MSI 890GXM-G65 + FX-4100 + DDR3 1600 - Power, but no POST.

[Harvey]

A friend bought this board a few weeks ago as part of a combo deal from Frys that included an MSI 890GXM-G65, an AMD FX4100 and an MSI Interceptor NightHawk case. His RAM is Corsair XM3 DDR3 1600 (1.5 volt).

We assembled the system and double checked to make sure everything was connected correctly. When we try to start it, the fan spins up, the four CPU Phase LED's light, but the system does not boot or even POST (no video signal present).

I tried to start it with each stick of RAM, independently, with the same result.

MSI's CPU compatability list says that his FX-4100 CPU requires BIOS ver. 7642v1C or later. I have already written MSI's tech support to ask if it's possible that this motherboard was shipped with an earlier version of the BIOS and whether that would cause this problem.

The specs for this board show that DDR3 1600 will work at its rated speed only when overclocked so I also asked MSI's tech support if his RAM would keep a new board from booting or if it would it simply work and run the RAM at a slower speed.

I have an earlier AM3 and AM2 CPU I could try. If the onboard video only works with the FX series of CPU's, I will use a separate video card.

TIA for any other suggestions.

 

[Bubbaleone]

7642v1c.zip was released 2011-10-01. 7642v10.zip is the first BIOS the board was released with (2010-02-26), and most likely your current version. Go to http://www.msi.com/product/mb/890GXM-G65.html#/?div=CPUSupport and check the specs of your AM2-3 CPU against the supported BIOS versions. Looks like the 7642v10.zip BIOS is compatible with several versions of AM2-3 CPU. If it posts on the AM2-3 and 7642v10.zip, update to 7642v1c.zip and run the FX4100.

 

[Harvey]

Thanks. Great minds think alike (feeble ones, too). As noted, I'd already checked MSI's compatibility list for this FX4100, which spec'd ver. 1c or later, and concluded the same thing - that I should try an earlier AM2 or AM3 CPU.

I've already downloaded the BIOS file, 7642v10.zip in case that's the solution. I'm optimistic, but nothing is certain until it's tested. I posted this message looking for anything I may have missed.

Ahh... the stresses and pleasures of bringing up a new system. My friend is new to building so I'm glad I was there to reduce his disappointment and give him some guidance toward some answers.

 

[htyei]

Having the exact same symptom with the same motherboard but with a FX8120. I got this board back directly from MSI as an RMA. What are the odds that they ship their RMA's with old bioses? I hope it is the bios, it would be a pain if it were another component. I actually haven't tested the FX8120, since it blew up the last 890GXM when I ran prime.