Another GA-K8NS Ultra Journey

optiquester · 01-17-2005, 02:41 PM

Hi, first time here. Usually I just do the google keywording and search all forums hoping someone is having the same problem as me. But I have yet to see anything like this.
The configuration I just bought, and set up is
Gigabyte GA-K8NS Ultra-939
Amd 64 3400
Kingstan "Value Ram" 1 GB DDR 300 PC3200
450 W Power Supply

I assembled it fully, a Dvd Burner, Cd Burner, 1 WD 40 gig for main drive and 1 WD 120 gig, all in IDE channels

When I go to turn it on I get...bumpkiss. Normally I would count the number of beeps, but, there are no beeps. I check the speaker connection on the mother board, its connected, so I try again. Nothing. I switch it around, nothing. I watch the lights on the DVD and Cd drive, and they do the normal switching on flashing, then they go off, then they keep repeating it.

At first I thought it was the RAM so I started pulling sticks, leaving one stick in, changing sticks, still the same problem.

I disconnected everything from the IDE ports, the problem remains.

Then I clear the CMOS with the jumper, it loads, and declares a CMOS checksum error. So I'm like 'Sweet!' and I go to put in the date and restart it so I can get into windows, but the problem returns, it just sits and continuously boots, nothing is on the monitor, and the computer isn't letting out any beeps.

So the issue is, the only way I can get it to do anything, is to clear the CMOS, and then, if I shut it off, I got to clear it again.

Can anyone help? If you need any more information please let me know. I hope to god its a simple fix that doesn't involve me spending money on a new power supply (Generic one which came with the case) but whatever you can do let me know.

Thanks

01-17-2005, 05:08 PM

Hi,

Sure sounds like a short between either the motherboard and case standoff or between the case and motherboard on the side area(s).

From what you have said about troubleshooting, you know how to build so I will make this brief. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Here is what I do:

Take the motherboard out of the case and put it on a non-conductive surface such as a piece of cardboard right beside the case (don't have it touch the case).

Remove everything from the motherboard, except One stick of ram, the CPU/Heatsink with fan connected, the video card, the ATX connector and the square 12v plug (is not on all motherboards, but is on P4 units) to the motherboard, the On/Off switch wires (two wire connector), and the keyboard.

Do not put any disk drives or other PCI cards in the computer.

Turn it on and see if it keeps running. If it does, then add another component and try again. Keep up this process until you have it going or find the culprit. When you get it going, then put it back in the case being very careful that there is not a short between either the motherboard posts or the motherboard and case.

If for some reason, it does not work, then remove your CPU and Heatsink and reseat them before starting again.

This should help you to find the problem. Let us know what happens.
__________________

optiquester · 01-17-2005, 06:16 PM

Sadly enough, it didn't solve anything. I took it out, put it on carboard, left one stick of memory in. Same issue. I tried swapping out video cards, one an 8x 128 mb Geforce card PNY, and then some old 64 mbit 4x AGP I had laying around, where the s-video connection for it was an add on chip, I know what you're thinking, classy.

But still the same results. I popped out the fan and processor, checked to make sure there werent any random hairs or the obligatory cheeto crumbs that seem to shed off geeks like me that found their way in there or some other odd obstruction and reset them in their home. Still no beeps as well.

I've noticed two things.
One, when I switch the power on the fans on the CPU and video card have like a 'jump' spin. A brief jolt of power that causes them to spin and then stop. I'd say maybe then it could be a short, but on cardboard?

Also at boot when I clear cmos I see a message towards the top that says

<CPUID: 0FF0 PATCH ID: 003A

I don't know if this is related to anything because its beyond my current knowledge but if it helps, then there it is.

If you guys can think of anything else I really appreciate it, even getting a response, I didn't think I would even get one since what's happening is one of the oddest things I've encountered in assembly.

Thanks again for any and all help current and coming!

