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08-21-2003, 02:48 AM
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#1 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Bellingham Washington, US of A
Posts: 8
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Help for the helpless! (Also: Hello, I'm a moron)
Argh!
This is my first ground-up PC build. I did the research, learned the methods, and even practiced on my friend's computers first... But I'm having motherboard problem after motherboard problem. I purchased an Asus A7N8X Deluxe as my motherboard of choice after reading many glowing reviews. I also purchased an Athlon XP 2500+, a Geforce FX 5600 (256MB Version), 1024MB PC3200 DDR400, and a Antec case within plenty of cooling. The first A7N8X was a lemon; it simply refused to POST (though the fans would turn on, no video or PS/2 power, no beep codes). I sent it back, and got another one. The second one POSTed, and opened up the BIOS setup just fine. I was happy. After making the needed changes in the BIOS, I went to exit...and couldn't. It was strange, the thing that usually says "Press 1 for..." was X's instead of options. It wouldn't let me exit. Eventually I restarted...and the MB was DOA from then on, doing the same as the first...sent that one back as well. Well, surfice to say, I was a little turned off from Asus after that. I bought a Gigabyte GA-7N400 Pro2, which is similar to the A7N8X. I used the 2500+, Geforce FX, and PC3200 RAM as before. POSTs just fine, and gives me the single-beep "all is well" signal, and then tries to setup RAID (which I don't need). The manual says to push the delete key while the MB is POSTing to enter BIOS...But the BIOS won't come up. (And yes, I know when POST takes place). After I exit all of the RAID setup stuff, it runs system tests and tries to boot from the hard disk, which of course it cannot do because the hard drive hasn't been formatted. It says: "Boot disk error. Replace disk and hit enter to retry", and no key other than enter works after that. Any ideas of how to get my BIOS to come up? Techinical support wasn't helpful... And, at least, any suggestions for a replacement if it comes to that? General thoughts? Thank you. |
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08-21-2003, 03:18 AM
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#2 |
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Shiro Usagi
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Posts: 34,002
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Are you sure you're pushing Del at the right time? Newer computers boot up real fast and you may be missing the window of opportunity. With faster computers, I just start clicking on Del as soon as I power the thing up. On my own slower computer it's really easy to get into BIOS since the first boot screen stays up on the monitor a long time.
You may want to check the Gigabyte website for any information on BIOS problems and the NForce 2 chipset. I think this is a known problem.  Cricket
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08-21-2003, 03:24 AM
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#3 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Bellingham Washington, US of A
Posts: 8
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Well, I've pretty much tried to eliminate the problem of hitting del at the right time by hit it as fast as I can from the moment I turn it on until the bootdisk message...Think it's probably DOA?
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08-21-2003, 03:30 AM
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#4 |
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Shiro Usagi
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Posts: 34,002
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Try another keyboard first.
Cricket
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08-21-2003, 07:31 AM
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#5 |
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Member (13 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Scotland
Posts: 4,700
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Also, is there a jumper on the mobo to disable the RAID controller. If there is, try disabling it and seeing if that helps in accessing the BIOS.
Check your mobo manaul with a fine toothcomb and make sure all your jumper settings are correct. |
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08-21-2003, 01:29 PM
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#6 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Bellingham Washington, US of A
Posts: 8
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Tried a different keyboard (This one), as well as two others. The wierd thing, is that it worked once! But I cannot duplicate it-- Did the exact same thing, and repeated a few dozen times. (And it locked up when I did manage to access it)
I checked the manual about disabling the RAID controller...it tells me to do it in the BIOS. GAH! There's no jumpers on the board, just dip switches for CPU speed and bus speed... I suspect I should just RMA this board as well...NewEgg is nice about that, at least. |
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08-21-2003, 02:34 PM
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#7 |
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Red Sox Nation
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 2,546
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Try clearing the CMOS.
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08-21-2003, 02:42 PM
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#8 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Bellingham Washington, US of A
Posts: 8
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Tried clearing the CMOS, but to no avail. Actually, I tried twice... Left the battery out for 5 minutes at a time, rather than 25 seconds as suggested by the manual. I tried a out-of-case setup on the box it came in...SAME THING! Argh! Tried different RAM and Different CPU...no change.
Man, I have the worst luck with motherboards. Sure It'll cost me $25 to return this thing, but at this point...I'm buying a Sotek. Thank you for all your help! |
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08-22-2003, 01:39 AM
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#9 |
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digitally confused
Premium Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 2,301
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Methinks you may be returning the boards too fast. You need to find out what the real problem is. Slow down and be as methodical about it as you can.
My 2 cents... |
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08-22-2003, 08:56 AM
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#10 |
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Member (13 bit)
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Mt Washington, KY
Posts: 4,927
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I agree with Tim.
I think you need to check your PS, case for shorts, ect. before another board. I've never had a bad board and you have got three in a row.......... Chas
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I may not be much, but I'm all I think about. |
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08-22-2003, 09:07 AM
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#11 |
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The Gavel
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Upland, CA
Posts: 6,311
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Three bad bords in a row is very unlikely. Follow the trouble shooting tips in this forum here: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.p...threadid=12753 and you should find your problem.
A defective ram module could also be the culprit.
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"To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves" |
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