Stumped IT person... can you help me solve this?

[panasyuk]

Ok, I've been through computers but this has me stumped. If any of you could help with input I'd greatly appreciate it. The problem:

Computer sometimes boots, reverts to underclocked state, reboots, at which screen goes blank.

My components:
Antec Neopower 480W PS,
2800+ XP,
Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe mobo,
Radeon 9500 128MB video card,
1 gig Geil 3200 memory,
Zalman 7000 copper cpu cooler
Zalman 770? VGA cooler

This all started when I put thermaltake heatsinks on two 512mb sticks of mushkin memory.. The computer booted normally a couple of times then refused; just gave me a blank screen. I took out one stick and it booted normally again. I replaced the other stick in a different slot. No go. Eventually the second stick died too. I bought the Geil stick and now it either starts, bios underclocks to 1250mhz, and requires a reboot, which gives me blank screen, or just gives me blank screen completely.

When it starts and can get to underclocked bios, speaker beeps. Only then.

I've tried different memory in different slots but it always ends up blank. I've tried a different powersupply, no difference. I've checked the CPU, it looks ok.

I really cant think of anything else, short of a new mobo *cringe*, so I'm looking to you guys for ideas... anything appreciated, don't hesitate to ask if something or other works or what happens.

Thanks a bunch,
sasha

 

[ScrapSilicon]

mobo

 

[mechBgon]

1) Set the RAM to run synchronously with the CPU's FSB. Since your 2800+ uses a 166MHz bus speed (aka DDR333), set the RAM to run at 166MHz also. The real-world performance will be best at sync too.

2) Give the memory adequate voltage. I'd use 2.7 volts and see how that goes.

3) If all else fails, use this as an excuse to upgrade!

 

[Mojoed]

Well since you've already ruled out the PS as the culprit, I'd be willing to bet it's your motherboard. Key phrase from your post:

"Eventually the second stick died too."

I've had this situation pop up on me two times (out of several thousand builds) over the past 10 years or so.

Both times it ended up being the motherboard which caused the issue. This is a tricky issue, it can *appear* like it's bad memory since a stick of memory died. However since the other stick also eventually died, I'd be willing to bet there is a problem associated with the DIMM slots on your motherboard. Bad DIMM slots can fry memory, or just cause memory to malfunction resulting in strange occurances like those you experienced. It appears this is what happened to you. Were you grounded when reinstalling the memory? It's not very common at all, but this can and does happen.

You should be up and running again with a new motherboard. If you're lucky, your RAM may still work.

Please keep us updated and good luck.

 

[panasyuk]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
1) Set the RAM to run synchronously with the CPU's FSB. Since your 2800+ uses a 166MHz bus speed (aka DDR333), set the RAM to run at 166MHz also. The real-world performance will be best at sync too.

2) Give the memory adequate voltage. I'd use 2.7 volts and see how that goes.

3) If all else fails, use this as an excuse to upgrade!

ahhh now it actually gets to bios maybe one out of ten or so memory stick/dimm slot configurations... but i will try setting the ram to 166 and up to 2.7...

hah yeah i dont know many mobo's better than my asus... shame, too, only had it 10 months...

oh well, lets hope i can still depend on asus... thanks for the advice and luck, im going to try to get to the bios a couple more times and then order a new mobo...

yeah, i haven't really been paying attention if I were completely grounded... guess that'll teach me, eh?

 

[panasyuk]

wow... my socket A mobo increased 8 bucks in price on newegg since august of last year...

 

[superfly27]

Yeah, and the 3200+ is either very expensive or unavailable. I might consider socket 754 if you want to go cheap. I know Abit KV8 Pro has some good reviews. And I read AMD plans to come out with a Sempron 3700+ (64 bit).

 

[tbalon]

Here is a shot in the dark if you haven't corrected this already... Try pulling off the CPU fan lead from the fan header and rebooting with it disconnected. If it boots be sure to turn it off immediately so as to not fry your CPU.