Corrupt Video Display

[Jeff Thompson]

Hi, I'm building my first computer and of course, I've run into problem
on the first boot...

Here's my config:

Chaintech 7NIF2 Motherboard
AMD XP 2800+ Barton
PQI dual channel 512MB(2x256) PC2700
Video: NVIDIA nForce (onboard)

After assembling my motherboard and components, I booted for the first
time. The video output is garbled such that I can't read anything on the
display. Even thought the display is garbled, I can tell that these are
the normal "POST" messages.

I read other posts that said the 7NIF2 is picky with ram, so I just
purchased a Kingston 256MB PC2700 in hopes that might resolve my
problem, but it did not.

Does anyone have any suggestions for things to try?

Thanks,

 

[John Doe]

Hi,
Hey

I'm building my first computer and of course, I've run into problem
on the first boot...
Here's my config ...
After assembling my motherboard and components, I booted for the first
time ...
Does anyone have any suggestions for things to try?

You might want to study the mainboard manual and make sure jumper settings,
if any, are correct. If you don't have the manual, you can get it here
online at your mainboard web page.

http://www.chaintechusa.com/tw/eng/product_spec.asp?PISNo=15

If you get frustrated, hunker down and remove everything except the bare
minimum.
.... CPU with heat sink and fan
.... one stick of memory
.... video card
Keep it that way until you find the cause.

At that point, if possible, start swapping parts. Try a different monitor.
Try a different video card. Then either the mainboard or the CPU.

Whatever you do to troubleshoot your new system, good luck.

 

[Jeff Thompson]

You might want to study the mainboard manual and make sure jumper settings,
if any, are correct. If you don't have the manual, you can get it here
online at your mainboard web page.

http://www.chaintechusa.com/tw/eng/product_spec.asp?PISNo=15

If you get frustrated, hunker down and remove everything except the bare
minimum.
... CPU with heat sink and fan
... one stick of memory
... video card
Keep it that way until you find the cause.

At that point, if possible, start swapping parts. Try a different monitor.
Try a different video card. Then either the mainboard or the CPU.

Whatever you do to troubleshoot your new system, good luck.

Hi, thanks for the input... I've tried the following:

Unplug everything except monitor, one stick of memory (two different
sticks tested), and the cpu and HSF. I even added a AGP video card to
the motherboard and I still get garbled video output with either the
onboard nForce2 or the AGP card that I added.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,

 

[John Doe]

John Doe wrote:

[see the prior post]

... I've tried the following:
Unplug everything except monitor, one stick of memory (two different
sticks tested), and the cpu and HSF. I even added a AGP video card to
the motherboard and I still get garbled video output with either the
onboard nForce2 or the AGP card that I added.
Any other ideas?

Have you looked at the mainboard manual? By the way, always keep a hardcopy
of mainboard manuals.

Have you tried unplugging the computer and then clearing the "CMOS"? Your
mainboard manual should show a jumper which does that.

Do you know that the monitor is good?

I think there's a BIOS setting which chooses between PCI and AGP video,
however it should switch to whatever is installed.

If you have a system speaker, you might hear beeps which can mean
something. I have rarely if ever had enough trouble to pay attention to
those. My current mainboard has a code system using four LEDs which signals
what might be wrong.

 

[Jeff Thompson]

Have you looked at the mainboard manual? By the way, always keep a hardcopy
of mainboard manuals.

Yes, this is a brand new mainboard, so I have the doc that came with it.

Have you tried unplugging the computer and then clearing the "CMOS"? Your
mainboard manual should show a jumper which does that.

Yes, I followed the doc and set JP1 from pin 1-2 (normal) to pin 2-3
(clear CMOS data), but the video output is still garbled.

Do you know that the monitor is good?

Yes, I've tried 3 different monitors now, all are working fine on other
systems... My den looks like a monitor graveyard now, BTW...

I think there's a BIOS setting which chooses between PCI and AGP video,
however it should switch to whatever is installed.

