Intermittent Boot Problem

deshnoodle · 12-18-2007, 03:26 PM

Hi

First post here. I've been looking for a solution to this problem for days and have googled myself to death, as well as trying various popular solutions.

I've built a new machine, and i'm having a regular boot problem whereby it brings up a green AMD flash screen, but doesn't go any further (i.e. doesn't get to the 'press 'del' to enter setup etc). opening up the box and checking all the connections etc usually fixes it, and then the system boots properly and works fine. however, once i shut down and leave it for a few hours the problem is back.

So far I have tried the following, and had no success:
- Disconnect all devices (incl hard drives)
- Disconnect every non-essential thing from the motherboard (e.g. addional usb connections etc)
- Try alternative RAM
- Change motherboard battery
- Try a different motherboard (exact same model, mind).

- I will do the Bios jumper thing to clear CMOS this evening, and see if the system boots in the morning.

The only two things I've not been able to either change or disconnect have been the processor and the power supply. The supply in this system is built into the case, so I will have to order a new case to check that. I'm reluctant to order one, or a new processor, until it's a last resort situation.

Tomorrow I will try removing the power supply from a working machine and connecting it up, to see if that works.

However, in the meantime does anyone have any other bright ideas?

Setup is as follows:
Mobo: AMD690GM-M2
Processor: Athlon Dual Core 4400 64 X2
RAM: Kingston 800MHz DDR2
Case: Antec NSK1300

I'm using the onboard graphics and audio. OS is XP Sp2 - though given that I never get that far, I don't see that being an issue.

The most likely solution, to me, would be the power supply - as 'messing about' in the box (whatever that actually involves) always seems to fix things. However, even if I don't touch anything after a successful boot I'm still getting the same problem if I try and boot again after a few hours.

However... can anyone suggest something I've not tried?

**mattlock** · 12-18-2007, 08:38 PM

What's the make and model of your power supply?
Do you hear any beep codes when it fails?

Please list the make and model of your hard drives and optical drivers.
Do you have your drives configured as Master/Slave or CS/CS?

Also, once you clear the CMOS enter the BIOS and load setup defaults. You should also disable the boot screen logo in the BIOS before saving and exiting, this way you can see where the system is hanging if you are not getting any beep codes.

rogerstubbs · 12-18-2007, 11:55 PM

i seem to get a beep code just before the flash screen, other wise we seem to have same problem...
what doe's the beep mean????

when i first build mine i had exactly the same problem, i just stuck a windows disc in and it that seem to overide the initial problem

deshnoodle · 12-23-2007, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattlock

What's the make and model of your power supply?
Do you hear any beep codes when it fails?

Please list the make and model of your hard drives and optical drivers.
Do you have your drives configured as Master/Slave or CS/CS?

Also, once you clear the CMOS enter the BIOS and load setup defaults. You should also disable the boot screen logo in the BIOS before saving and exiting, this way you can see where the system is hanging if you are not getting any beep codes.

thankyou.

- Power supply is built into the case (Antec NSK1300 MATX) and is 300W.
- HD is seagate ST3250410AS SATAII 7200
- CDROM is Pioneer DVR-212BK 18X SATA

The problem happens irrespective of whether the HD and DVD drives are connect. All are SATA, so no master/slave settings.

There are no beep codes.

I've disabled the Bios boot logo and when it freezes it does so after it's told me what processor I have - and before it tells me what my RAM is.

I had assumed that this was a processor problem, and have put in a new processor... but the problem occurred at first boot with the new one.

Do I assume it's a RAM issue, if the boot sequence appears to be stalling at that stage? I have tried with a 'good' stick of ram from another computer, and the problem occurred. The alternative RAM I tried was similar specification (DDRII 800mhz) but a different manufacturer.

What I don't get here is the fact that the problem only happens when I first try and boot up. After a few tries it boots, and then will boot happily if I shut down and restart. But once it's been left for a while the problem comes back. So whilst this is an intermittent problem, it's not random. Also, the system works beautifully once I'm in.

Could it be a temperature issue, with some component needing to warm up quicker than it does, or something connected to getting power around the system at boot? I have tried an alternative (and more powerful) power supply, but it made no difference.

**mattlock** · 12-23-2007, 08:00 AM

That is what's known as a "Cold Boot" issue.

1st off I think the PSU is too weak for your system. What was the make and model of the other one you tried? IMHO, you should be running a quality 400w but in that case you may be limited.

I have read a few reviews on that board and it seems to have some BIOS issues, so you could try updating the BIOS. Also verify that the RAM you are using is approved for use by the manufacturer. The list should be in the user manual or on Ecs website.

