Asus M4A78 Pro Motherboard problem

beauparc · Aug 18, 2010

System: AMD PhenomX4 955 (not overclocked), Asus M4A78 Pro motherboard, 8GB DDR2 Ram, Radeon 4890 Graphics, Windows7 64bit

I've had this machine for about a year and it has run perfectly. Upgraded from Vista 64 to Win7 64.

During startup the boot sequence stops and reports this message "CPU Over temp warning. Press F1 to continue" Press F1 and the boot continues, Windows loads and runs perfectly. This has only started happening over the last few days.

Entering BIOS the CPU temperature is shown as 98 Deg C :eek:

Running the Asus overdrive utility shows the CPU running all cores at a comfortable 45 Deg C.

I've searched all over and can't find an answer so far.

Has anyone come across this before? Would a BIOS update help? I have to admit that I am entirely happy about updating BIOS, but will do so if absolutely necessary.

Any and all help will be gratefully acknowledged.

Mellon Head · Aug 18, 2010

I bought that motherboard when I got my 955, and it wouldn't work right at all. My 955 has a C3 stepping, and at the time, it wasn't supported. ASUS has recently put out a number of BIOS updates to support some of the new AMD CPUs that have come out, and to correct a few issues. Check to see if you have the temp warning set too low in BIOS. It may also be reading the CPU temp wrong if a sensor has gone faulty on you.

My biggest problem with that board was that if I set my multiplier to anything but Auto, the multi would go to 4X and stay there, so my 955 would run at 800 MHz. The computer shop where I got it let me exchange it for my current board (M4A79XTD EVO), and it's been just great. ASUS builds a pretty good product.

I would check on the ASUS website to see if there is a new BIOS for your board. It might solve the problem. If you have a failed sensor, you may have to put up with having to press F1 on boot.

stormy13 · Aug 18, 2010

Sounds like a wonky temp sensor. Which bios version are you running on it? If it isn't the latest (1607 which added support for the x6's) or the one before (1509 which claims to "improve system stability"). If it isn't either of those I would start with flashing it, and seeing if that sorts it.

And yes I too have the same board. Mine likes to through up stop 124 errors out of the blue if I don't bump up all voltages but the vcore and vdimm a couple of notches. Once I did that the BSOD's went away.

Haven't had that temp problem with mine but there are a few threads about it on the Asus forums,

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Forum-

beauparc · Aug 19, 2010

Thank you both for your kind replies.

I, too, have come to the same conclusion that there is a duff sensor somewhere. I get this high reading after even a cold start when the machine has only been powered up for about 30 seconds. The CPU is actually cool to touch and definitely is not running at 98 Deg C. Both fans are working properly and there is no buildup of dust.

Last night I ran a couple of intensive games for a couple of hours and there was not even a hint of system instability.

When I get some time (and courage) I'll try a BIOS update. Meanwhile I'll just keep pressing F1.

Thanks again for taking the trouble of helping. I am greatly obliged to you both.

Mellon Head · Aug 19, 2010

No problem. Join us again if you have any other questions.

beauparc · Aug 20, 2010

Just a quick update.

Last night I flashed the BIOS to the latest version. No difference to the temperature warning, so I disabled the warning in BIOS.

I don't suppose it's possible to change / remove the errant sensor is it? It's probably not worth it anyway - just thought I'd ask

Cheers, and have a good weekend.

Mellon Head · Aug 20, 2010

The sensor is usually under the CPU socket, or occasionally mounted on it, or in it for the more expensive sockets. You'd need a really high end board (Read Server) for that option though. It isn't worth trying to change, and you'd need special tools to do it.

beauparc · Aug 21, 2010

That's what I thought. Thanks for your confirmation.

Bujinkan · Aug 21, 2010

I had the ASUS M4A89-GTD PRO USB3.0/6Gbs , and it was a tricky board. I ended up sending it back, I was also using a 965 BE 3.4Ghz, ddr3 2000 mhz ram. I didn't ever get the ram to 2000Mhz stable. And the board shut off frequently due to the need for overvoltage. That's a fairly new board, and ASUS has very good Tech support, and Warranty's. I would have the board replaced, or fixed. Honestly. That sensor not functioning right will eventually lead to future problems, as the board ages, I assure you. IMO, I would get it replaced, or fixed, whilel it's fairly new.
I ended up going with the Crosshair IV formula. , fyi.

Bujinkan · Aug 21, 2010

On a side note, I have a server running a new M4A88TD-V EVO USB3. With Gskill Ripjaws DDR3 2000 Mhz ram, again, due to constant overvoltage to make the ram run right, I was having problems with the board blue screening and dumping the ram. I kept checking the temps, and was getting hot. They have nice heat sinks on the mobo, but sometimes the heat sinks need to be checked for dried thermal paste, and good strong contact with the chipsets. Which is acctually a common problem with mass manf. equipment. I will not do anything to void the warranty, like dis-assemble any of the board, but I installed a 120mm fan in the case blowing accross the RAM, and MOBO, and the board has been up and running without a problem ever since. The M4A-series boards are still a good board, but if there's a sensor not reading right, it will affect a lot more than you understand.

beauparc · Aug 22, 2010

Thanks for those two posts.

When I get a few minutes spare I'll redo the thermal paste. That's a good suggestion.

Thanks again.

Bujinkan · Aug 22, 2010

I am a hardware nut. I know almost anything about the hardware part of PC's. I'm also glad to have found these forums. I am glad to help where I can. I have a feeling I will be active here for a while. Feel free to share update on results, please.

beauparc · Aug 23, 2010

Bujinkan. I'm glad to make the acquaintance of a "hardware nut" because it's something I have little or no experience with.

As and when my mothboard finally dies, I will contact you for advice if you don't mind.

For the time being, since the machine is running perfectly, I shall leave well enough alone - apart from the thermal paste which I hope to do this coming weekend.

Thanks again for your input.

Lemur · Aug 23, 2010

Asus always has that warning not to update the bios unless necessary. Forget that. I update whenever available.

Mellon Head · Aug 23, 2010

Just don't do it in a thunderstorm, a hurricane, or if there's a tornado nearby.

beauparc · Aug 24, 2010

I've updated mine using the Asus update facility. I backed the original up first and the new BIOS went in without a hitch. It took some time to reset it to the way I wanted.

Much easier than I had expected.

Thanks all.

Bujinkan · Aug 24, 2010

Always update your BIOS. When new Cpu's come out, new usb attachments(keyboard, mice, etc.) The software changes. Hardware programmability changes in bios frequently as well. There's a lot more going on in BIOS, than a lot of people understand.

Mellon Head · Aug 25, 2010

Bujinkan said:
Always update your BIOS. When new Cpu's come out, new usb attachments(keyboard, mice, etc.) The software changes. Hardware programmability changes in bios frequently as well. There's a lot more going on in BIOS, than a lot of people understand.

While that is technically true, it isn't always necessary, or desirable to upgrade the BIOS. If you have an older chip, the only real motivation is if the BIOS gives that chip new capabilities or stability, or if the new BIOS fixes an error.

You can have great success putting in that shiny new BIOS, and you can just as easily brick your board.

Lemur · Aug 25, 2010

Mellon Head said:
Just don't do it in a thunderstorm, a hurricane, or if there's a tornado nearby.

That's why I always stick my head out the door when flashing my bios (I sincerely hope that's not a metaphor)

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