Three Beeps, no POST... what to do?

[doodler85]

Greetings.

So the latest thing on my list of computer dysfunctions... is that it doesn't turn on anymore. When I press the power button, my computer now beeps three times, then turns off... then 5 seconds later tries to turn back on again, beeps 3 times, etc.

I've tried disconnecting the GPU and starting up, disconnecting the RAM and starting up, disconnecting both and starting up, taking out the power & battery, waiting 30 seconds, then putting it back and starting up, and it's done it every time. Is my MOBO fried or is there something else you guys think I should try?

Thanks!
David


System specs:
-----------

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R

EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card

Corsair CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600

2x ---------
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400PHU2-2GBHZ

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card

 

[Kraeoss]

have you tried the ram sticks individually in different slots ?? could be that the ram is gone or a slot is dead.... 3 beeps is ram problem. so either one or the other either the ram bad or the slot bad hopefully is the former

 

[doodler85]

I'm not at home right now -- but would it triple-beep even with no RAM in the system?

 

[Kraeoss]

Originally posted by: doodler85
I'm not at home right now -- but would it triple-beep even with no RAM in the system?

ergo either one of the 2 suggestions i made try the 2 sticks (one at a time) in same slot then repeat with the 2 sticks (again one at a time) in the other slot etc. then maybe you will see where the problem lies...


BTW you can ask this Question in the Motherboard room or the memory & Storage room

 

[doodler85]

Thanks, I'll try this when I get home.

I had two sticks of the same stuff die on me already (http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16820146565), so it wouldn't be totally surprising if these went out too. I'm inquiring about an RMA, but with the price of RAM these days, if you're certain this is the cause... I could always buy some more while I'm waiting.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: doodler85
-- but would it triple-beep even with no RAM in the system?

Yeah, the last time I tried removing ALL the memory, that's what my motherboard did...Beep three times, as I recall.

 

[doodler85]

Alright, I just ordered some new RAM (because I'm impatient).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166

I'm also RMA'ing the old stuff. Inefficient, yes, but I don't want to deal with the wait or the possible failure again. I'll just throw the replaced ram in my collection.

I'll let you guys know if this fixes it.

 

[KGB]

Are you aware that G. Skill is not on Gigabyte's QVL for supported RAM?

QVL Support

 

[doodler85]

Yeah, I'm taking a little risk. I mean they only have 10 DDR2-1066 models on there, it's kind of ridiculous. I'd be surprised if support was that weak. Do you think it's really something to worry about that much?

That's the wrong QVL, too. I've got the GA-P35-DS3R. Link

Memory modules listed below are for reference only. Due to massive memory models on the market, we can only verify some of them.

 

[KGB]

Originally posted by: doodler85
Yeah, I'm taking a little risk. I mean they only have 10 DDR2-1066 models on there, it's kind of ridiculous. I'd be surprised if support was that weak. Do you think it's really something to worry about that much?

That's the wrong QVL, too. I've got the GA-P35-DS3R. Link

Memory modules listed below are for reference only. Due to massive memory models on the market, we can only verify some of them.

Thanks for the updated link.

Yes, this is something to worry about. If your RAM doesn't work or is dodgy, if it isn't on the QVL then Gigabyte will offer NO SUPPORT!

 

[doodler85]

I didn't realize that memory was that picky as long as you matched pins, type, supported speed, chipset support, etc. Maybe it isn't? I guess this will be a lesson either way. I didn't even think to check the chipset support in the memory specs, which makes me feel pretty foolish. But luckily it's compatible (Intel P35).

Hmmmm. Best of luck to me, then

 

[KGB]

Let us know what happens.

 

[doodler85]

Well would'ja believe it, my computer has arisen from the dead.

However, my X-FI Gamer doesn't work anymore. It can't find the driver even though it was already installed... and still when it was re-installed. Hmmm.