There may be, but although I can enter the BIOS setup by pressing
"delete" during POST, I can't read the screen, so I'm stuck...

If you have a system speaker, you might hear beeps which can mean
something. I have rarely if ever had enough trouble to pay attention to
those. My current mainboard has a code system using four LEDs which signals
what might be wrong.

I hear a single beep at POST time, which I believe is normal, but I
can't read the POST messages to see if there's an error.

Any other ideas??? I may just ask newegg for a RMA tomorrow and try again...

Thanks,

 

[John Doe]

Yes, I followed the doc and set JP1 from pin 1-2 (normal) to pin 2-3
(clear CMOS data),

Did you put it back on pin 1-2?

but the video output is still garbled.


Yes, I've tried 3 different monitors now,


There may be, but although I can enter the BIOS setup by pressing
"delete" during POST, I can't read the screen, so I'm stuck...

I doubt that the problem is a BIOS setting. If it's anything you can
help, maybe it's a mainboard jumper.

I hear a single beep at POST time, which I believe is normal,

Right. I think error signals are repetitive.

but I can't read the POST messages to see if there's an error.

Any other ideas???

The first time, did you put the memory in the outside slots? For dual
channel mode, one must be installed in DDR3. Also, it says to use a
video card for dual channel mode. That stuff is a bad lead IMO since
dual channel mode is not necessary and one 256MB memory module should be
plenty.

If it has a TV out connector, I guess you could try that. Otherwise the
only thing I can think of is like a jumper for serving front side bus
(FSB) speed.

The only other thing I can imagine is that it isn't using the onboard
video without being set up, and the default is PCI and it will not
automatically switch to AGP. In other words, it wouldn't hurt to try a
PCI card if you had one.

Seems to me that no video is the more likely symptom for something that
you can correct.

Have you tried adjusting the monitor settings?

I may just ask newegg for a RMA tomorrow and try again...

Unless it can wait.

Seems to me you are doing everything right. It usually isn't so
difficult, I am curious to hear how it turns out.

Sorry in advance.

 

[Jeff Thompson]

Did you put it back on pin 1-2?

Yes, after waiting for 5 seconds as stated in the mainboard doc.

I doubt that the problem is a BIOS setting. If it's anything you can
help, maybe it's a mainboard jumper.

I've reviewed all of the mainboard jumpers, the only one that seems like
it should help is JP25 (setup CPU, FSB, Freq. Jumper). Pin 1-2
(default) is 133/166/200 MHz and pin 2-3 is 100 MHz. I have tested both
settings, but no change detected.

The first time, did you put the memory in the outside slots? For dual
channel mode, one must be installed in DDR3. Also, it says to use a
video card for dual channel mode. That stuff is a bad lead IMO since
dual channel mode is not necessary and one 256MB memory module should be
plenty.

Yes, the mainboard doc says you can install the memory in any slot,
however, if you want to use dual channel, then one *must* be installed
in slot 3. My first attempt was slots 1, 3, but I think I've tested all
combinations, as well as just a single memory module.

If it has a TV out connector, I guess you could try that. Otherwise the
only thing I can think of is like a jumper for serving front side bus
(FSB) speed.

There is a TV out connector, I'll have to haul everything over to the
TV, but I'll give it a shot...

The only other thing I can imagine is that it isn't using the onboard
video without being set up, and the default is PCI and it will not
automatically switch to AGP. In other words, it wouldn't hurt to try a
PCI card if you had one.

Seems to me that no video is the more likely symptom for something that
you can correct.

Perhaps I should clarify... I get something displayed, but it's just a
random bunch of characters, symbols, etc. instead of anything
recognizable. If I boot off of the Fedora DVD, I get a Fedora graphic
displayed (overlapped and incomplete) and all text is still unreadable.

Have you tried adjusting the monitor settings?

Yes, and the three monitors I have tested with are all working on other
computers in my home.

Unless it can wait.

I'm pissed, but I'm not saving lives here, so it can wait...

