Is it a problem with my motherboard or processor?

[justlnluck]

Well I've owned this Epox HEAI s939 motherboard since 2005 and have been running it with a Venice 3000+ that I purchased along with it at Newegg. Last month, I checked the Epox website and verified that the motherboard would be compatible with X2 processors. I upgraded to the latest BIOS and ordered an X2 3800.

I am no stranger to CPU installs, and everything seemed fine from the outside. I am using a Zalman 7700AlCu with ArticSilver Ceramique in between. But when I turned the computer on the for the first time, it asked me to enter CMOS, which I did. I reset CMOS to the default configuration and then saved and reset. Well, during boot up, it would freeze just before the Windows logo would appear. It would show the table of IRQs and ACPI. This occured whether my hard drive was plugged in or not. Temps were fine in the low 40s. I tried changing some settings in CMOS, but now I noticed that CMOS would quickly lock up in a matter of seconds, so I couldn't really change much. I use a USB keyboard, so I swapped it for a PS2 one. It seemed to help at first, but it still locked up.

I have been contacted Epox over the last few weeks and they keep saying that the board should be fine. What do you guys think?

 

[secretanchitman]

maybe the bios doesnt like the chip even though epox says it will? swap in the venice and see if it runs stable.

 

[imported_Nacelle]

I had the same problem when I got an x2. It's the board.

 

[justlnluck]

The reason I purchased the X2 processor is because the Epox USA website says that all their s939 boards are X2 compatible. The BIOS update descriptions also state X2 compatibility. It's only after searching the Epox Global site where I find a BIOS update that says in small font that the HEAI board needs to be Rev 3.x or later. My board is Rev 2.1.

Even after telling Epox USA support this, they say 'no, you just need a BIOS update.' But I already have the latest BIOS. And it hasn't been updated since 2005!

The USA site has false advertising if my board isn't compatible. I would have never purchased the X2 processor if I had known it was incompatible.

And yeah, I have swapped the processors way too many times now. The Venice always works perfectly. I was so desperate to get the X2 working, I tried removing all my peripheral cards, and took out half my RAM. Nothing has helped.

I have already RMAed the X2 processor for a replacement from Newegg based on Epox USA's tech support recommendation. But if your processor didn't work in this board either, then chances are...

 

[justlnluck]

Any ideas guys?

 

[Jiggz]

2005? I think the X2's were barely coming out then yet. So this is more likely a problem with the mobo. It's an early design which anticipated the coming of X2's but not totally in compliance. This is another advertising scheme to sell the board, although I may say it is a good board for single core AMD's.

 

[justlnluck]

Epox is still saying they are compatible. Well I got the replacement X2 today and...exact same problem.

 

[justlnluck]

I notice that my board is still listed as compatible with X2 processors. This is very frustrating.

 

[justlnluck]

Anyone else own this board?

 

[justlnluck]

This is what it says (word for word) at the top of the screen immediately after I press the 'DEL' key and just before it enters CMOS setup:

'Warning: Have Option ROM can not be invoke (Vendor ID:1106h, Deivce ID: 3149h)'

Spelling errors are included. I took a photo of this screen with my digital camera because it only appears for one second.

The diagnostic display on the board says: 1E, which is listed as 'Reserved' in Appendix C of the manual.

Upon entering CMOS, I can leave the computer sitting there indefinitely and nothing locks up until I start scrolling the cursor with the arrow keys. If I try selecting any CMOS options, the computer locks up. Resetting CMOS with the jumper does not help.

If I try loading Windows by pressing F1 to continue, the computer also locks up. I switching out my RAM with different stick. Same problem.

Of course, if I install my Venice 3000+, the computer boots fine. I've already tried two X2 3800s. I have the latest BIOS installed and Epox says my board is compatible.

I would have NEVER purchased the s939 X2 if I had known this board has issues.

Anyone with experience know what that Option ROM statement is all about?

 

[justlnluck]

I just want to add that my PSU is a Seasonic S12 500W, so that really shouldn't be a problem. Also, if I leave the computer running a while at the POST screen in a warm room (80F), the CPU reaches 45C.

 

[jondl]

If the site says you need rev x and you don't have anything higher, then chances are your processor isn't compatible. I would call Epox and MAKE them replace the motherboard with a higher revision. If anything, ask to speak to a manager and show how frustrated and angry you are that you spent this amount of money on a brand new processor yaddah yaddah. Good luck! Oh, and if they say it should be compatible whether the revision, hang up, call them back another day at different times and say your board is busted. Chances are you'll get a newer revision.