Computer will not post.

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  1. Posts : 13
    windows 7 home premioum 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #11

    Computer will not post


    I had previously cleared CMOS both by using the jumpers and also by removing the battery for at least 15 minutes.

    The one curious suggestion by two members was the error codes. The board shows "FF" which in the manual is to power up the board and energize the CPU. Apparently the CPU is not being energized, as the board stays at "FF". Subsequent processes during the post are chipset, memory, Hard Drives, Grpahic Card, etc. I had looked up this code previously but didn't pay much attention to it. This really looks like the CPU is defective as the tests on all the other components do not happen until after the CPU is energized. I do have another CPU in my MSI Home Theater Computer, but I'm reluctant to mess with that machine as my wife would kill me if her TV stops working. I believe I'm going to RMA the CPU and go from there.

    As a side note, I have done several previous builds and have used ASUS motherboards, Intel CPU's and other memory. I also have an ASUS laptop which has run fine for about 6 years. The MSI subject machine was built using Maximum PC magazine's recommended components at the time of build for a 3D gaming machine. I'm really appreciative of the help from members here. I'm now pretty sure that the CPU is the problem.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #12

    Just curious but were you overclocking this chip? I would pull the chip out and look at it's pins closely and then as well un-make and make all PSU to mobo connections and give it a try again. This you can do while working with AMD for the RMA or you can even consider the purchase of a lesser quad core chip for a test? I've wound up with an extra chip and had to use it for just this same situation. You should also consider a call to MSI as with the led's and display they should as well be able to direct you to the components to test. MSI and AMD have always been great with me and my questions....always!
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13
    windows 7 home premioum 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #13

    I'll do as you suggest. I need to pull the CPU anyway. Since the machine had been running fine for almost 2 years when it quit, I'd be surprised if something happened to the pins while it was running. Also, no, I do not experiment with overclocking except the 3 settings in the control panel. I believe one is default, one is Theater, and one is Gaming. Other than those, I have not experimented with voltages, etc. I did talk to MSI initially, and they replied that this is normally a Power Supply issue, which is why I RMA'd the PSU. I'll call again though.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #14

    Yes do call and discuss the error codes and ask them for advice what to look for from the various led's on the mobo as these are there to give post progress.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #15

    Zanyman,

    This is very solid advice:
    RandallFlagg said:
    Well by the sound of I would guess memory.

    Here's my diagnostic steps:
    1. Use the clear CMOS button on the back
    2. Memory, pull it and boot, wait for beeps (Newegg people love Gskill, I wouldn't touch the stuff) Make sure you use dimm slot 1 and 2 for only 2 sticks.
    3. Drain all power (pull plug hold power button for 3 seconds), Use the power button on the motherboard
    4. Make sure you have 8 pin cpu power, grab a multimeter, and check voltages. If you need to power it on use a paper clip on green and any black, will fire up the power supply for testing.
    5. Replace ram with 1 cheap stick of DDR3-1066
    6. Make sure all standoffs are used and no incorrect ones are up against the motherboard.
    7. Swap CPU
    8. And not really a step, pay more, and buy intel and never buy MSI.

    But yeah, check for error codes.
    Work through that list, item by item. Report on the results by item number.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 13
    windows 7 home premioum 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #16

    Well, I'm feeling pretty disgusted with myself today. There are bent pins on the CPU. I must have damaged it when I removed it from the old board. Anyway, I guess it's shot. I'm going to have to replace it. This particular chip has been discontinued, so I am debating about replacing the MB as well? Maybe some of you Members can talk me into doing so, and giving me some recommendations on product.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #17

    Excellent idea.

    Google the board you are considering. When you do go to the listing from the motherboard manufacturer.

    Check out their documentation.

    I will say this much, in this regard, many companies have made marvelous strides.

    When choosing a motherboard, my top choice is always ASUS.

    While you are at the manufacturer's website and reading about the motherboard, the specs and so forth:
    Check the list of processors for the board.. Do NOT believe any salesman in any store or ad.
    Check the list of approved memories.. Do NOT believe any salesman in any store or ad.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #18

    Don't dispair as you have the same mobo as I. I would upgrade to a 8 core Zambesi 8120 which you can purchased for $149.99 on sale and it will run like a scalded ape and overclock extremely well with excellent aftermarket cooling.
    That is a top flight mobo and zero need to toss it for anything else for quite some time.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 13
    windows 7 home premioum 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #19

    The MSI Motherboard is an AM3 socket. Will the AM3+ chip run right out of the box on this board? I did read there are BIOS upgrades to accommodate this? Is that what you did? MSI web page does list your chip as compatible with AM3? It also shows 2 different 8120 chips. Do you know the difference?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #20

    Yes I updated bios and the chip posted 1st time.
      My Computer


 
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