new build won't start up

[jw_jackson_hts]

Hi,
I'm rebuilding a pc for home server use and I'm having some problems. The main components are:

Intel Xeon X3430 Lynnfield 2.4GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Server Processor BX80605X3430

Intel S3420GPLC ATX Server Motherboard LGA 1156 Intel 3420 DDR3 1333



Crucial 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Registered DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT102472BB1339


I checked to make sure all that stuff was compatible when I bought it, so I think I'm ok there.

I installed the mobo, then put in the chip/heatsink, then added the RAM, then connected power and tried to see if it would start up. It didn't.

I added a hard drive, still no luck. I went back and reseated the chip, still wouldn't start. I did notice I had to use a little elbow grease getting the locking lever to go in correctly for the chip....but I followed the instructions carefully, made sure the arrows lined up on chip mobo, and tried again.

the ram went in, but did not make the normal clicking sound. I tried that a couple of times and am pretty sure it's in ok. I also made sure it's in the correct slot.

the other issue is the front panel connectors. The user guide does not specify where each connector (power/reset,etc) should go. Does it matter? On past builds I've been able to get it to at least power on by putting a screwdriver between the two connectors. I tried that and connecting the power switch. Still didn't go on.

I'm using an older 650W power supply that did have the right connectors. When the power cable is connected there is an led light on the mobo.

Any ideas?
thanks,
jw

[glc]

PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

Install the CPU, heatsink, and ram with the motherboard OUTSIDE the case on the table. Then test it as linked before installing the motherboard in the case.

[jw_jackson_hts]

ok, never mind, I got it. In case anyone else comes across this, the power switch needs to go in pins 11/13. Also, I was thinking that the pins were laid out so that the connectors went on top of each other, i.e., the two pin groupings each held one connector. But the pairs of pins are 1/2 3/4 5/6, etc, and the power switch goes in 11/13, which was not intuitive to me.

Also, this was not easily ref'd in the manual, I had to google around for it.
bp

[jw_jackson_hts]

ok, now the issue I have is that it won't post. I have a ram seated, the chip in, and a hd attached.

the ram is connected properly, and to the correct slot (I think A1, according to the manual)

I have 1 stick of 8gig ram. I get a 3 beep error code, which is a memory issue. Try different slots?
jw

[glc]

Try my link. Motherboard OUT of the case.

I thought 3 beeps was video?

[jw_jackson_hts]

Hi,
believe it or not, this build has been sitting on my kitchen table since I last posted....and I'm just getting to it now...pretty pathetic!


anyway, I just wanted to run a couple things by you guys...in the newegg prod desc for the mobo, it says this re: the RAM:

DDR3 Standard DDR3 1333
Registered Yes

and the ram says:
DDR3 SDRAM ECC Registered DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT102472BB1339

so I thought that would be ok....

In the supported hardware list for the board you have these headings:

Manufacturer Model Number Size Type Speed Rank


under "rank", the 8gig entries for crucial memory all say "quad". Does that mean you need 4 ram sticks?

I don't see the exact model number, so I'll try to get some ram that's actually on this list. But when it says single|dual|quad, does that refer to the number of sticks I need to put in?

btw...I took the mobo out of the case as per the guide on this board, and got the same results.

thanks!
jw

[glc]

Incompatible ram. Here is the Crucial ram that's compatible, order it direct:

Computer memory upgrades for Intel S3420GPLC Motherboard from Crucial.com

[birddog_61]

ARK | Intel® Server Board S3420GPLC

According to Intel that is a dual channel board, why does crucial recommend a triple channel memory package? Or am I missing something here?

[jw_jackson_hts]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up ordering two sticks of this:

Kingston ValueRAM 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR3 1333 Server Memory Model KVR1333D3E9S/4G

which was on the list of tested ram from the mobo website, under rank it's listed as dual.

Will that ram work?

Also, what is the best way in general to research mobo/ram/chip combos? My process was to pick mobo, get compatible chip, then get ram as specified above. I think from now on I'll just make sure I get ram from the list of tested hardware. But I wouldn't have come up with the dual channel thing on my own.

My previous build, which was plagued by hardware problems, I believe was also related to wrong ram.

jw

[glc]

Newegg does not guarantee ram compatibility, but Crucial does. I always buy ram direct from Crucial for everything except generic desktop builds. With that said, I don't know why Crucial is listing a triple channel kit for a dual channel motherboard. The Intel documentation online is seriously lacking in details on supported ram types and configuration, and the Newegg reviews don't look good at all in reference to ram. I'd personally return the board and get an Asus or Supermicro server board, but I understand this may not be a viable option.

Rank is not the same thing as channel. Rank refers to the component density on the module itself.

[jdeb]

That Kingston you posted is a single dimm and may or may not post. It should but with Xeon's it's better to be sure.

When you use Crucials website it is best to click on show all compatible computer memory (it's grayed out and under the triple channel default find. You can order directly from them or Newegg which at times is cheaper.

Newegg.com - Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Registered DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Server Memory Model CT2KIT25672BB1339

Computer memory upgrades for Intel S3420GPLC Motherboard from Crucial.com

They list CT2KIT25672BD1339 at the crucial website for 45.99, I would order that

[jw_jackson_hts]

Hi,
I bought two sticks of that kingston ram, and found the ram on the mobo tested hardware list and also found the board on the site for the ram, so should be good. Thanks for the replies, will let u know how it goes! Super appreciative of the help

[glc]

Me bad - I forgot to click on show all compatible!

If you ordered 2 sticks of that Kingston it *should* work.

[jw_jackson_hts]

meant to add...the new ram worked aok, very happy about that!
Some other annoying features of the build, mainly related to the fact that I'm using like a 5-year old case:

• I was not able to ge the reset switch to work, event though I'm sure I had the right pins
• I was not able to get the case fans working, did not see the matching socket on mobo (different standards?)
• the machine gives off some beeps when starting up, the mobo manual only lists one beep code that doesn't match what I hear...is normal to hear beeps when starting up?

nonetheless, I have all my stuff up and running, very grateful to everyone here for their help.

Oh, and btw...;when it was first suggested that I take everything out of the case and try to get the machine to post I was thinking ..."man, what a hassle, don't wanna do that", but it only took like 10mins and was a huge help. Was able to quickly confirm issue was bad ram.

Thanks again for that helpful post