I'll do a little digging and see what I can come up with, although it will likely be a couple days with all the holiday stuff going on.

Merry Christmas!

gilesjw · 04-19-2008, 07:42 AM

I have had the same problem with this board with Athlon Dual Core 4400 64 X2 . I have disabled the logo screen and the bios freezes just before memory check. I have checked with the motherboard and its compatible ram at http://www.computermemoryoutlet.com/...EM2-memory.htm

The ram i have is (PYN) 1 GB "PC6400" 800 ddr2 yet the ram on this website state compatible with ram speed PC2***. Could this be the problem. ?

By the way i am using a 350watt PSU which works fine as i have tried a 500 watt PSU with no change.

12-18-2007, 03:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
deshnoodle Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2 OS: XP SP2	Intermittent Boot Problem Hi First post here. I've been looking for a solution to this problem for days and have googled myself to death, as well as trying various popular solutions. I've built a new machine, and i'm having a regular boot problem whereby it brings up a green AMD flash screen, but doesn't go any further (i.e. doesn't get to the 'press 'del' to enter setup etc). opening up the box and checking all the connections etc usually fixes it, and then the system boots properly and works fine. however, once i shut down and leave it for a few hours the problem is back. So far I have tried the following, and had no success: - Disconnect all devices (incl hard drives) - Disconnect every non-essential thing from the motherboard (e.g. addional usb connections etc) - Try alternative RAM - Change motherboard battery - Try a different motherboard (exact same model, mind). - I will do the Bios jumper thing to clear CMOS this evening, and see if the system boots in the morning. The only two things I've not been able to either change or disconnect have been the processor and the power supply. The supply in this system is built into the case, so I will have to order a new case to check that. I'm reluctant to order one, or a new processor, until it's a last resort situation. Tomorrow I will try removing the power supply from a working machine and connecting it up, to see if that works. However, in the meantime does anyone have any other bright ideas? Setup is as follows: Mobo: AMD690GM-M2 Processor: Athlon Dual Core 4400 64 X2 RAM: Kingston 800MHz DDR2 Case: Antec NSK1300 I'm using the onboard graphics and audio. OS is XP Sp2 - though given that I never get that far, I don't see that being an issue. The most likely solution, to me, would be the power supply - as 'messing about' in the box (whatever that actually involves) always seems to fix things. However, even if I don't touch anything after a successful boot I'm still getting the same problem if I try and boot again after a few hours. However... can anyone suggest something I've not tried?

12-18-2007, 08:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
mattlock moderator hardware team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,741 OS: XP SP2, Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon My System	Re: Intermittent Boot Problem What's the make and model of your power supply? Do you hear any beep codes when it fails? Please list the make and model of your hard drives and optical drivers. Do you have your drives configured as Master/Slave or CS/CS? Also, once you clear the CMOS enter the BIOS and load setup defaults. You should also disable the boot screen logo in the BIOS before saving and exiting, this way you can see where the system is hanging if you are not getting any beep codes. __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free! Last edited by mattlock : 12-18-2007 at 08:40 PM.

12-18-2007, 11:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
rogerstubbs Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: london uk Posts: 16 OS: window xp My System	Re: Intermittent Boot Problem i seem to get a beep code just before the flash screen, other wise we seem to have same problem... what doe's the beep mean???? when i first build mine i had exactly the same problem, i just stuck a windows disc in and it that seem to overide the initial problem

12-23-2007, 08:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
mattlock moderator hardware team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,741 OS: XP SP2, Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon My System	Re: Intermittent Boot Problem That is what's known as a "Cold Boot" issue. 1st off I think the PSU is too weak for your system. What was the make and model of the other one you tried? IMHO, you should be running a quality 400w but in that case you may be limited. I have read a few reviews on that board and it seems to have some BIOS issues, so you could try updating the BIOS. Also verify that the RAM you are using is approved for use by the manufacturer. The list should be in the user manual or on Ecs website. I'll do a little digging and see what I can come up with, although it will likely be a couple days with all the holiday stuff going on. Merry Christmas! __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free!

04-19-2008, 07:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
gilesjw Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1 OS: windows vista	Re: Intermittent Boot Problem I have had the same problem with this board with Athlon Dual Core 4400 64 X2 . I have disabled the logo screen and the bios freezes just before memory check. I have checked with the motherboard and its compatible ram at http://www.computermemoryoutlet.com/...EM2-memory.htm The ram i have is (PYN) 1 GB "PC6400" 800 ddr2 yet the ram on this website state compatible with ram speed PC2***. Could this be the problem. ? By the way i am using a 350watt PSU which works fine as i have tried a 500 watt PSU with no change.