K8N Neo2 Pt Hangs @ Intializing Video Interface

[imported_TimJ]

Specs
A64 3500+ 90nm
1GB (2x512) OCZ PC3200 Pt Rev 2
GF 6800 GT
OCZ 520W PSU
74GB WD Raptor

When I try to boot I get three reds in the diagnostic LEDs
LED 1 - Red
LED 2 - Red
LED 3 - Red (used to be orange)
LED 4 - Off
This corresponds (at far as I can tell based upon the manual) to a problem during "Intializing Video Interface." I've reset the CMOS, twice, reseated the CPU, and reseated the video card. I think I can hear the HDD spin up getting ready to boot, but my fans are so loud it makes it hard to tell for sure. Anyone experience a similar problem or have a solution?

 

[mechBgon]

I wonder if it needs a BIOS update to support your 90nm CPU. I tried to scavenge up some info online but it isn't a foregone conclusion based on that alone.

That impasse does happen with some of the A8V Deluxe buyers, and one trick they found is to boot the system with one memory module, in a particular memory slot, and it'll run so they can update their BIOS for proper CPU support. You might give that a try, just install one memory module (try all the slots).

Also try a different video card if necessary.

 

[imported_TimJ]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I wonder if it needs a BIOS update to support your 90nm CPU. I tried to scavenge up some info online but it isn't a foregone conclusion based on that alone.

That impasse does happen with some of the A8V Deluxe buyers, and one trick they found is to boot the system with one memory module, in a particular memory slot, and it'll run so they can update their BIOS for proper CPU support. You might give that a try, just install one memory module (try all the slots).

Also try a different video card if necessary.

I've tried all 4 memory slots with one memory stick and each slot with one of three video cards. I tried another PSU. I tried booting without memory and video card and I get the same error.

At this point I'm beginning to think either the mobo or CPU are no good. The only other thing I can think of is that the manual doesn't accurately correspond to the LEDs. It mentions something about red and green LEDs, but I've only had them red, yellow, or off. The only error where it says the LEDs will hang at is the "Memory Detection Test" step where it states "The D-LED will hang if the memory module is damaged or not installed properly." I think I'm going to try some different memory, hopefully that will work, but somehow I have a feeling it won't.

 

[imported_TimJ]

Tried some OCZ PC4x00, same error. I think it's RMA time.

 

[mechBgon]

If the new board comes with a BIOS that doesn't support your CPU, then it won't matter if it's perfect in every other way, it still won't support your CPU. Is there a sticker on your BIOS chip and can you deduce from its markings what BIOS revision it came with?

 

[imported_TimJ]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
If the new board comes with a BIOS that doesn't support your CPU, then it won't matter if it's perfect in every other way, it still won't support your CPU. Is there a sticker on your BIOS chip and can you deduce from its markings what BIOS revision it came with?

It just has the name, copyright and something probably like a model number. Still looking for any indication if there's a specific version/revision of the board, but haven't found anything yet.

 

[imported_TimJ]

Found something, MS 7025 Rev 1. Hopefully I can find something that corresponds to a certain BIOS version (or range of them).

 

[imported_TimJ]

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/...php?UID=607&kind=1

It makes no mention of supporting 90nm CPUs in a BIOS update and I think that is something fairly major you'd list for updates. Then again, their list of updates is pretty short for each one.

I'm blind, it does seem like it needs a BIOS upgrade (assuming nothing is broken)

Support K8 CPU Rev. D 939-Pin 128-bit.

Rev D = 90nm

I sort of dismissed this as an error as I have a friend who just got a K8N and 90nm and it worked fine.

 

[mechBgon]

Darn, I was hoping MSI would just put the BIOS revision in plain numbers on the BIOS chip like Asus tends to do. So without it POSTing, there is not really a sure way to tell what BIOS revision it has. Buying a 130nm CPU just to find out would be an expensive experiment. You could order a pre-flashed BIOS chip from BadFlash.com or just harrass MSI for one until they send it :evil: Make sure they send you the chip-extractor tool too, if you do.

Anyway, I wish you luck.

 

[Kovie]

1.3 and higher support 90nm. The earlier ones tend to have problems with those chips.

 

[imported_TimJ]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Darn, I was hoping MSI would just put the BIOS revision in plain numbers on the BIOS chip like Asus tends to do. So without it POSTing, there is not really a sure way to tell what BIOS revision it has. Buying a 130nm CPU just to find out would be an expensive experiment. You could order a pre-flashed BIOS chip from BadFlash.com or just harrass MSI for one until they send it :evil: Make sure they send you the chip-extractor tool too, if you do.

Anyway, I wish you luck.

Yeah, at this point I'm going to probabaly call MSI and complain or pick a 130nm up @ Best Buy and use it to flash the BIOS and then return it.