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New system will not boot after CMOS reset (clear RTC RAM)
First boot on brand new system (see bottom) resulted in the final message "Unknown CPU detected, updating BIOS is required to unleash its full power! New CPU installed! Please enter Setup to configure your system.
Chassis intruded!
Fatal Error... System Halted."
(I do not have the chassis intrusion system connected, and the jumper is where it's supposed to be.)
I browsed the net for solutions to the "fatal error" problem, and I see that this is a problem many people experience with ASUS motherboards. The most common advice is to Clear RTC RAM, so I cleared the RTC RAM (CMOS) doing exactly as the manual says (removing power cord and MB battery, moving the jumper for 5-10 sec, putting the jumper back, reinstalling the battery, etc.).
After clearing the RTC RAM i am not able to boot the system at all. The PSU comes on when I press the power button, and the fans start spinning, but I get no picture, no beeps, no nothing.
What should I do know? Is the motherboard "dead"? Was it always bad, or was it wrong of me to clear the RTC RAM?
(All connections triple checked. The battery is in the right way and is full of juice, and the jumper is back to default. I have tried disconnecting all disks, front panel USB, etc. External connections: PS2 keyboard, DVI monitor, USB mouse.)
System: Asus P5E3, Intel E8400, Club3D 8800GT, Corsair DDR3 (2*1GB), OCZ StealthXstream 600W
Chassis intruded!
Fatal Error... System Halted."
(I do not have the chassis intrusion system connected, and the jumper is where it's supposed to be.)
I browsed the net for solutions to the "fatal error" problem, and I see that this is a problem many people experience with ASUS motherboards. The most common advice is to Clear RTC RAM, so I cleared the RTC RAM (CMOS) doing exactly as the manual says (removing power cord and MB battery, moving the jumper for 5-10 sec, putting the jumper back, reinstalling the battery, etc.).
After clearing the RTC RAM i am not able to boot the system at all. The PSU comes on when I press the power button, and the fans start spinning, but I get no picture, no beeps, no nothing.
What should I do know? Is the motherboard "dead"? Was it always bad, or was it wrong of me to clear the RTC RAM?
(All connections triple checked. The battery is in the right way and is full of juice, and the jumper is back to default. I have tried disconnecting all disks, front panel USB, etc. External connections: PS2 keyboard, DVI monitor, USB mouse.)
System: Asus P5E3, Intel E8400, Club3D 8800GT, Corsair DDR3 (2*1GB), OCZ StealthXstream 600W
ComponentsHardware
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maskedweasel
ASKER
Thanks for the quick response.
I cleared the RTC RAM exactly as described in the manual:
1. Turn OFF and unplug power.
2. Remove battery.
3. Move jumper. Keep in reset position for 10 sec. Move jumper back.
4. Reinstall battery.
5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
(6. Hold down Delete to enter BIOS - this, obviously, had no effect)
I've been grounded the entire time, wrist strap and all.
I cleared the RTC RAM exactly as described in the manual:
1. Turn OFF and unplug power.
2. Remove battery.
3. Move jumper. Keep in reset position for 10 sec. Move jumper back.
4. Reinstall battery.
5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
(6. Hold down Delete to enter BIOS - this, obviously, had no effect)
I've been grounded the entire time, wrist strap and all.
Mentor Jay gave two good posibillities. I would say you should get the board RMA'd either way. You could always try a jumper reset again, but at this point its not guaranteed to work.
Next thing I would do after getting the board RMA'd would be to call ASUS directly if you can't get it to boot right away. If you can get it up and going try getting a BIOS update off of asus's website and see if loading that helps you at all. Be careful though, the wrong BIOS could cause much more trouble then its worth.
Next thing I would do after getting the board RMA'd would be to call ASUS directly if you can't get it to boot right away. If you can get it up and going try getting a BIOS update off of asus's website and see if loading that helps you at all. Be careful though, the wrong BIOS could cause much more trouble then its worth.
One OTHER thing you can try is to take everything apart and RESEAT it all. Sometimes that can fix a problem or two.
ASKER
I've done several jumper resets, so that approach is pretty much ruled out as a solution.
My intention was to update the BIOS on the first boot, but the system halted before I could get to Setup.
I'll probably reseat everything once before giving up entirely, but the way the system went from "almost booting" to "not booting" makes me think this is an unlikely fix (though I guess you can never be certain when it comes to electrons).
My intention was to update the BIOS on the first boot, but the system halted before I could get to Setup.
I'll probably reseat everything once before giving up entirely, but the way the system went from "almost booting" to "not booting" makes me think this is an unlikely fix (though I guess you can never be certain when it comes to electrons).
During boot, press and hold ALT + F2 keys to access EZ bios flash - you may have to do it more than once !
normally, this works
the other alternative is having a warranty replacement for a dead mobo
normally, this works
the other alternative is having a warranty replacement for a dead mobo
ASKER
Thanks, nobus, but the machine doesn't boot at all - no beeps, no display (the monitor doesn't even wake up), no keyboard response, etc.
I think I'll go with the other alternative and ship it back to the store.
I think I'll go with the other alternative and ship it back to the store.
nothing at all? is the power supply ok then? and the power switch?
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ASKER
"After clearing the RTC RAM i am not able to boot the system at all. The PSU comes on when I press the power button, and the fans start spinning, but I get no picture, no beeps, no nothing."
Also, the system turns off when I hold the power button for 5 seconds. So the mobo is still somewhat functional (like a car that runs only if you point it downhill and let go of the brakes).
I've sent a request for RMA to my store (in Norway), and keep my fingers crossed that they won't give me a hard time. Anyone know how high the failure rate on (new) motherboards is?
Also, the system turns off when I hold the power button for 5 seconds. So the mobo is still somewhat functional (like a car that runs only if you point it downhill and let go of the brakes).
I've sent a request for RMA to my store (in Norway), and keep my fingers crossed that they won't give me a hard time. Anyone know how high the failure rate on (new) motherboards is?
ASKER
Can I boot the system without RAM? Without Graphics card (just to see if i get a beep)? Or are those two required for POST?
Take it to a repair shop if you dont have test parts.
Just a tip The Certifications to look for when you take it to a Shop is A+ Credentialed Staff when looking for a conventional system repair shop. if you want more advanced OS file repair or configuration staff look for Linux Certified Professional Staff or Microsoft Certified Professionals.
Or apple/mac certifications of course
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ASKER
Ok, guys.
I hate having to return the mobo, but I'm convinced it's bricked (never heard that word before, but it's pretty self-explanatory).
A weekend of enjoying a new PC turned into a miserable attempt to salvage a bad board.
Now I'll wait impatiently for the verdict from the store.
Thanks for your efforts. I'm new here, but I guess I'll figure out a way to split the points between the best contributors.
I hate having to return the mobo, but I'm convinced it's bricked (never heard that word before, but it's pretty self-explanatory).
A weekend of enjoying a new PC turned into a miserable attempt to salvage a bad board.
Now I'll wait impatiently for the verdict from the store.
Thanks for your efforts. I'm new here, but I guess I'll figure out a way to split the points between the best contributors.
mostly we use the DOA
Usually being "bricked" is a term used when saying something in the firmware or boot software has become nonfunctioning or corrupt. You traditionally hear this term when used with iPODs and PSPs because they often can get "bricked" when upgrading the firmware versions. You end up "bricking" it when you can no longer boot the device and it's about as usefull as a brick.
You need to do that.
Were you grounded to the case when you moved the jumper?
You might have damaged a board with static.