Suggest a mobo based on my current parts.

[de8212]

I think my mobo is the culprit in my latest issues. Otherwise I am very happy with the system. I cannot afford to get new RAM/CPU so I would like to just get another reliable motherboard and swap it out.

Can someone suggest some specific models still readily available to look at?

The only thing I can think of is I need eSATA ports because I have an external drive I use. But I already have a bracket so as long as it's got at least 4 internal SATA ports I should be good, right?



All parts I'm reusing in sig.

 

[AstroGuardian]

I don't think your GA-EP45 is the cause of your problems (whatever they are) unless you did something with it and you are sure it's the mobo who is causing the problems.
The mobo you have is the hard core rock solid piece of engineering.
I recommend you stick with the exact same model. They can still be found in stores...

 

[de8212]

You may be right. the board just won't seem to run with all 4 RAM slots occupied. And it did at one time. So, I'm not 100% sure but I believe it may be a mobo issue.

Here is my thread from last night.

If you can add any suggestions so I can narrow it down I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[AstroGuardian]

I remember reading that most of new model motherboards had issues while coupled with maximum of RAM supported. But since you have BIOS F12 i think early problems are not present here. It realy doesn't make sense. Since all things that make sense are already tried, let's inspect some trivial factors:
1. Let's try this way, try sticking a couple of ram sticks in the third and fourth slot. Let's narrow the possibility that maybe a RAM slot is malfunctioning. Also be careful when you plug the ram sticks to apply the same amount of force in each of the slots. It has happened to me before when i plug the stick in slot two, the stick in slot one to become misplaced.
2. Unplug the 24 pin power connector from the mobo. Inspect it good whether it's damaged or the metal fins are bad. Maybe the board is not getting enough current
3. Try booting with three sticks... like: slots 1,2 and 4 occupied then try 2,3,4 and try some more combinations... some new ideas might just occur if you notice a pattern.
4. It has happened before that new BIOS releases screw up things a bit. When everything else fails try flashing the bios with some older version.... like F8 or F10 or similar.
5. When the board fails to boot, unplug the power cord from the PSU. Then try turning the board on with the power cord unplugged. That should drain all of the remaining current from the capacitors (this doesn't make much sense since the capacitors on that board are ceramic but... what the hell, give it a try, at least i would do that )

Give these suggestions a shot and post back. i would realy like to know what the outcome will be.

Good luck