correct fan header?

Screws too tight? Too loose?

Good idea with the CMOS and battery clear: did you leave it in the 'clear" jumper position with the battery out for a few hours? Clear CMOS jumper back on the correct pins?

Smaller case: cables to hard drives OK, in good shape, connected well? Same for CD/DVD?

Did you upgrade to a BETA Bios, or, to 1014?

http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx

Chipset driver compatible with new BIOS version? (Safe mode....no chipset driver?)

Correct version of the BIOS update program? Sort of a confusing page:

http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx

You might try flashing the BIOS from DOS, using a floppy, and following the instructions to make sure no memory resident programs are installed when DOS starts.

HTH

NXIL

 

[joelrh79]

Possible damage: static electricity? Not sure what the weather is like where you are, but dry/hot air makes it easy for static electricity to accumulate. Also, did you clean off the motherboard with a vacuum, or canned air spray?

It's been raining almost non stop and I live in a humid area

Motherboard/case: small lost screw shorting out some contact or trace between mobo and case?

All of the screws are accounted for

Motherboard standoffs not in right place, or, an extra one that is causing a short? (And yes, I know that does not really explain the booting in safe mode....)

All of the standoffs match up

Power connectors all locked in, and, cables not crimped/damaged in smaller new case? Power cable damaged and shorted by sharp edge in new case?

This could be a possibility - I'll check all the wiring tonight.

USB cable connected to firewire hookup, or vice versa?

Nah. I checked that already and tried booting while all accessories were unplugged

Chipset fan on A8N-SLI damaged, not working, not making contact?

Hmmm. When I moved the motherboard over - I did switch out the motherboard fan with a new one from ASUS. This could have done something. Should I re-install the old one?

CPU fan in correct fan header?

yep

Screws too tight? Too loose?

Already loosened and tightened all screws

Good idea with the CMOS and battery clear: did you leave it in the 'clear" jumper position with the battery out for a few hours? Clear CMOS jumper back one the correct pins?

No - not that extreme - I'll try that

Smaller case: cables to hard drives OK, in good shape, connected well? Same for CD/DVD?

I believe so but I will check

Did you upgrade to a BETA Bios, or, to 1014?

1014

Thanks for your help - it is much appreciated! I'll try all of these things tonight and report.

 

[NXIL]

Chipset fan on A8N-SLI damaged, not working, not making contact?

Hmmm. When I moved the motherboard over - I did switch out the motherboard fan with a new one from ASUS. This could have done something. Should I re-install the old one?



I would keep the new NB fan, but double check to make sure it is making good contact--those little pegs things are hard (at least for me) to get in correctly.

When installing it, did you use Arctic Silver thermal compound, or, did it come with a pre-applied TIM pad? I have read that the northbridge chip can take a lot of heat--to 90 degrees C--so, I am not sure how that fits with the symptoms.

And, I have had good luck with that long CMOS clear with the battery out--not sure why....I guess it can take the charge in the CMOS a long time to dissipate sometimes.

Good luck this evening working on that,

NXIL

 

[joelrh79]

It was the motherboard. I sent it back to ASUS and they sent me a replacement. Everything works great now. Just thought that I'd update this thread because I hate it when people don't report the fixes to their problems in forums.