Computer will not post.

[Zanyman]

This has been going on for quite a while. Problem started with getting BSOD several seconds after bootup. Booted to safe mode, and tried to use Restore. Got message that there are no restore points set? Tried to use Repair to no avail. Booted original Windows disc and tried repair from there to no avail. The tried Imaging which ran for several hours, and then message that Imagining Failed. Then No Post. After reading numerous messages on-line, decided to RMA the MB and the PSU. Installed these items, and still no post. HDD led flashes off and on. Ancillary fans run. CPU fan starts, does a few revs, and stops. Beginning to suspect the CPU? Maybe someone has some ideas? This computer ran outstanding for a couple years before the trouble.

 

[Pedroc1999]

can u boot into windows?

 

[DeaconFrost]

CPUs typically don't die unless you are overclocking them past what they can handle. It's more likely the HDD or memory. Memory could be a possibility, but you could get a bootable Memtest disc to find out. Same with the HDD...a bootable HDD testing tool from the manufacturer would give you an answer.

 

[Pedroc1999]

as you turn you pc on, where the post is suposto be press the button you would use to access Bios, look for any thinsg wrong there

 

[Zanyman]

First, since the computer will not post, I cannot boot Windows, nor can I access the BIOS. During post, I don't even get to the Splash Screen. Since I can't post, I also cannot use a disk to check memory or use a drive. Also, from another site, I understand that you can post without any drives attached. In that mode, you can post, and then add these items back one at a time to find the bad one. I previously disconnected all of the USB, Hard and Optical drives, and tried to post with just the Motherboard, Power Supply, CPU, Graphics card, and Memory. Since I've replaced the Motherboard, and Power Supply, this seems to drill down to the CPU, the Memory, or the Graphic Card. All of these items are still under warranty, so maybe I just start requesting more RMA,s. Also, from another site, I understand that you can feel the CPU to see if it is heating up. It's cold, but I don't know if that's it's problem or that something else may be causing.

 

[pricetech]

If you have access to spare parts, try substitution, rather than just requesting replacement of the parts. You only have to have "some" RAM to boot, so if you have more than one stick, you can try each one individually to see if either will boot.
You're not likely to have, or find, a spare CPU, but maybe you have an old video card on the shelf, or a friend who has one, that you can use for testing purposes. Same with RAM sticks. Even a low density stick would allow you to test by substitution.

Almost forgot, remove your CMOS battery and let the BIOS reset too. Doesn't hurt, even if it doesn't help.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

The motherboard has a 2 digit led array and you can see what's being displayed and look up the error code.

 

[RandallFlagg]

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.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Randall it's nice you have such strong opinions but in the end it's only yours. MSI and GSkill is top flight kit.

 

[RandallFlagg]

Randall it's nice you have such strong opinions but in the end it's only yours. MSI and GSkill is top flight kit.

Of course, it's an opinion, but lets not turn this from a help thread to something else, along with my opinions come years of PC diagnostics turned into a quick diagnostics how to. Along with those years comes plenty of systems with MSI and Gskill in them.

I hope my opinion based step 2 and 8 aren't the only value taken from my post.

So lets keep this on topic, not about me or you?

 

[Zanyman]

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.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

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!

 

[Zanyman]

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.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

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.

 

[karlsnooks]

Zanyman,

This is very solid advice:

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.

 

[Zanyman]

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.

 

[karlsnooks]

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.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

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.

 

[Zanyman]

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?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

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