01-17-2005, 06:34 PM

Hi,

Quote:

Also at boot when I clear cmos I see a message towards the top that says CPUID: 0FF0 PATCH ID: 003A

I am fairly certain this means the core model or CPU ID:= 0FF0

I think that means revision number: PATCH ID: = 003A

From that, I would assume that it is seeing the CPU and identifying it.

It still does sound like a short problem to me, but you are doing such a good job of troubleshooting that I find that difficult to believe, so I just don't know.

I do think that it could be a motherboard problem with shorting, but maybe someone else will have another idea. I will keep searching.

Oh, can you ever get into BIOS? Also, what is the BIOS revision on your board???? (as if you could change if it won't boot...what a hoot that is)

I do know that ASUS boards of some models will not run this processor at all until the board BIOS is updated to the newest version. I know that does not help you, but just thinking out loud. I have to quit doing that. As I said, will keep looking...........

optiquester · 01-17-2005, 06:47 PM

Yes I can get into bios when I clear cmos, but if I make any changes and try to save? It comes up with the same problem of not beeping.

Bios version
Award Modular Bios V6.00PG

The board itself is equipped with the ever so fancy dual bios. But when I get in, and try to make it load from the backup bios it has, I still get the same issue. Blank screen, no beeps, plenty of power, have to shut down, clear cmos, and it all goes back to the beginning.

Almost everything I think it could be doesn't seem to be the solution, I've thought about trying to flash the bios, get into windows which I can do if I skip the cmos checksum error and just leave bios at default, cause I did that earlier (just getting in, not flashing), but I'm a little worried about doing that, don't want to add more fuel to the fire and I hear doing it is a hairy thing.

01-17-2005, 07:38 PM

Hi,

If it were mine, I would get that book out and flash the darn thing. What can you lose if you have that fail safe old one to fall back on? Just a personal opinion.

optiquester · 01-17-2005, 07:39 PM

yeah, you're probably right, I've just never enjoyed flashing stuff, then again getting a tooth pulled is sometimes necessary as well, I'll let you know how it goes, thanks for the insight.

optiquester · 01-17-2005, 11:27 PM

yeah it works fine now and flashing it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, thanks for the help!

01-18-2005, 03:30 AM

Hi,

So happy that you got it working and glad to be a small part of getting it going. Now, don't become a stranger, stay around the forum and pitch in and give someone else a hand who has problems like you had. That is what makes our forum great. Enjoy your new computer.

01-17-2005, 02:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
optiquester Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 OS: Win98	Another GA-K8NS Ultra Journey Hi, first time here. Usually I just do the google keywording and search all forums hoping someone is having the same problem as me. But I have yet to see anything like this. The configuration I just bought, and set up is Gigabyte GA-K8NS Ultra-939 Amd 64 3400 Kingstan "Value Ram" 1 GB DDR 300 PC3200 450 W Power Supply I assembled it fully, a Dvd Burner, Cd Burner, 1 WD 40 gig for main drive and 1 WD 120 gig, all in IDE channels When I go to turn it on I get...bumpkiss. Normally I would count the number of beeps, but, there are no beeps. I check the speaker connection on the mother board, its connected, so I try again. Nothing. I switch it around, nothing. I watch the lights on the DVD and Cd drive, and they do the normal switching on flashing, then they go off, then they keep repeating it. At first I thought it was the RAM so I started pulling sticks, leaving one stick in, changing sticks, still the same problem. I disconnected everything from the IDE ports, the problem remains. Then I clear the CMOS with the jumper, it loads, and declares a CMOS checksum error. So I'm like 'Sweet!' and I go to put in the date and restart it so I can get into windows, but the problem returns, it just sits and continuously boots, nothing is on the monitor, and the computer isn't letting out any beeps. So the issue is, the only way I can get it to do anything, is to clear the CMOS, and then, if I shut it off, I got to clear it again. Can anyone help? If you need any more information please let me know. I hope to god its a simple fix that doesn't involve me spending money on a new power supply (Generic one which came with the case) but whatever you can do let me know. Thanks

01-18-2005, 03:30 AM	#9 (permalink)
mark3567 Guest Posts: n/a OS:	Hi, So happy that you got it working and glad to be a small part of getting it going. Now, don't become a stranger, stay around the forum and pitch in and give someone else a hand who has problems like you had. That is what makes our forum great. Enjoy your new computer. Last edited by mark3567; 01-18-2005 at 03:32 AM.

