[wysiwyg]

I'm trying to build a new pc based on a P4C800-E Deluxe but nothing is working.

Configuration:

• P4C800-E Deluxe
• P4 3.2HT + Intel heatsink/fan
• Corsair TwinX 1024 in A1 & B1
• ATI 9800XT 256M
• 2 x Seatate 120G SATA on SATA1 & SATA2
• Mitsumi DVD
• Pioneer DVD Burner
• 3.5" Floppy
• all in a ThermalTake Xaser III V1420 with ThermalTake 420W ATX 12V PS

I installed everything and powered on. I get 3 beeps - 1 long followed by 2 short - repeated.

3 beeps is supposed to be main memory read/write test error so I try every possible combination of single and both DIMMS - still the same beeping.

I disconnect everything except the CPU fan, memory, spkr and power switch. Same 3 beeps. :upset:

I'm about at my wits end and ASUS isn't answering phones again until Monday.

Any clues?

Thanks!

 

[Javora]

Try pulling out one of those sticks of Ram and then see what you get when you reboot. Let us know what you find after that.

 

[wysiwyg]

Try pulling out one of those sticks of Ram and then see what you get when you reboot. Let us know what you find after that.

I tried that:

3 beeps is supposed to be main memory read/write test error so I try every possible combination of single and both DIMMS - still the same beeping.

 

[Javora]

Ok for some reason I was thinking you were single channel with both sticks.

What version of Bios do you have installed?

 

[Javora]

Also you might want to check out this thread. It talks about setting memory timing to get the system to boot correctly. This might help in your case. Hope this helps.

Here is the link:

http://www.techsupportforums.com/showthread.php?threadid=8352&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

 

[wysiwyg]

The only thing I can get out of the mobo are the 3 beeps. No display, so I don't have any idea what the BIOS is.

 

[Javora]

Just on the off chance that there maybe a video problem, do you have a video card that you know works? That is of course you are not already taking the video card off another system.

 

[wysiwyg]

I tried a different video card. Same 3 beeps. Same lack of video.

 

[typo91]

I bet its your CPU

pull all the ram out and see what happens

it couldn't hurt to reconnect your Powersupply to the board(incase bad connection)

its something REALLY REALLY bad, cause that board is suppose to VOICE the error not beep.

 

[typo91]

one time, at band camp...

one time my computer did something weird (same hardware as you for the most part)

I went to a Lan party downtown with it... and when I came home and booted it up.. it said (in my case in Korean) CPU OverClocking error... Now I NEVER EVER even think about overclocking... I am not that kinda swingin nut. but it did this all on its own somehow.. and I had to reset the bios Manully on the board.

its weird i know but its just something i thought i would add...

 

[wysiwyg]

Bad CPU: yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. :dead: I have disconnected/reconnected, pulled/inserted everything I can think of and I always get the same 3 beeps.

 

[wysiwyg]

OK, well I took the drastic step of going to Fry's and buying another CPU and chip fan. Same results! Aargghh!

Here's what I've tried:

• Re-seat every connector, memory & the CPU
• Try every possible combination of 1 and 2 memory DIMMs
• Disconnect all drives
• Swap video card for a known working board
• Reset the BIOS nvram
• Pull the battery and reset the BIOS nvram

No luck. It's looking like a bad mobo unless the power supply isn't working right. Oh well, I guess I'll try to call ASUS tech support on Monday.

 

[clintfan]

Yup. Could be a bad supply. Or a bad Northbridge chip. Certainly if you swap the mobo and still get 3 beeps (arrgghhh!) the supply ought to go next. FWIW you followed all the correct steps to narrow the problem down.

Maybe we're missing something really obvious. CPU fan plugged in, and the 4-pin +12V supply connector, right?

-clintfan

 

[wysiwyg]

Add to previous list:

• CPU fan plugged in
• 4-pin 12v cable plugged in

I have to return the CPU I bought that didn't correct the problem so I might go ahead and pick up a new PS just to eliminate that. On the other hand, I should be able to get in touch with ASUS support before that. I hope.

Thanks anyway, guys! When (if?!) I get this solved, I'll post the solution here.

 

[virtualgraham]

ummmmmmm

1 long 2 short is the video card

 

[wysiwyg]

1 long 2 short is the video card

OK, but I swapped with a known working card and had the same 3 beeps, so that is ruled out. Thanks for the info, though, because that's not in the list of beep codes.

 

[virtualgraham]

Sorry didnt read about vid card, but its not the cpu, your computer cant beep without a working cpu. Bad memory is usally lotts of beeps. And a power supply either works or it doesnt. Make sure you tested the vid card correctly. Thats the most likely problem.

 

[Volt-Schwibe]

have you considered that it may be the motherboard itself?
if nothing else solves the problem, that might be the only thing that will help.


for what its worth, i had one of those same motherboards here that i was trying to repair, and with a 100% non-responsive CPU it did in fact beep.

the CPU was replaced, and it works lovely to this day.

~BoB~

 

[stim141]

Sure its 3 not 4 beeps. Mine had the same exact symptoms with four beeps (very rapid). PS Fans, Motherboard fans, drives spun, no video (card worked fine). This was a RMA board from NewEgg. The board I initially sent in had other problems, but it would post. If all your components worked before its has to be the motherboard. Try removing the board first from the case or tray and try powering it up. You may have a short to the case somewhere. If not - RMA the thing. Seems like ASUS's QC is getting really bad. Also their tech support line is a real joke. Tried calling them a week ago. They took my name and number and about 4 days later called me back. By that time the board was on its way back to the vendor.

 

[wysiwyg]

3 beeps (I can count that high on one hand!) -- one long followed by two short.

I pulled the mobo back out of the case early in my debugging attempts, so no short. With everything I've read about their "wonderful" support, I'm not looking forward to calling ASUS tomorrow morning. Maybe I should just send it back to NewEgg. What a royal pain...