z68 extreme3 gen3 few minutes loop before POST

[Smiffsten]

Hey guys first time poster and in need of some help.

I've build my computer around the z68 extreme3 gen3 motherboard and for over 3-4 years I've never had any problems (except for a high pitched noise coming from the motherboard while the computer is off, but plugged into the power outlet).

And all the sudden I get this strange problem: when I unplug the computer and plug it back on and turn it on I'm stuck in a loop for few minutes before the POST can kick in. This only happens when I've unplugged the computer completely (and which I kinda need to do, otherwise the high pitched sound coming from the motherboard wont let me sleep).

The computer powers up with fans, but without any output. It just kinda loops for few minutes like I already said. And then it works like normal.

When I've tried and didn't work:

• Unplugged everything internally and externally (RAM, GPU, keyboard,...) and tested with plugging one piece at a time
• Tested RAM and it came out without any errors (via a native Windows memcheck)
• Rest CMOS
• Unplugged and replugged the power pins

Anyone had this sort of problem?

 

[Burpo]

Sounds like power supply coil whine and probably dying a slow death..

 

[Smiffsten]

So the problem is with the PSU? Anything I can do about it?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

So the problem is with the PSU? Anything I can do about it?

I'd start shopping.

I've only used Seasonic PSU's since 2007. I bought three to replace deteriorating PSUs in three LGA_775 systems through 2009; I bought two more for my i7 Gen2/Gen3 systems. I am now also keeping a brand new PSU as a spare, because I expect to find the following situation developing on one of the older systems.

If you let the computer remain in a sleep state for days and days at a time, it will take its toll on the PSU, since the lower power state doesn't spin up the PSU's own fan. So -- use sleep-mode in conjunction with Hibernate: set the system to sleep after some amount of time -- maybe 2 hours -- and then to hibernate an hour or two after that.

Rosewill -- a name associated with "computer-schlock" knock-offs of add-in cards and other accessories -- suddenly gained a name for itself with PSUs. They are priced no cheaper than the well-known reliable models like Seasonic for the same wattage and features. In my last purchase, I bought a Rosewill Fortress and a Seasonic "X" series model. The Rosewill was not a "modular" PSU. But it seems just as solid, and the warranty period is at least as long as Seasonic's tell-tale 5 years. In fact, I think it was a 7-year warranty.

And sorry for this dissertation: It could more easily fit in the PSU forum. So let me add this:

If you DO have a problem with the Z68/Gen3 motherboard and you can work your way through a mobo replacement and the Windows re-activation maze that follows, you might want to look at the offerings of ASUS Z68 and Gen3 boards at Ascendtech.com and their e-store. What had retailed for $220 during the high-point of the Z68/skt-1155 era can now be had as refurbished corporate IT-assets for $85.

Odd coincidence that you would post your thread, because I seem to have answers for all of it.

 

[Burpo]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...e=600_watt_powersupply-_-17-438-014-_-Product

 

[Smiffsten]

Okay! Thank you guys!

 

[Puffnstuff]

If you have a tigerdirect nearby I'd go have a look there first. Lately they've had discounts on corsair psu's and you might find one like this http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...403&CatId=1483.

 

[Smiffsten]

Sadly I'm from Europe and the prices are quite steep here. But Corsair CX Series Modular CX600M and eVGA 600B Bronze are good? My current PSU is: Corsair Voeding Builder Series CX500 V2 500W.

 

[Burpo]

Motherboards don't whine.. Power supplies that do usually don't last long.. especially a Corsair. Amazing it made 3+ yrs..

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Sadly I'm from Europe and the prices are quite steep here. But Corsair CX Series Modular CX600M and eVGA 600B Bronze are good? My current PSU is: Corsair Voeding Builder Series CX500 V2 500W.

I've probably become spoiled and fussy about computer parts. All the PSU-makers offer Bronze, Gold and Platinum rated models, and I usually try to "go for the Gold."

I just acquired a 650W Rosewill "Fortress." No modular cabling, but I was sure it was a "Platinum" model. Whatever it was, it was the right price.

Again, this would also make a good thread for the PSU forum, but we're troubleshooting a problem that could be mistaken for the motherboard or vice-versa.

The best rule-of-thumb: choose your PSU based on your needs, with price as a secondary consideration. I've had cheap power supplies, and I acquired one BFG low-priced unit as a supposed "bargain." I think it damaged a motherboard. No -- I know it damaged the motherboard. The minute I flipped the switch, it shorted out. The others just slowly went south, and not as slowly as I might have liked.

Other rules-of-thumb: the warranty-period and the weight of the PSU in kilograms or pounds had always been an indicator of quality and longevity. How the weight factor matters today as opposed to its impact five years ago, I cannot say. But the good ones with the long warranty period still seem as heavy as the top-end PSU's I bought then.

It isn't the wattage capacity which determines quality, although added capacity for a quality PSU means an increase in price.

 

[Smiffsten]

Motherboards don't whine.. Power supplies that do usually don't last long.. especially a Corsair. Amazing it made 3+ yrs..

Yeah but the high pitched sound is apparently common in those motherboards, I could reduce the sound by disabling few things in BIOS (can't remember what).

 

[Burpo]

Don't know anything about ASRock, but whine from a coil is not good. You need to get a dif power supply & try it first.

 

[Puffnstuff]

Yes from time to time a mb will whine and I had an old gigabyte x48 that did it until they replaced it.