01-17-2005, 05:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
mark3567 Guest Posts: n/a OS:	Hi, Sure sounds like a short between either the motherboard and case standoff or between the case and motherboard on the side area(s). From what you have said about troubleshooting, you know how to build so I will make this brief. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Here is what I do: Take the motherboard out of the case and put it on a non-conductive surface such as a piece of cardboard right beside the case (don't have it touch the case). Remove everything from the motherboard, except One stick of ram, the CPU/Heatsink with fan connected, the video card, the ATX connector and the square 12v plug (is not on all motherboards, but is on P4 units) to the motherboard, the On/Off switch wires (two wire connector), and the keyboard. Do not put any disk drives or other PCI cards in the computer. Turn it on and see if it keeps running. If it does, then add another component and try again. Keep up this process until you have it going or find the culprit. When you get it going, then put it back in the case being very careful that there is not a short between either the motherboard posts or the motherboard and case. If for some reason, it does not work, then remove your CPU and Heatsink and reseat them before starting again. This should help you to find the problem. Let us know what happens. __________________

01-17-2005, 06:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
optiquester Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 OS: Win98	Sadly enough, it didn't solve anything. I took it out, put it on carboard, left one stick of memory in. Same issue. I tried swapping out video cards, one an 8x 128 mb Geforce card PNY, and then some old 64 mbit 4x AGP I had laying around, where the s-video connection for it was an add on chip, I know what you're thinking, classy. But still the same results. I popped out the fan and processor, checked to make sure there werent any random hairs or the obligatory cheeto crumbs that seem to shed off geeks like me that found their way in there or some other odd obstruction and reset them in their home. Still no beeps as well. I've noticed two things. One, when I switch the power on the fans on the CPU and video card have like a 'jump' spin. A brief jolt of power that causes them to spin and then stop. I'd say maybe then it could be a short, but on cardboard? Also at boot when I clear cmos I see a message towards the top that says <CPUID: 0FF0 PATCH ID: 003A I don't know if this is related to anything because its beyond my current knowledge but if it helps, then there it is. If you guys can think of anything else I really appreciate it, even getting a response, I didn't think I would even get one since what's happening is one of the oddest things I've encountered in assembly. Thanks again for any and all help current and coming!

01-17-2005, 06:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
optiquester Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 OS: Win98	Yes I can get into bios when I clear cmos, but if I make any changes and try to save? It comes up with the same problem of not beeping. Bios version Award Modular Bios V6.00PG The board itself is equipped with the ever so fancy dual bios. But when I get in, and try to make it load from the backup bios it has, I still get the same issue. Blank screen, no beeps, plenty of power, have to shut down, clear cmos, and it all goes back to the beginning. Almost everything I think it could be doesn't seem to be the solution, I've thought about trying to flash the bios, get into windows which I can do if I skip the cmos checksum error and just leave bios at default, cause I did that earlier (just getting in, not flashing), but I'm a little worried about doing that, don't want to add more fuel to the fire and I hear doing it is a hairy thing.

01-17-2005, 07:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
mark3567 Guest Posts: n/a OS:	Hi, If it were mine, I would get that book out and flash the darn thing. What can you lose if you have that fail safe old one to fall back on? Just a personal opinion.

01-17-2005, 07:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
optiquester Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 OS: Win98	yeah, you're probably right, I've just never enjoyed flashing stuff, then again getting a tooth pulled is sometimes necessary as well, I'll let you know how it goes, thanks for the insight.

01-17-2005, 11:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
optiquester Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 OS: Win98	yeah it works fine now and flashing it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, thanks for the help!