A7N8X that won't boot...

[Max]

I am attempting to upgrade with new m/b, new memory and new CPU. At
this stage, I cannot get any POST reporting or any display, although
the green LED comes on, the fans whir and the HD starts up - speakers
are connected.

There have been lots of posts about this over the past year or so and
following the tips there I have:

Cleared the BIOS
Run the M/B outside the case to eliminate any shorts
Stripped it down to basics with one stick of RAM, no keyboard or
mouse, CD-ROM or floppy, (even tried leaving out the graphics card),
but still can get no display or verbal POST. I have tried another
known good video card, also a V7100..

I suspect now it is either the CPU which is dead or the M/B is faulty.
(Please, no!) I do have the old Athlon 1400 CPU I could try, I guess
that would run on this setup?

This is the config of the stripped down system:

A7N8X E Deluxe, Version 2.0
AMD 2600+ 333Mhz
2 x 512Mb DDR-400 (Kingmax RAM IC:32MbX8 FHA)
Asus V7100 Graphics Card (32Mb)
Maxtor 80Gb HD
300w Power Supply

Any advise as to what to try next would be warmly welcomed...

Max

 

[J. Cossette]

Max,
I am having the exact same problem here. I have tried everything you
have so far, and then some (I even tried a PCI video card!)...
It got down to my memory sticks ( 2 x 512
Corsair PC3700, 433 mhz) not allowing my system to boot (no video, lights
on, nothing else happening...) I then removed both memory sticks and tried
a stick of no-brand PC2700 and was able to boot up normally... I then added
one of my Corsair sticks to the PC2700 one and it booted, in dual channel no
less, at 166 mhz, not at 200, as my FSB is 200 (XP 3200+) !!! I then
configured the Bios in many ways memory-wise, without results.
My conclusions: 1) Perhaps I need to increase the voltage to either the
memory or to the AGP (Asus V9560)
2) May be Corsair PC3700 is NOT compatible with
A7N8X-E dlx ???
If you find out anything, please keep me posted. If you want to, I will do
the same. If anybody else out there is having the same problems, please
share with us!!!

Jocelyn

A7N8X-E Deluxe, Version 1.1 Bios 1.09
AMD 3200+ 400Mhz
2 x 512Mb DDR-433 (Corsair XMS PC3700)
Asus V9560 Graphics Card (256Mb)
Maxtor 80Gb & 40Gb HDs
430w Antec Power Supply

 

[Max]

Max,
I am having the exact same problem here. I have tried everything you
have so far, and then some (I even tried a PCI video card!)...
It got down to my memory sticks ( 2 x 512
Corsair PC3700, 433 mhz) not allowing my system to boot (no video, lights
on, nothing else happening...) I then removed both memory sticks and tried
a stick of no-brand PC2700 and was able to boot up normally... I then added
one of my Corsair sticks to the PC2700 one and it booted, in dual channel no
less, at 166 mhz, not at 200, as my FSB is 200 (XP 3200+) !!! I then
configured the Bios in many ways memory-wise, without results.
My conclusions: 1) Perhaps I need to increase the voltage to either the
memory or to the AGP (Asus V9560)
2) May be Corsair PC3700 is NOT compatible with
A7N8X-E dlx ???
If you find out anything, please keep me posted. If you want to, I will do
the same. If anybody else out there is having the same problems, please
share with us!!!

Jocelyn

A7N8X-E Deluxe, Version 1.1 Bios 1.09
AMD 3200+ 400Mhz
2 x 512Mb DDR-433 (Corsair XMS PC3700)
Asus V9560 Graphics Card (256Mb)
Maxtor 80Gb & 40Gb HDs
430w Antec Power Supply

Jocelyn, I just know how you feel! I wish I could just get that POST
lady's voice talking to me!

You mention a possible compatibility problem using 433Mhz RAM...I
notice the manual for this board says it supports up to PC3200 so
maybe it won't run with PC3700 at all...

I am just about to return my board, I reckon I have eliminated
everything except the board itself.

I'll wish you the same good luck I am wishing myself

Max

 

[Paul E. LePage]

This board is very finicky with memory. Go to ASUS web site and check the
qualified vendor list for an A7N8X-use ONLY memory listed there. I had the
same problems you describe-switching to Corsair CMX512-3200c (x2) cured the
problem. Also check previous posts in this group and you will find the same
many people have had this problem.

Good Luck, Paul

 

[Max]

This board is very finicky with memory. Go to ASUS web site and check the
qualified vendor list for an A7N8X-use ONLY memory listed there. I had the
same problems you describe-switching to Corsair CMX512-3200c (x2) cured the
problem. Also check previous posts in this group and you will find the same
many people have had this problem.

Good Luck, Paul

Thanks for that tip Paul...actually Asus say that the Kingmax 512Mb
DDR type MPXC22D-38LT3R 2.5 512MB DS is approved. The memory I have
has one letter different: instead of 38LTR, mine is 38KTR.
Heaven knows if that makes a difference...

I have sent a request to Kingmax to clarify. We will get there in the
end!

Thanks again Paul,

Max

 

[J. Cossette]

Max,
I don't know whether I was lucky or not, but I got it to work!
All I did was select "100%" in the bios under memory timing. And for
latency, I followed what Corsair's site said (8 3 3 4T). So now, I can
finally enjoy my new system!

 

[Max]

I am envious! Still working on mine...but that is good the RAM worked.
This afternoon my luck will hold, I am sure!

Max