RMA'd Gigabyte 965 DS3

[imported_Arc]

This was my first complete build after some minimal experience doing light upgrades in the past, so please forgive my noob-ness.

All parts were ordered from NewEgg:
Antec P180B
Gigabyte 965 DS3 (received 3.3)
E6600
Corsair Ram
Seasonic 430W
EVGA 7900GS KO
Seagate SATA HDD
Lite-On IDE DVD Burner
All stock cooling (no overclocking).

I was able to get the system to POST first time. I immediately went in and changed the ram voltage to 1.9. No Overclocking.

I then installed windows xp sp2, d/l the updates, and played around on the internet for about 1-1/2 hours. I kept an eye on temperatures and cpu never rose above 33C. Turned off & went to bed.

The next morning while installing Nero 7, the computer crashed. It then reset it self at least a dozen times, each time progressing less and less through the boot process. Eventually, it would not even boot. I tried moving the memory around, I tried different memory. I tried most the trouble shooting things I have read about here (boot w/ out CD, HDD, etc.)

Was this something I did? Did I miss a BIOS setting? Is this going to happen again when I get a new MOBO from Newegg?

Sincerely appreciate your help.

 

[vailr]

As a wild guess, I'd say: weak power supply. Or possibly poor CPU heatsink contact.
And since you're using an IDE DVD drive, you may want to consider replacing it with a SATA DVD drive.

 

[Fallengod]

Yeah, that is a good point. Why on earth do you have a lowly 430watt psu for those top end components. As for the DS3....... look around a few forums to see all the problems they have. Youll most likely have to do whatever fix to get the sata and ide to work together.

 

[imported_Arc]

I used a power calculator and figured a 'quality' PS that was adequate for my needs would be better than a 'cheaper' PS that was a supposed 700W

This is what extreme.outervision's calculator gave me:

System Type: Single Processor
Motherboard: High End - Desktop
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2400 MHz Conroe
CPU Utilization (TDP): 80% TDP
RAM: 2 Sticks DDR2 SDRAM
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS
Video Type: Single Card
SATA HDD: 1 HDD
DVD-RW/DVD+RW Drive: 1 Drive
USB: 4 Devices
Fans
Regular: 3 Fans 120mm;
Keyboard and mouse: Yes
System Load: 100 %

Recommended Wattage: 240 Watts

 

[Airs]

uh, lowly? 430W seasonic is far from lowly..especially for his build. its not like he has 2 8800GTX's... as for cpu heatsink contact, read the OP's post...it was never above 33C.

Arc, good build. My money is on a lemon DS3 or a lame shipping BIOS version - you might want to look into that upon receiving your next board.

Welcome to the AT Forums btw

 

[kmmatney]

Your power supply is fine. You probably just received a bad board. I had a Core 2 Duo board (and ECS motherboard) that lasted about 3 hours, then wouldn't even attempt to POST. The replacement has been OK, except for problems with the SATA controller (the first motherboard had the same SATA issues). In fact, I've had SATA issues with all 3 Core 2 Duo systems I've recently put together...

 

[imported_Arc]

Thanks for the feedback!

My worry was that the Corsair Ram was not cooperating with the board, but it sounds like just a lemon mobo. I'll let ya know how it goes when my replacement comes in next week.

 

[Noema]

Originally posted by: kmmatney
Your power supply is fine.

 

[imported_Arc]

Now I am really frustrated.

Finally, the replacement mobo arrived from Newegg. I carefully installed the E6600 & fan, hooked up power supply, vid card, and 1 stick of memory.

nothing.

I checked all the connections and tried the other stick. Still nothing. No beeps, no POST, nothing. The case fans & processor fans spin, the power LED on the case comes on, but nothing else happens. Played around with connections, trying different combinations of components hooked up and not hooked up for over 2 hours.

So I took the whole rig over to my old man's house I tried some 'known good' ram out of his rig. Nothing. I tried his video card and tried even hooking up his power supply.

I can't get this dang thing to boot....

I tried my ram in his machine and his wouldn't boot, so it sounds like my ram is going back. It also looks like I'm going to have to send this *second* mobo back as well.

Anything else I should try??
Is it possible my E6600 is bad?? - - I have no way to test it and it is past neweggs 7 day return policy because I had to wait 10 days on the 1st dang rma.

 

[vailr]

As a wild guess, I'd say: weak power supply.
Or, some power supplies are just not compatible with certain motherboards.
Pop in a different brand PSU, and "presto": it works.

