My SLI System Died Over the Weekend, Help!

[fym]

Ok, long time reader...first time poster.


I have had an SLI system for about 2 months.

Specs:

FX-55 Processor
Asus Mobo (see subject)
2 Gig Corsair XMS Memory (4 x 512)
Dual BFG GeForce FX6800 Ultra Cards
PC Power and Cooling - 510 express PSU

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Ok my system was running perfect. I have not one single issue since purchase. I played Doom 3, HL2, and WoW at max settings with no stutters, lockups, etc..........

Last Week I was playing games and the computer locked up and I had to hard re-boot.

Well, the computer does not boot at all (nothing on screen) and i get a single, long repeating beep. So I try to restart a few times and it finally works.

I play for 2 more days with no issues.

Sat Morning when I try to fire it up I get the same problem.

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I have not even updated the bios or the vid cards to the latest versions because the comp ran flawlessly. There were no changes to my system. The system was not overclocked or modified in any way.

I have done the following (and probably more troubleshooting steps) but I still get the single, long repeating beep code and no display

1) Checked Each Mem Stick in the B2 slot (per mobo ins book)

*seems unlikley that all 4 sticks would be defective

2) Changed SLI connector to Single and attempted to boot up with a single card config.

3) Tried the 2nd vid card in a single card config

*seems unlikley that both vid cards would fail

4) I have tried many combinations that included a CMOS reset (followed procedure in mobo ins book, and allowed extra time for CMOS to reset)

-Reset CMOS with everything installed as it was "out-of-the-box"
-Reset CMOS with single card config (card A)
-Reset CMOS with single card config (card B)

5) After the CMOS resets, it will still do the same thing and not let me get to the BIOS.


The mfg is sending me a new mothboard, and a tech will come install it for me.

I just want to get some ideas if there is something that i missed, so I can get up and running sooner.


Just some info cuz i know these questions will be asked.

-All fans, lights, etc turn on
-EZ Plug on mobo was plugged in and no light was on indicating it was not getting power
-ASUS selector card was set to dual or single when appropriate
-Temps appeared to be within the normal ranges, no problems before

 

[Waylay00]

I've heard people having problems with the EZ Plug. Try fiddling with it some more.

 

[fym]

I mentioned the EZ Plug just to let people know that it was plugged in and appeared to be functioning.

I knew that if I did not mention people would post "Check EZ Plug"

Just trying to be thorough to save people some time......

 

[grooge]

What about the PSU?

 

[mlc]

I thought with 1 stick, the manual said to install into the B1 slot ?..

... also doublecheck the keyboard... a stuck key has been known to cause a long beep depending on the bios being used...

.. also try posting with bare minimum connections.. meaning disconnect the IDE and SATA connectors to see if you get past the problem...

.. less likely culprit if the boards been working ok is a case short...

 

[jose]

The most basic test is (directly from asus tech sup) to:

Take the mobo out of the case and have only the cpu & speaker plugged in, and the power supply. take out the video & memory..
And clear the cmos. It took 12hrs on one board before it cleared.
Make sure you unplug the power supply. I'd leave it atleast 1 hour.

You should get the speach post reporter say that you are missing memory. IF you don't even get this then you have a Dead Motherboard.

I fought thru 2 a8n's before I gave up and got an Ultra-D. (Wayla00, guess I'm not the only one)

Good Luck

Regards,
Jose

 

[fym]

Thanks Jose and everyone else....

Im gonna try the to remove mobo fm case, remove PSU connection, Clear CMOS, remove video and mem......

That shoud help me easily determine if I have a bad mobo or not.


I will also try removing keyboard totally to rule out a stuck key. (edit: using a diff keyboard of course)


Regarding the PSU comment-

If a PSU falied wouldnt the case lights, fans, mobo light etc.... not power on?

 

[Fern]

just want to get some ideas if there is something that i missed, so I can get up and running sooner.

I would have included running Memtest86 among my tests. Although not familiar with your specific mobo, the beep code it gives off sounds like the generic bad ram code.

Fern

 

[Waylay00]

Originally posted by: fym
I mentioned the EZ Plug just to let people know that it was plugged in and appeared to be functioning.

I knew that if I did not mention people would post "Check EZ Plug"

Just trying to be thorough to save people some time......

I'm clearly aware of that. That's why I said more. Sometimes it appears to be working and it's actually not.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

The fact that it ran well for a long time, then suddenly within a few days showed these problems, sounds like a hardware failure. I noticed the quality of all the components you listed are excellent, but failures do occur in the best hardware. I would test the components in the following order

1. Power supply (test with a multimeter at the 4pin aux and the main mobo connector)
2. Ram (as mentioned use memtest)
3. Chipset fan (check rpm's)


Do you get any post messages from the speakers when it won't boot? If not I would suspect the power supply, as I've seen this symptom several times from failing power supplies on this board

 

[fym]

Update:

Took out all the RAM and plugged in some speakers to see if I got the "No Ram" post code....nothing.

A new mobo arrives tomorrow from my comp. MFG and they will send a tech to install it.

It costs me nothing and we will see if that fixes the problems.

I will be sure to post results here.

RE: Testing the power supply. If the tech that comes to my house is not totally worthless he will have a multi-meter (which I dont have) to test the power supply.