My 939 system isn't starting up anymore

[jalaram]

I have a MSI k8ngm2-fid with an A64-3200 Venice, 2gb ram, xp90 with fan, and 2 HDs.

It had been working fine since I put it together last year and I've never OC'ed it. However, when I tried to start it up two days ago, it's not responding to the power button. Nothing's starting (HDs, case fans, CPU fan). The only sign of life is the power LED that blinks slowly. It goes on for about 2-3 seconds and then off for about 2-3 seconds. I've tried replacing the PSU, but the same thing happens.

Is my MB dead? Or could it be the CPU? How could I find out? I don't have another 939 system to experiment on.

 

[Cybercraig]

Most likely a voltage regulator. Even with a bad CPU the board should try and start up. I have the same issue with an ASUS A8N32-SLI-Deluxe. Started taking longer to post and now nothing.

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: jalaram
I don't have another 939 system to experiment on.

You do now...

Foxconn 6150BK8MC-KRSHN2 GeForce 6150B+430 S939 uATX - $46.00 shipped (after rebate)

Pretty much identical specs to your MSI board, minus onboard 1394. Easily remedied by tossing in one of these, if needed. This card is a few bucks more than ones with VIA controller chip, but uses the superior NEC chip (I've become very hesitant to recommend much coming out of VIA these days).

Note the recent BIOS update from Foxconn: P34 09/01/2007

In the interim, try removing the RAM then clearing the CMOS using the jumper, button, or whatever the manual says to reset the CMOS. Then install just one module in DIMM #1 nearest the CPU. See if the system will power on or do something different than it was doing.

 

[jalaram]

Originally posted by: tcsenter

Originally posted by: jalaram
I don't have another 939 system to experiment on.

You do now...

Foxconn 6150BK8MC-KRSHN2 GeForce 6150B+430 S939 uATX - $46.00 shipped (after rebate)

Pretty much identical specs to your MSI board, minus onboard 1394. Easily remedied by tossing in one of these, if needed. This card is a few bucks more than ones with VIA controller chip, but uses the superior NEC chip (I've become very hesitant to recommend much coming out of VIA these days).

Note the recent BIOS update from Foxconn: P34 09/01/2007

In the interim, try removing the RAM then clearing the CMOS using the jumper, button, or whatever the manual says to reset the CMOS. Then install just one module in DIMM #1 nearest the CPU. See if the system will power on or do something different than it was doing.

Cool. Thx for that info. I'll try that last section out first to hopefully isolate the issue.

Then, I have to decide if it's worth buying a new 939 board or just sell what I've got (DDR ram, etc).

 

[jalaram]

Nope. Removed all components except the CPU and tried pressing the CMOS reset button. Still, nothing happens except the power led just blinks slowly. I sent an email to MSI support for an idea as to what the blinking LED means. At this point, I want to know if the CPU or MB is bad.

 

[mlc]

keep it simple ....

1) perhaps the battery is dying/dead? you can try a new one for a couple of bucks.. and see if that fixes the problem...

2) perhaps the case switch is bad? Try short out the 2 pins if you can.. and see if that gets you past your problem.....

3) could have some sort of short between the board and case... try removing the board from the case .. and place on a non conductive surface.. and leave in 1 stick of RAM, VIDEO card.. and disconnect all of the drives, usb stuff, etc.. and see if the CPU fan and case fans start spinning

 

[jalaram]

By battery, do you mean the cmos battery?

I tried a different case for the power switch, but I'll put the mb on a cardboard box the next time I test it.

 

[mlc]

Yes replace the CMOS battery.....

if that doesn't work.. it's most likely the motherboard... A bad CPU would typically give you some type of beep code. . and the fans would spin... Same with bad memory....

However.. I would still try disconnecting everything... and anything that could cause some sort of short ... including drives, pci cards, usb ports, etc.. and give that a shot....

 

[jalaram]

Thanks for all the help. I replaced the battery, tried new ram (1 or 2 sticks), etc. No differences. I've now requested a RMA from MSI.