Windows 7: Screen blanks... "no signal" error

Hi all

Hope you can help with this problem...

SYSTEM SPECS
• ASUS P7P55D-E PRO
• Intel i5-760 with Thermalright MUX-120 cooler
• Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics card
• 2 x Corsair DDR3 2GB DIMMs
• Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
• Seagate 500GB SATA HDD
• Lite On IHBS 112 DVD/CD/BluRay ODD
• Lian-Li Extreme Power 650W PSU in Lian-Li PC60FNWX case



All well cooled. Running IntelBurnTest only gets the CPU temp up to 50 deg C max.

Problem is this… built the system, installed Windows 7 successfully, all updated via Windows Update. Latest AMD drivers loaded for graphics.

It ran ok for a day or so then I started to get a problem which has got more consistent … If I boot with both DIMMs installed, Windows gets to ‘Loading Windows’ then the screen (a BENQ, HDMI connected) goes black and then after a few seconds an error “no signal” is displayed. As far as I can tell, other activity continues (HDD activity LED etc). This happens almost without fail… If I start in Safe Mode it does run Windows OK

Did some troubleshooting – tried different monitor, cable, used VGA rather than HDMI, moved the 5770 to different PCI slot – made no difference. I thought it must be the 5770 at that point… until I got Windows up & tried running IntelBurnTest again and got error before it could start saying “you can’t specify more memory than you have” or somesuch. So I shutdown, took out one DIMM and rebooted. Boots reliably now! Tried the other DIMM. Still boots reliably.

So I can then run Windows happily with either DIMM, but not with both. …

Another info point is that, if I (eg) boot a memory diagnostic utility from the ODD with just one DIMM installed, it loads and runs for ever – no errors no screen black out problem. If I install BOTH DIMMs then try to run the diagnostic, it starts to run the diag then the screen blacks quite quickly with “no signal” error displayed and we are back to the start again…

ANOTHER info point is that, having got Windows running successfully on either DIMM alone, I can happily launch apps, connect to the net, run (eg) YouTube or iPlayer vids… all seems good. If I then insert a disc into the ODD, close the drawer and try and access the disc, more often than not, I will get the same problem – screen goes black and a few seconds later I get the “no signal” message on the screen. If I don’t use the ODD, all seems OK.

I have tried running the system with both DIMMS with unneeded hardware (ODD, audio connector etc) disconnected and get the same problem.
I have updated the BIOS from the Asus website. I have loaded the latest 5770 drivers from AMD website.

All voltages & temps are in spec.

At this point I suspect the mobo but for no ‘logical’ reason, just gut feel, given the disparate ways to trigger the problem. But I am interested in any suggestions or similar (solved) problems…

Final info point is that the Asus website does not include the specific Corsair DIMM in their qualified list (although others (same manuf, same spec) are included).

Additionally, the Corsair website does not list this particular DIMM as qualified for the ASUS P7P55D-E PRO mobo either, but is this a red herring as they probably only test / qualify with one DIMM anyway??? The DIMM was one recommended to partner the ASUS mobo on the retailer website so I didn’t find the Corsair / Asus website qualification lists til after…

Thanks in advance for any advice…

The BIOS updates for this mobo show a few compatibility issues with ODD and memory that have been fixed. You might try that...
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Thanks but I have updated the BIOS cos I saw that BIOS release as well... I am at P7P55D-E PRO 1002 BIOS which addresses mem & stability issues - still the same...

Can you try a different card or something?

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums. First a couple of questions.
1. Does your monitor show up in device manager as the Benq, or PNP? If PNP try checking if the manufacturer has a driver for it and install it.
2. Could you please provide the exact model # of your RAM modules?
3. When running both Dimms do you have them in the same colored slots or if not different colors in the slots as showed in the manual Dimm 1 in A1 slot and Dimm 2 in B1?
Chapter 2.4 in manual. ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

Also have you tried running Memtet86 with one in at a time 5-7 passes? Then removing it and running the second one in the same slot which would be slot A1?
Then if no errors try the same in slot B1 same as above.
Memtest86 - Download Page

A couple of things trying to find out
1. if the memory is error free in both slot thus eliminating the slots and the Ram as suspects.

Then try with both in A1 and B1 if you can without getting the black screen.
Also when they test the QVL ram they test them in a kit of 2 modules in order for the Ram to met the qualifications to be on the QVL.

You have done some extensive trouble shooting and I would at this point also consider that it might be the motherboard memory controller.

What happens if you try both dimms in the A2 and B2 slots?

The fact that it will run with both dimms in while in safe mode makes me think it could be a driver conflict though.

The only other thing I can think of would be if possible to borrow 2 sticks of different ram and see if the problem replicates itself.

I wish I had something more to offer to try but this seems to be a rather perplexing issue.And you have done most of What I would have suggested for trouble shooting already

He states here he has already updated the bios so....
Fabe

Thanks for the considered response fabe.... all mem / slots check out OK with memtest86.

I spoke to the retailer (I only got the components a couple of weeks ago) and they suggested checking DRAM voltage, DRM frequency etc. I did this - all OK.

At this stage they suggest RMAing the mobo, memory, CPU & graphics card (!!!) cos there's no clear diagnosis.

So, any last minute suggestions?

Cheers!