No POST/Boot Issues

[cjbruin09]

Critical Specs:
Q6600
Gigabyte P35-DS3R
X1950 Pro
Corsair VX550
Crucial Ballistix DDR2-800, 4x1GB

I built this machine 2 or 3 years ago and it has been giving me trouble ever since. Basically, it has never liked cold booting. About 4 months after I put it together, it stopped booting completely. After rma'ing the board and that not solving the problem, I brought it to a PC club to test (since I didn't have any other modern components) and they told me that everything was perfect, except for the CPU. So, I rma'd that, which solved the problem, but it has still given me problems every time it is turned off for more than a couple days. It has always come to life eventually, generally after taking everything out and testing piece by piece. I never could explain the reason for needing to do this, but I didn't care too much since it always worked.

Yesterday, I came back from a week and a half away. It will no longer POST at all. I have stripped everything out and tested in the following ways. (Obviously leaving in the PSU)
1) GPU + RAM + CPU = all fans spin, but nothing else. No beeps, no post.
2) RAM + CPU = all fans spin, but nothing else. Obviously no post, but still no beeps.
3) CPU only = continuous beeping. Seems to indicate failed RAM.
4) GPU + CPU = same as CPU only.

The RAM tests have been using each one of the 4 sticks (all were working before I left) individually in each of the 4 slots. Only the items listed were attached to the board (was tested with system fans both attached and not, made no difference).

Does anyone have any idea how to fix this issue? I have read that Gigabyte boards seem to have issues with Crucial RAM. If that is the problem, then I would think new RAM would fix the issue. It would suck to get rid of seemingly good RAM, but I just want the machine to work. I don't really want to buy new components right now since I feel I am just taking guesses based on it not responding with RAM attached. Also, if anyone can try to explain the technical reasons for this, I would love to hear them.

Thanks for any help. (If any more info would help, I would gladly provide it.)

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I thought of two possibilities. One, your PSU may be dieing and is my guess as what is causing the problem. Two, your ram is not on the qualified vendor list for your MB which may or, may not be causing a problem.

Sorry, after looking at the list again, I found your ram on the next page so, your choice of ram doesn't look like the problem.

 

[tweakboy]

He's right, Looks like were shure its your PSU. I say that because from what I know a CPU doesn't die and come back to life.

You didn't mention what PSU you have. As magnus says the PSU is dieing slowly.

Get a new PSU from Frys and ask before you buy. You should be ok with a 500w I say that because your video card is the old 1950 ATI and doesn't need much power compared to the newer generation cards. Then let's see what happens... gl

 

[cjbruin09]

Ok, I will definitely look into the PSU. I thought mine, Corsair VX550, would last longer than this. Is PSU death a common problem even with quality units?

 

[cjbruin09]

I just tested my PSU using the paper clip test ( http://www.corsair.com/helpdesk/psu_support_tips.aspx ) and everything seems to spin up just fine. I tested each of the black wires, they all caused the fans to spin. Do you still think the PSU is the problem or does this change your opinion?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I just tested my PSU using the paper clip test ( http://www.corsair.com/helpdesk/psu_support_tips.aspx ) and everything seems to spin up just fine. I tested each of the black wires, they all caused the fans to spin. Do you still think the PSU is the problem or does this change your opinion?

You need to check the PSU with a multi meter. It's low power/fluctuating output that would explain your problems. It doesn't take much power to spin the fans.

 

[CoinOperatedBoy]

Definitely check the PSU with a multimeter. Normally I'd lean heavily toward blaming the RAM, but you say it was working previously and you tested each stick of RAM in each DIMM slot with the same results. I'd find it hard to believe all four sticks failed at once. Could also be a problem with the MCH on the mobo. Is the northbridge heatsink secure?

Are you testing these components outside your case? You could have a short somewhere, including through the mobo standoffs. Best to do this on cardboard. Also, have you reseated your CPU heatsink? I was having similar symptoms a year or two back because my heatsink's backplate was causing a short through contact with the mobo. With a short, though, I wouldn't expect you would hear any POST beeps at all.

If you don't have any extra RAM on hand, you might even try picking up some replacement DIMMs with the intention of returning them. Try to find a local store and confirm their return policy before attempting if you don't want to get stuck with whatever you buy.