Seems to me you are doing everything right. It usually isn't so
difficult, I am curious to hear how it turns out.

Thanks, I should have mentioned that I have a knack for breaking things
when nobody else can. Comes in real handy writing code, since my ability
to break things during testing eliminates a lot of bugs that many others
wouldn't catch...

In this case, however, it's driving me crazy. I'm just plugging in
components and it should work!!!

Thanks for your help.

 

[David Maynard]

Jeff Thompson wrote:

Perhaps I should clarify... I get something displayed, but it's just a
random bunch of characters, symbols, etc. instead of anything
recognizable. If I boot off of the Fedora DVD, I get a Fedora graphic
displayed (overlapped and incomplete) and all text is still unreadable.

Ah. A description of what 'garbled' meant.

That's either a bad on-board display controller, or a memory problem, or
something fouling the bus. It's outputting but the data is messed up.

Remove all PCI cards, if you haven't already.

I know you said you tried different memory sockets but try again, with just
one.

I'd also try the 100 FSB jumper. If that gets a readable display then see
what it's defaulting to for the memory. Maybe its misreading the SPD and
setting the timings too high.

This may sound odd but double check your processor heatsink. I've seen
misapplied heatsinks that let the processor overheat so it acts erratically
and, yes, 'sorta' try to put up the post and BIOS screens, but splattered
with weird characters.

 

[Spajky]

Perhaps I should clarify... I get something displayed, but it's just a
random bunch of characters, symbols, etc. instead of anything
recognizable. If I boot off of the Fedora DVD, I get a Fedora graphic
displayed (overlapped and incomplete) and all text is still unreadable.

try reflash the MoBo Bios, if that do not help if flashing passes,
IMHO the chipset is toasted so its time to replace the MoBo ...

 

[Jeff Thompson]

try reflash the MoBo Bios, if that do not help if flashing passes,
IMHO the chipset is toasted so its time to replace the MoBo ...

I'll see if I can do this as a last resort... I don't have a floppy in
this system and even if I cobble together a bootable CD-ROM with the
flash update program on it, I'd be doing the flash upgrade blind, since
the video output is unreadable...

Thanks,

 

[Jeff Thompson]

Jeff Thompson wrote:



Ah. A description of what 'garbled' meant.

hehe... It's hard to describe the screen, so I've taken two pictures
with a digital camera to show the screen when the system is powered on
and the screen immediately following the POST beep. I'm not sure what
the policy is for attaching binary images to this newsgroup's posts, so
I've uploaded the pictures to:

http://threeputt.org/images/poweron.jpg
http://threeputt.org/images/post.jpg

That's either a bad on-board display controller, or a memory problem, or
something fouling the bus. It's outputting but the data is messed up.

Remove all PCI cards, if you haven't already.

There are no PCI or AGP cards installed. I did install an AGP card to
see if the problem was strictly with the onboard graphics, but the
screen output was still garbled as shown in the pictures.

I know you said you tried different memory sockets but try again, with
just one.

I believe I've tried all the memory sticks in all combinations of the
three slots.

I'd also try the 100 FSB jumper. If that gets a readable display then
see what it's defaulting to for the memory. Maybe its misreading the SPD
and setting the timings too high.

I did try setting the jumper to 100 FSB, but it does not appear to help.

This may sound odd but double check your processor heatsink. I've seen
misapplied heatsinks that let the processor overheat so it acts
erratically and, yes, 'sorta' try to put up the post and BIOS screens,
but splattered with weird characters.

Visual inspection looks like it's mounted ok to me. The video problem
occurred on the first power-on, so unless the CPU can overheat in the
1-2 seconds it takes to POST, I don't think this is the problem, but
thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks,

 

[John Doe]

Spajky wrote:

I'll see if I can do this as a last resort...

And only if you are not interested in returning it to the seller.

Others here can correct me if I'm wrong, but warrantee-voiding bells go
off with that suggestion.

