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Plz. help newbie...I get an "FF" code on first time build with EPOX8KHA+

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EC99SS

Member
Tonight we just finished putting together our first computer build. I'm using an EPOX8KHA+ mobo with an AthlonXP1700+ processor in a chieftech case with 420W. I fired it up and I don't get anything on the monitor, not even the keyboard lights up. I do get an "FF" code. I checked all added cards (vidoe and sound) and re-installed them as well as the Crucial ram stick. Since I'm new at this I'm completely at a loss on what the problem can be.

How do I tell if the BIOS chip is on backwards? Also I didn't get a burning smell when I turned it on..so I'm assuming the processor is good (with an Alpha 8045 Heatsink).

Any advice? PLEASE HELP!
 
Clear the CMOS first- even on a new build. Sounds like Video to me. Any beeps? Fans running? Floppy cable installed properly- twist near the fdd? Be sure to seat the RAM in HARD!! Do this on a firm surface, not while mounted in the case. You may want to clean the RAM leads with alcohol first. Seat video in hard also. Reseat the CPU while you have the board out of the case. Cover all your easy bases first, then check back.
 


<< Clear the CMOS first- even on a new build. Sounds like Video to me. Any beeps? Fans running? Floppy cable installed properly- twist near the fdd? Be sure to seat the RAM in HARD!! Do this on a firm surface, not while mounted in the case. You may want to clean the RAM leads with alcohol first. Seat video in hard also. Reseat the CPU while you have the board out of the case. Cover all your easy bases first, then check back. >>



Thanks for your response. Here's an update that really has us confused. I'll try to make it simple.

We disconnected everything except video and RAM (tried starting out small). I hooked the mobo up to the PSU of our old computer (250W). I got the "C1" code (bad RAM setup, etc) and beeps. I turned the RAM around, seated it right and when powering up immediately got an "FF" code. Yes all fans were working too. Now, I plugged the Chieftech PSU (420W) back in and get an "FF" code. HOWEVER, I turned the RAM back around to see if I get the "C1" code...and no I don't. I still get an "FF" code. I even took the RAM out and turned it on...still get an immediate "FF" code. Can it be the PSU that's bad? If its the Chieftech PSU then why does the 250W PSU cause an "FF" also? Any thoughts and/or advice on what I should do next?
 
you should ensure that your RAM is in the DIMM slot properly. It will only work installed the right way. It does concern me you have booted the system with RAM installed backwards!! Look at the aligning tab on the bottom of the module- no pins there, and insert it aligned with the gap on the DIMM slot. The DIMM tabs must snap closed around the module to be seated properly.
 
EC99SS: The FF code can be either of at least 2 indications -

(1) If your codes rapidly progress thru many codes, and get to FF, it should mean mobo is good/RAM is in place/it's happy!
(2) If your code IMMEDIATELY goes to FF (fans may run), but no POST, no video, nothing works , it means the mobo is unhappy and may be defective!

I have 2 8KHA+ that go thru codes, get to FF, and work fine. I did have my first one (N+) go to the IMMEDIATE FF with fans running, but never got any better (tried RAM, video, BIOS, several other things). I RMAed it back to NEWEGG.com, received another one, installed it, and it worked first time, every time.

Having powered up the system with RAM inserted incorrectly is a cause for concern. Inspect it for burns, and inspect the DIMM socket, also.
 
Thanks guys for all your answers...I'll try and redo everything. If it still doesn't work I'll RMA the board...
 
Hey guys, I just recieved my 8kha+ back from an rma, and its doing the exact same thing

Only mine worked for about 2 months, then went nuts and started giving me FF immediately on boot. The most I could ever get is just a C1 error or sometimes get it to boot for about 10 seconds, freeze, then do FF forever until I left it off for about 5+ hours

so I thought it was the board, RMA'ed it, and now the replacement is doing it too!!

I've been without my own computer for 3 weeks, and now its doing exactly what it was before I sent it back, this is incredibly annoying
 
Yes, if the FF shows up directly, nothing much you can do. I got the same error, accompanied by no video but spinning fans. I RMAed my board, and the new 8KHA+ is working flawlessly 😀
 
CRAP CRAP CRAP!!! :|


Got my 8K7A+ in today, installed it and BAMMM FF at boot. unplugged everything but power and RAM and still FF at boot. All fans run, but no video, or beeps.

Guss i will have to RMA. This sucks 🙁
 
I have a different epox board, but experienced an "F4" code and one long beep. I had to remove one of 2 ddram sticks, and go into the bios and change the ddram command from 1T to 2T and the case setting from 2T to 2.5T. Then I was able to run both sticks of memory together.
 


<< I would think it's not physically possible to put ram in backwards. >>



Yes, if someone "CAN" do that, they should not be allowed anywhere near a computer.
This is the most basic stuff. Fail this, and how do you expect to install the CPU?
I'm surprised the thing didn't go up in smoke. FF code? duh.........
Reminds me of the TV commercial showing mechanics forcing a battery in with a hammer.
 
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