New system, won't boot except...

[EmilG]

Put together a new system, specs.

new stuff:
Asus P5B-E
Intel E6600 2.4g
Patriot 2g 800mhz
eVga 8800GTS 320m
Antec 450w psu (came with case)

old stuff:
WD Raptor 74g
Liteon DVD burner
NEC Floppy
19" analog monitor

The system won't come up, it doesn't even beep except the one time it beeped and actually got to the bios screen but would not respond to any keys, did a reboot and back to the old dead state. This happened after I reseated the processor and video card once in a multitude of times that I tried it. I also cleared CMOS a bunch of times.
It does respond to the power on button and will turn off also (4 sec. hold)
When it powers up the DVD light hits, the HDD runs for a bit and the keyboard lights do a quick flash.
I don't get the text from the video card saying what model it is.
If I remove the ram it will beep one long, two short(I think)
If I disconnect everything like HD, DVD and remove the video card it still won't beep(ram back in).
When starting up is the processor executing the bios code or ir there another supervisory chip that sequences everything?
I'm thinking I need to RMA the mobo, could it be the processor socket is very marginal and that's why it ran once? My other choices would then be the processor and finally the ram.

Thanks for any insight, what a disappointing night .

 

[Roguestar]

Take everything out and sit the motherboard on a table. Plug in the RAM, CPU and PSU. Power up, and you should get the "no video" POST error beeps. Add in the video card and connect to your monitor. Keep adding in pieces bit by bit until you can either run it all or have identified the source of the problem.

 

[EmilG]

Thanks for the reply,
I thought I tried that combo but not out of the case. Everythings out at this point (getting ready for an RMA) but I'll power it up again and give it one more try.
As I think about it more I'm getting away from the RMA thought and kinda thinking it's the PSU not being hefty enough at 12v. What you suggested should confirm this. I'm also trying to borrow a PCI vid card to diagnose with.
Thanks

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

While there are arguably better 450 w PSU's out there, if it is working properly, it is more than adequate for your system.

Post us an update after trying Roguestar's suggestion.

 

[EmilG]

After extensive websearching I'm finding the P5B's have boot problems and are very particular about what ram they like - I'm assuming it doesn't like my Patriot ram .
I'm considering my options right now, I'm investigating a bios update that may solve the problem of course I need to get the system up first. I can get a cheapo stick for about $35 then flash. I can RMA the ram, lose the $50 rebate and get some Crucial ram which is approved but costs $65 which is a net of $115. Needless to say I'll look into the re-flash first.
Anyone have any input on if the re-flash solves the problem?
Thanks guys!

 

[EmilG]

Update,
I found out that the problem is that the board defaults to 1.8v for the memory but my memory is spec'ed at 2.1v. Even though it starts at lower settings for default it still may not be enough to get going. You need to get into the bios to boost the voltage and from there on out it should work. I can buy a cheapo stick to get going or try something else. (btw this is not my idea, I found it on another forum) If you chill the ram then it may start at the lower setting. If you hurry you can probably set your bios to the higher voltage setting and all's good from there on out! I'll be trying this tonight, wish me luck .
Another thought, does anyone know of a way in the hardware to temporarily raise the voltage till you can set it in the bios? Slightly alter a reference or something to get past this problem?
Thanks

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: EmilG
Update,
I found out that the problem is that the board defaults to 1.8v for the memory but my memory is spec'ed at 2.1v. Even though it starts at lower settings for default it still may not be enough to get going. You need to get into the bios to boost the voltage and from there on out it should work. I can buy a cheapo stick to get going or try something else. (btw this is not my idea, I found it on another forum) If you chill the ram then it may start at the lower setting. If you hurry you can probably set your bios to the higher voltage setting and all's good from there on out! I'll be trying this tonight, wish me luck .
Another thought, does anyone know of a way in the hardware to temporarily raise the voltage till you can set it in the bios? Slightly alter a reference or something to get past this problem?
Thanks

You're right, but the problem you're having is that you keep trying to use two sticks of RAM, which requires alot more vdimm. Just use one stick, and raise your vdimm, then shut down, and add the other stick.

 

[EmilG]

I did try it with one stick also and any combo you could have with 2/1 sticks.
Thanks for the idea though.

 

[EmilG]

:thumbsup:
The system is up! The instruction sheet for Patriot ram should show a picture of a refridgerator .
I pulled everything out of the box as suggested and started building, first just cpu and one cold ram and it beeped. I then hooked up the vid card and keyboard to attempt to get into bios to set the voltage up. I put the first stick back in the fridge and pulled the second one but no luck with this one in any of the four slots. I want back to the first stick I used and sure enough I was able to set up the voltage, now it boots all the time. I may invest in a $25 stick just to boot with.
Thanks for everyone's help!
Now through the Microsoft hell of getting XP back to sp2.

 

[Jiggz]

There's no other way to flash the bios unless you have working rams. So to make it easy on you just get or borrow lower vdimm rated ram until you can boot into the bios. Not even bootblock will work unless you have working rams.

 

[Roguestar]

IIRC you'll have better luck booting with the one stick by itself in slot 3... Anyone confirm?

 

[EmilG]

The one stick that didn't boot I tried in all 4 slots w/o any luck.

Right now I'm fighting the BSOD when SP2 starts right before the scrolling blue bar starts.
STOP
0x,0000007E
(0xC0000005,0x00000000,0xBACC70BC,0xBACC6DB8)
If I uninstall and go back to SP1 it's ok but this is probably for another forum.

 

[EmilG]

All's good!
Did a clean install with a slipstreamed Sp2, runs sweet now .
Thanks all