Epox 8RDA+ problems

[cliftonite]

I have an 8RDA+ and an Athalon XP 2400+ and last night i installed the two. Initially it booted as an XP 1800n (15*100) even though the jumper was set to 166 on the mobo. So I increased the FSB to 133 (and eventually got it to around 150 something). The highest clock speed that I was able to get was 2340Mhz. Then when I decided to increase my FSB by increments of one, the whole thing crapped out on me around 156 or so. So I thought no problem, ill just reset the bios and everthing will go back to defualt settings. So I use the reset CMOS jumper on the mobo but now it gives me a wierd postcode (41) and it ouputs on the screen that there is a checksum error and to insert a floppy. But at this point alot of things stopped working. One, the USB keyboard/mouse were no longer being detected. Second, the floppy, which was detected before, was also not working. I dont think anything onboard is working (IE. PCI, IDE). What should I do now? Should I RMA the mobo? Or is there another solution. Thanks for your time

 

[mechBgon]

Just out of curiosity, what PSU are you using on that? Have you tried some different RAM?

 

[MichaelD]

To add to MechBgon's suggestions.

What brand/speed ram are you using? If you're trying to run PC2100 at PC2700 speeds, that might be your problem.

 

[Cybordolphin]

I have been posting a lot with regard to this exact same issue.

There is defenitely a problem with this board that I have and some others.

Try disconnecting everything from the IDE channels and report back if you able to use the keyboard to get into bios/setup screen and able to move around with the keyboard while in bios.

The only time I am able to get my keyboard to work on one of my Epox builds is to remove everything from the IDE channels. Unfortunately I have not found anything else wrong.... except the motherboard.
It is going to have to be RMA'd.

There have been post with regard to an issue with the CPU heatsink/fan attaching to the motherboard at the CPU fan header. If you have a variable speed CPU fan (Volcano, etc), you can try setting the fan at a constant RPM, or attaching the CPU fan direct to the PS. This however did not work for me.

Let us know if you find out anything.

 

[SpideyCU]

I don't think it's fair to say that in this case. He was overclocking and it gave him issues after he pushed it a certain degree. The board, as far as he described, was working fine to begin with. You CAN do bad things to your system if you overclock and all the components aren't perfectly happy running at that spec. We seem to ignore that fact a lot.

Anyhow, my first suspect would be the memory as well. It might not have liked going to that bus speed in the first place, regardless of whether or not you're back at stock speeds. Start over with the bare minimum of components (CPU, video card, maybe a different stick of memory), just see if it can POST properly, and move on from there.

Side note: the "fan issue" didn't affect most folks (anyone?) in normal system operation - only in certain screens within the BIOS settings.

 

[Noid]

Isnt the Floppy 41 code a reversed floppy disk cable ????

Try reversing your floppy disk cable.
(turn it upside down and re-insert to back of floppy drive)

Or ...

Turn OFF floppy seek on Bootup in BIOS.

 

[k1114]

I beleive the keyboard/mouse not working is a southbridge cooling problem, I get it also past 180fsb and right now (still at 180) its hot enough to burn my finger. I'm looking for a cooling solution for it that uses the mounting holes, and if I ever find one I can test my theory.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: k1114
I beleive the keyboard/mouse not working is a southbridge cooling problem, I get it also past 180fsb and right now (still at 180) its hot enough to burn my finger. I'm looking for a cooling solution for it that uses the mounting holes, and if I ever find one I can test my theory.

I'm running 200mhz FSB and my southbridge is mildly warm to the touch. I have experienced no loss of keyboard problems...although there is someone who is convinced all of the Epox Nforce 2 have this...

(look up for the answer)

 

[Cybordolphin]

Insane.... you need to read and understand, what you are reading. In addition I have tried all of the ideas suggested already. You were under the impression that I was not trying the ideas presented. Not the case.... in fact if you read, I have tried everything that can be thought of.

I don't see where anyone has said that every 8RDA+ has a keyboard problem. I am sure that there are lots of boards that may work just fine.

Actually.... your post include less ideas as to what could be the problem, than anyones. You want to take offense at the thought that there are some 8RDA+ boards out there that are having some issues. Don't.

 

[Insane3D]

Actually.... your post include less ideas as to what could be the problem, than anyones. You want to take offense at the thought that there are some 8RDA+ boards out there that are having some issues. Don't.

Not at all. I said at least a couple times in the other thread that all manufacturers have some bad boards go out. However, you claim the Epox is "junky", "cheap" and you are not just referring to your board. So while you sometimes seem to say it's just your board and a few others, you then start talking like they are all like that and go back and forth. I didn't offer any help to this person since I really have no idea what would be causing it with the explanation that was given.

When you start talking about build quality and the boards being junk and what not, and I know this is not the case from personal experience, I will call you on it. I don't dispute your problems and told you several times it sounds like your board is just bad. However, you come into any 8RDA+ thread and start talking about the keyboard issue like it's widespread and how "more and more" people are reporting this...then you back off and claim it's just some of them.

Anyway..I guess we will just have to agree to disagree..

 

[majewski9]

Usually if you get an ERROR 40 all you do is go into the BIOS and load default/optimal settings. That should fix it!

 

[cliftonite]

Sorry that I havent responded in like 4 days guys, but I still have the same problem . Its just not going into the bios. It wasnt with my 2400+ and its not with my 1800+. I connected the floppy to the system and put an updated bios on it. Although it reads the floppy( i can hear it and the green light is on), it says AWDflash.exe not found . Im not sure what to do now.

 

[cliftonite]

Nevermind, got it to work , time to switch the XP 1800 with the 2400

 

[Bagheera786]

what did you do that finally worked for you?

 

[wicktron]

The keyboard loss is due to the positioning of the Power LED. If you recall in the old days, there was a pin positioning for keyboard lock. Take off your Power LED, or re-position it such that you have functionality and no keyboard loss.