I don't have a floppy in
this system and even if I cobble together a bootable CD-ROM with the
flash update program on it, I'd be doing the flash upgrade blind, since
the video output is unreadable...

DING DING DING DING

Good luck.

 

[Thomas Wendell]

I don't have a clue to what's going on, but deciphering those pics was easy:

Poweron.jpg shows VGA adapter/card info (does nForce display this?)
Post.jpg is simply post screen.

I'd go for either a shot nForce chip or a defective VGA connection


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[JAD]

memory stick is bad or memory timings are off

hehe... It's hard to describe the screen, so I've taken two pictures
with a digital camera to show the screen when the system is powered on
and the screen immediately following the POST beep. I'm not sure what
the policy is for attaching binary images to this newsgroup's posts, so
I've uploaded the pictures to:

http://threeputt.org/images/poweron.jpg
http://threeputt.org/images/post.jpg


There are no PCI or AGP cards installed. I did install an AGP card to
see if the problem was strictly with the onboard graphics, but the
screen output was still garbled as shown in the pictures.


I believe I've tried all the memory sticks in all combinations of the
three slots.


I did try setting the jumper to 100 FSB, but it does not appear to help.

Visual inspection looks like it's mounted ok to me. The video problem
occurred on the first power-on, so unless the CPU can overheat in the
1-2 seconds it takes to POST, I don't think this is the problem, but
thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks,

 

[David Maynard]

hehe... It's hard to describe the screen, so I've taken two pictures
with a digital camera to show the screen when the system is powered on
and the screen immediately following the POST beep. I'm not sure what
the policy is for attaching binary images to this newsgroup's posts, so
I've uploaded the pictures to:

http://threeputt.org/images/poweron.jpg
http://threeputt.org/images/post.jpg


There are no PCI or AGP cards installed. I did install an AGP card to
see if the problem was strictly with the onboard graphics, but the
screen output was still garbled as shown in the pictures.

Well, then the one thing it isn't is the on-board graphics.

I believe I've tried all the memory sticks in all combinations of the
three slots.


I did try setting the jumper to 100 FSB, but it does not appear to help.


Visual inspection looks like it's mounted ok to me. The video problem
occurred on the first power-on, so unless the CPU can overheat in the
1-2 seconds it takes to POST, I don't think this is the problem, but
thanks for the suggestion.

A bare die will reach catastrophic temperatures in less than half a second.
Of course, it shouldn't be 'bare' with a heatsink on it but if the thing is
cocked, or installed backwards (which will cause it to cock), or the
protective cover sheet was left on the pad, it can get real hot real quick.
And, btw, the heatsink will be cool because the heat flow isn't getting to it.

This really could be just about anything since just about anything can foul
the data busses, including a mounting problem that leaves the mobo shorted
to something in the case.

Unfortunately, you don't appear to have a second system to test individual
components in so it's shooting in the dark. At this stage I'd take the
entire thing apart, including dismounting the heatsink and removing the CPU
and do a visual on all parts. Look for bent pins, dirt (and thermal
compound) on pins, scratch marks, and anything else that looks out of the
ordinary. A 'missing' screw that went 'clink' during install but never
found. A jumper that inadvertently got knocked off. Motherboard support
post in the wrong place. Component knocked loose (like a cap bent off on
one end), especially around the CPU and memory sockets. Etc.

Then do a minimal setup outside the case, mobo, mem, CPU (no CDs, hard
drives, floppies, or anything else) to eliminate case mounting problems.

After all, if it's going to get RMA'd it's going to be removed anyway.

 

[John Doe]

I think there's a BIOS setting which chooses between PCI and AGP video,
however it should switch to whatever is installed.

I might be wrong there. After clearing the CMOS BIOS, you might need to
install a PCI video card, enter BIOS setup, select AGP first, reboot
(maybe to the PCI card BIOS setup screen, but double check to see the AGP
is still primary), turn off the machine, and then install the AGP card. If
you are using the built in video, you might be able to do the same except
set up that instead of the AGP.