 

[Zardnok]

Are you plugging in both the 24 pin connector and also the 4 pin 12v+ plug??

Your RAM not booting in his machine definitely sounds like a bad stick. Perhaps the mobo took the RAM with it? Do you have access to a digital multimeter? You could check to see that your PSU is putting out the proper voltages. A bad PSU can take components with it, but Seasonic is an excellent brand, in fact I just ordered one yesterday for a build almost identical to yours (DS-3, e6400, 2Gig Corsair RAM, WD250, 7600gt, DVD-burner, CD-burner).

 

[imported_Arc]

Yes, both the 24 pin and the seperate 4pin are plugged into the mobo.

I'll try a voltmeter on the PSU when I get home from work.

The only other power supply I could try is in my (5 year old) dell, and I am afraid to even try that because its like a 250W PSU.

 

[yuppiejr]

I'm less inclined to blame a second mobo... You've elminated RAM so I'd be looking at the CPU or PSU (defective, not underpowered). Since you don't have the option of returning the CPU, I'd RMA the power supply and see if that takes care of it. If you install the replacement PSU and still no workie, it's the processor. Assuming you purchased a retail chip you can RMA it through Intel.

 

[yuppiejr]

Originally posted by: Arc
Yes, both the 24 pin and the seperate 4pin are plugged into the mobo.

I'll try a voltmeter on the PSU when I get home from work.

The only other power supply I could try is in my (5 year old) dell, and I am afraid to even try that because its like a 250W PSU.

Dell PSU's of old were not always wired to ATX spec, connecting it to this mainboard and applying power could be a quick way to kill the board and perhaps some additional components. I'd advise against it.

 

[imported_Arc]

Thanks for the heads-up yuppiejr :beer:

 

[gorobei]

sounds like everyone covered most of the basics.

Just in case: during a rebuild of my DS3 to reseat the CPU H/S, i had problems with power-on. weird intermittent blips of on/off but it wouldn't boot or post. Turns out the 20+4 power plug was loose even though it looked good. I would check the PS if you can and RMA while you're inside the 30 day warranty.

I'm running pretty close to the same system, but I went with a sony/Nec sata dvd burner. 430w seems to be enough for my e4300 oc'd, 2Gb ddr 800ram, 2 HD, 2 optical burners, a 7900GS, and a noctua H/S + 120mm fan.

 

[Fallengod]

Originally posted by: yuppiejr
I'm less inclined to blame a second mobo... You've elminated RAM so I'd be looking at the CPU or PSU (defective, not underpowered). Since you don't have the option of returning the CPU, I'd RMA the power supply and see if that takes care of it. If you install the replacement PSU and still no workie, it's the processor. Assuming you purchased a retail chip you can RMA it through Intel.

While most of the time I would agree. However if you look around this and other forums, youll notice the DS3 has a heap of problems. I know many users who have had to to RMA that GA DS3 like 2-5 times before getting a working/stable one. There are many scary threads you can read on it. Anyways just thought id throw that out there. Id seriously doubt its the CPU. Id say, if it isnt the Power supply, its the mobo.

 

[gorobei]

Sorry, didn't read all of your second attempt. I actually had something similar happen. You need to have a optical drive hooked up to make it to post/bios. You can get to bios without a HD hooked up but not without a ODD.

Hope this helps.

 

[imported_Arc]

Just wanted to say 'thank-you' for all the replies.

I was able to do a pretty thorough check this weekend: I installed my PSU, processor, CD, HDD, and vid card onto a friend's Mobo (asus p5nsli) & memory (supertalent). It worked!

So I think this confirms that my PSU, processor, CD, HDD, and Vid card are all good.
By process of elimination that means I have a bad mobo (and the ram was already bad).

I will NOT be getting another gigabyte.....Now I'm off to do some research on another board and memory.

 

[gorobei]

not to extend your torment, but i would take one last attempt to test the board if you haven't sent it back yet. (I hate paying for return shipping, so I will usually take that last stab.)

cpu, psu, 1stick of ram, CD(read my last post) and vid.

If you cant post then get a different board.

 

[imported_Arc]

Originally posted by: gorobei
not to extend your torment, but i would take one last attempt to test the board if you haven't sent it back yet. (I hate paying for return shipping, so I will usually take that last stab.)

cpu, psu, 1stick of ram, CD(read my last post) and vid.

If you cant post then get a different board.

Yeah....gave that a shot and nothin.