Beep codes

[Chazwurth]

Hello, this is my first computer build and I am very frustrated. I am using a PVK7 Via apollo KX133 motherboard with a 750mhz Athlon and 128mb sdram. The problem I am running into is upon boot up I have no video and I get 2 short beeps, 8 short beeps, 2 short beeps, 1 short beep. After that I have nothing!! I can then remove the ram and reinsert, this allows me to boot fine with no beep codes, although after an hour or so of cooldown I have to do this all over again!!!! Do you think the memory is bad or if I have a motherboard problem????? Thanks in advance for all of your help.

[SARGE]

http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardw...utorials/13/1/

[Cricket]

Hi Chazwurth,

I would open up the case and make sure everything is installed correctly. Make sure the video card is fully inserted into the slot as well as the RAM and expansion cards. Make sure the CPU is installed correctly. Check for loose screws holding the motherboard to the case.

While you're in there, blow out all the dust and clean all the fans. Remove the front face plate and clean the openings off as well as the power supply grill openings.

Make sure all cords and installed securely into the connectors.

Cricket

[Chazwurth]

Today I removed the video card, memory, cpu, and all connections. I removed the motherboard and checked for possible cracks in the board, none found. I then cleaned out the case and cleaned off all parts with compressed air. I still get the same thing, what I failed to mention is when I remove the memory and reinstall the computer runs fine everything is O.K. until cooldown!!!

[Confused]

Can you lay your hands on another stick of RAM to test. Sounds like hairline crack in that once hot it runs, but then causes problems when cool. Question is, where is the thermal seperation? Is it the RAM stick or on the mobo? Since RAM is easier to swap, do that if you can get another piece to test with.
Chas
PS
A crack like this probably wouldn't be visible.

[Toaster]

Howdy,
There are some poorly made memory modules out there.
When RAM prices fell, makers had to cut corners to stay competitive.
The board used on some modules was below minimum thickness and thus gave a haphazzard connection. As the module cools and warms, the thickness changes minutely and can give a poor connection.
Try a different module or socket.
The falling memory prices caused many makers to use parts otherwise unsuitable.
These folks did dastardly things like map out failed bits and the like.
There are numerous 128MB modules sold as 64MB with mapped bits. This was also seen in 265MB modules sold as 128MB.
Sometimes, the board was so thin that handling often broke solder joints during simple installation.
Buying "the cheapest the got" increases your chances of buying such junk.
These modules are all over Ebay and other online stores.

[Chazwurth]

Thanks for the suggestions, I actually did get the memory from Ebay, so I am leaning toward that. I tried to power up the system today and ran into more of a problem, the computer will not boot all the way now, all I get is the beep codes even after reinstalling the ram. I have tried all three dimm slots too, so I will pick up a new stick of ram tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks for the advice.

[SARGE]

Be sure the new RAM is compatible with the board, AND try it all by itself. Toaster makes a good point about solder joints. With RAM, always get top quality. I've known folks who pay big $$ for a video card and TIF monitor but skimp on RAM quality. They soon cry crocodile tears.

[Chazwurth]

Hi, I tried the new ram, known good, and the system ran fine. My friend let me keep the ram overnight and I started the system in the morning and I again get the beep codes. Looks like the motherboard has had it, although it is only a few months old. My question is this, could an improperly seated cpu (slot A) cause the same problems?

[DDeRek]

This is a Phoenix BIOS, right? You are getting the same beep code, even withthe new RAM? That code definitely points to the memory. The proble could be in the memory bus on the mobo though. It seems to me that the expansion and contraction caused by heating and cooling during the on/off cycling could be causing a connection problem or short in the mobo. I would check the warranty policy of your distributor and try to get a replacement, since this is a new purchase, right? Otherwise, check the board for obvious scorching (sign of a short circuit), faulty soldering, or a crack in the board and start practicing soldering.

[Chazwurth]

Problem solved!!!!!!!The bios is actually an AMI bios and the codes are as follows:2 beeps-memory problem,8 beeps-faulty video or no video. The video card used in this case is a S3 Savage4 32mb video card. I tried taking the screw out of the case where it holds the card in place and wiggled the card slightly, tried the pc and still got the codes. I tried wiggling the card up and down and side to side, very gently of course. No luck. I then went out and borrowed a known good diamond viper 550 16mb video card. After about ten cooldown cycles I have had no problems, I think the problem is solved Thanks for all of your help! Chazwurth