Mobo doesn't post! *specs* & *pics*

[progex]

I just finished topping off my new comp, and the mobo (A7V333) does not post. No video on screen nor is there any beeps. All fans are working, the HD spins (but the IDE LED isn't solid), and the P/S is working.

There is, however, an audio message (from the external speakers) that states: "You can fail memory test" (or something to that degree. It's a 'robotic'-type voice, so it's relatively hard to make out the words). I noticed there was a small chipped edge on the 1st memory slot-- So I moved the stick to the 2nd slot, but it still repeats the same audio message.



System Specs:

?MOBO? Asus A7V333 (not refurb'd)
?VID? Gainward ti4200 128MB (Golden Sample)
?HD? 80GB WD Special Edition (8mb cache / #WD800JB)
?MEMORY? 512MB Samsung PC2700 ddr sdram
?CASE? Antec 1080AMG w/430W TruePower

Pics:
Note: Here's the bare config I'm using. I took the mobo out of the case for easier troubleshooting.

http://www.overmedia.com/mobo/mobo1.jpg (labeled some parts since the image quality is poor)
http://www.overmedia.com/mobo/mobo2.jpg

Also, if the case headers (aka case LED connectors) are connected incorrectly, will that affect the mobo from being able to post?

Thanks.

 

[Tarmouth]

Just had a 333 chip board go out on me last night, It was also giving me a bad memory beep code. However after testing the memory in several other boards I found that it was good. Wonder if this is a chipset flaw with the 333's.

 

[Markfw]

Check the jumpers. Set the jumpers for manual, and 100 bus speed. Then go into the bios and change the CAS to 2.5. Then save, power down, and reset jumpers to defaults. I think that I had this problem on mine, in that it defaulted to CAS 2, and the memory couldn't take it, so I had to change it to 2.5 in this method. (not sure, it's been a while, might have been another motherboard) I may be wrong, but it is definitely memory, and with new components, that is my first guess. Otherwise you have bad memory.

 

[progex]

I may be wrong, but it is definitely memory, and with new components, that is my first guess.

Do you recall which memory you were using?

 

[Markfw]

I do NOT have any CAS 2 memory in the house out of six computers, and have built 50-100 in the last year. NOBODY I know has spent the time and money to pursue true CAS 2-2-2 memory, even though it is available. Some bios versions of some motherboards default to CAS 2 (which is insane) I just checked my manual, and 2.5 or 3 is all you can select(unless you dont use SPD) for that motherboard, but if your memory is really the problem, setting the bus to 100 , and it boots, will at least verify that memory really is the problem. Another thing is to try a friends memory (PC2700) Just try the 100 bus, and report what happens, it can't hurt.

 

[Tarmouth]

hmmm Mark may have something there, if I remember correctly i did see a cas setting in the bios and it was ,I believe, set to 2. Guess we'll find out when the RMA comes back lol. Thx Mark

 

[progex]

Update: After hours of research and reading, I finally discovered that the current BIOS on my mobo doesn't support the XP2100+ (my BIOS is at 1.02 -- BIOS version 1004 fixes this problem).

So currently, I'm in the process of RMAing my mobo and seeing if I can get a fresher and newer BIOS on the A7V333. If not, then I'll have to use a Duron to flash the BIOS.

When you RMA, is it safe to say you accidently damaged the board, and if you can receive a replacement?

 

[microAmp]

Any chance that you can borrow a CPU from someone else to do the flash on the BIOS?

 

[Tarmouth]

When you RMA, is it safe to say you accidently damaged the board, and if you can receive a replacement? [/quote]


I'd give them as little info as possible if you expect them to replace it. Believe me if they find nothing wrong with it they will undoubtedly sell it again.

 

[RanDum72]

Just borrow another CPU(if you can) so you can flash it to the latest BIOS. No use spending shipping charges when you have the possibility of getting a board with the same BIOS version. If you have flashed it and it still doesn't work, then thats when you RMA it.

 

[spanky]

If not, then I'll have to use a Duron to flash the BIOS.


why don't u just do that? do u not have the duron in hand?

 

[progex]

There's two reasons to the possibility of the error messages:

1.) I may have damaged the mobo when installing the HS. Also, there's a small chipped edge on DIMM Slot #1.

2.) My BIOS version doesn't support XP2100+.

So, I'm hoping I can RMA the board (still waiting for an RMA confirmation code) and get a new fresh board-- Just in case my mobo really is damaged.

No, I don't have a Duron in hand (and there's noone near with a CPU I can use). But $30 shouldn't set me back too much.

 

[NesuD]

1.02 is actually the board pcb revision. Most asus boards have a small sticker on the bios rom chip with the bios version on it. If the board was bought recently i would be surprised if it isn't at least a pcb revision 1.02 with a 1006 bios which suppoerts up to 2200+. Find the little square socketed bios chip and check the number on the label. could eliminate that possibility. Also maybe it was just the pictures but that memory didn't appear fully seated to me. the locking tab on the top side of the dimm slot doesn't look like it is closed completely.

 

[RanDum72]

How can you damage the mobo? Its incredibly flexible and if you haven't damaged the CPU core by installing the heatsink, you probably haven't damaged the mobo. The only way to surely damage it is if the screwdriver used in installing the HS slips off, gouges the mobo and damaging a trace. As for the chipped DIMM slot, is it just on the plastic itself or is there damage on the pins itself? If you aren't really sure about the source of the problem, then just exchange it for another one.

Another question: why is RMA'ing it going to set you back $30? Where did you buy the mobo? If its defective, they should exchange it with no questions asked and no restocking fee. If you are just talking about shipping, $30 is a lot to pay for just shipping. Are you talking about FEDEX next day service? Might as well use USPS priority and save a bundle.

EDIT: Nice observation, NesuD! The memory in the second slot is not fully seated. Make sure it 'clicks' in place.

 

[progex]

The only way to surely damage it is if the screwdriver used in installing the HS slips off, gouges the mobo and damaging a trace.

Yes, that's what happened.

Also maybe it was just the pictures but that memory didn't appear fully seated to me.

I reseated the RAM a couple more times and made sure it 'snapped'.

I just checked, and the BIOS is vesion 1011-- Which is the latest version. So it does indeed support XP2100+.

 

[progex]

Another question: why is RMA'ing it going to set you back $30? Where did you buy the mobo? If its defective, they should exchange it with no questions asked and no restocking fee. If you are just talking about shipping, $30 is a lot to pay for just shipping. Are you talking about FEDEX next day service? Might as well use USPS priority and save a bundle.

I meant that it's going to cost mt $30 for a Duron so that I can flash the BIOS. I bought the mobo at: EssenCompu.com and am still waiting for verification of an RMA.

Update:Here's my view of what's going on: The DIMM Slot #1 may be disabled entirely since there is one 'pin' inside the slot that is pushed inward than the rest. Also, I may have damaged a trace, since the screwdriver slipped and punctured the mobo a few times (when installing the HS).