random bootings/POST errors

Forums RSS	Video RSS	Articles RSS

EVGA Forums

Forum Profile Inbox Search

Printable Version

All Forums >> [EVGA Motherboards] >> EVGA nForce 790i Series >> random bootings/POST errors

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

random bootings/POST errors - 6/11/2009 8:53:23 AM

vostua

Folding Points:

Posts: 3
Current Blue Ribbons: 0
Joined: 3/4/2006
Status: offline

Current Setup:
OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready
Corsair XMS3 DHX 4GB (2 x 2gb) 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel
EVGA 790i Ultra SLI
Zalman CNPs9500
XFX gx260nadbf GeForce GTX 260 Black Edition
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0ghz LGA 775 65w Model BX80570E8400
X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro Series
Thermaltake Armor+ gaming case

Been having strange booting problems over the past couple of days. The only thing i've ever had over clocked was the CPU at 4.0ghz and it ran very stable and cool. Never exceeded 38c, even while benchmarking or playing a heavy duty game (crysis and the like). I left the FSB set to auto, as i dont know much about changing memory timings and would rather not mess with memory voltage. The Bios is the newest, p07 version. No other BIOS settings were changed from default other than drive boot order, and disabling the annoying floppy drive setting.

The Problem: Just started a few days ago after only owning the board for less than 2 months. At first i thought i had fried the CPU because i kept getting the A0 bootup code, and the POST cycle would most often hault there. Even though i had no idea how it running so well ventilated and at such a low temp that could have happened. But then something strange happened, on one of my hard reboots, it POST's! I thought it was because i manually reset the BIOS to the default, but after it got into windows, and i tried Googling the problem, everthing locked up, and it rebooted a few seconds later, haulting at the code again. Then another time after manually resetting the BIOS again (even though the only settings i had changed was turning off the annoying default floppy, and changing the boot order to HDD so it wouldnt try to boot from the thumb drive) it didnt boot, haulted again. Many attempts later, just as i was about to turn it off, it slooowly changed from A0 and went through the normal POST, and "started up". I started windows, tried checking to make doubly sure the BIOS was indeed the newest, and before i could check it in the Nvidia System Tools Program, it locked up again. But this time i had to manually reboot it. Then i gave up for the night, tried again this morning, and on the third attempt it started up, i reflashed the BIOS to p07 hoping that was the issue and maybe it had just been running with an older version, it flashed successfully, rebooted and got stuck. Then on my last attempt, it booted up (surprisingly) i got into windows, fixed a few programs that had been whacked by the random lockups, rebooted to continue the setup, and now its stuck at A0 yet again. I don't see how it could be the processor if i can start up the computer, run programs, and the like. I'm not a super computer genius, its just a hobby (i'm a gamer if you couldnt tell) and this problem has definitely got me stumped. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

*Edit* Just realized i don't have the latest BIOS (P08) but i'm still not sure if that would fix the problem. Even if it could, i can't get past the A0 code as of yet, in order to be able to burn and attempt to install it. It does however have P07 installed.

< Message edited by vostua -- 6/11/2009 9:15:19 AM >

Post #: 1

RE: random bootings/POST errors - 6/11/2009 9:34:15 AM

Deicida

Folding Points:

710,303

Posts: 2269
Current Blue Ribbons: 27
Joined: 1/15/2009
From: Ireland
Status: offline

Welcome to the forums vostua!

First of all try get into windows and completely remove nVidia system tools including ntune/performance. Stick with P07, it's more stable than P08. Fill out this BIOS template: http://www.evga.com/forums/m.asp?m=489699 and post the part number of your RAM or a link to it.

Post #: 2

RE: random bootings/POST errors - 6/11/2009 10:27:21 AM

vostua

Folding Points:

Posts: 3
Current Blue Ribbons: 0
Joined: 3/4/2006
Status: offline

the ram can be found here
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145200

it still will not boot up correctly, so i can't get in and uninstall or change anything. i'm beginning to think it is the CPU, i just think it wouldnt be possible for it to work period if it were the problem. it booted temporarily a minute ago, everything was EXTREMELY laggy once i could see the desktop. it took a few minutes for the computer to realize i had unplugged my USB mouse a few times. then i rebooted because the mouse wasnt working, and i wanted to check the BIOS to fill out the form, it didnt POST again after the reboot. Just haulted at the A0 again. Like i said, NOTHING in the BIOS was ever changed except the CPU clock and HT multiplier, but here is what i can fill out from memory. My basic question is, is it possible for a CPU to only partially work and can it limp along? I was always under the impression that once it's toast its toast.

BIOS Version: P07
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 3.0GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: ****
CPU Multiplier: [5X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz: [Auto]
PCle x16-3, MHz: [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz: [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP: [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP: [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked]
FSB - Memory Ratio:
FSB (QDR), MHz: [****]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: ****
x MEM (DDR), MHz: ****
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: ****
P1: [AUTO]
P2: [AUTO]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]
tCL (CAS Latency): *
tRCD: *
tRP: *
tRAS: *
Command Per Clock: [*T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto]
tRC: [Auto]
tWR: [Auto]
tWTR: [Auto]
tFAW: [Auto]
tREF: [Auto]
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [auto]
CPU FSB: [auto]
Memory: [auto]
nForce SPP: [auto]
nForce MCP: [auto]
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto]
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Disabled]
CPU Core 3: [Disabled]

Post #: 3

RE: random bootings/POST errors - 6/11/2009 11:01:29 AM

Deicida

Folding Points:

710,303

Posts: 2269
Current Blue Ribbons: 27
Joined: 1/15/2009
From: Ireland
Status: offline

Clear your CMOS and try again, if you're unsure how read through this thread: http://www.evga.com/forums/m.asp?m=100718621

Post #: 4

RE: random bootings/POST errors - 6/11/2009 11:04:02 AM

micah_675

Folding Points:

1,243,963

Posts: 5957
Current Blue Ribbons: 57
Joined: 4/5/2008
Status: offline

Most of your problem is you are trying to just use this MB as a plug and play one. it is not you HAVE to change your settings to the manufactures specified values. Make the changes below please. Make all of them not some. Secondly, you would sit at an FF post code with no beep if your CPU was dead.

quote:

ORIGINAL: vostua

BIOS Version: P07
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 3.0GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: ****
CPU Multiplier: [5X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz: [Auto]
PCle x16-3, MHz: [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz: [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP: [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP: [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked] Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio: Synced
FSB (QDR), MHz: [****]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: ****
x MEM (DDR), MHz: ****
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: ****
P1: [AUTO] Enabled
P2: [AUTO] Enabled
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]
tCL (CAS Latency): * *9
tRCD: * *9
tRP: * *9
tRAS: * *24
Command Per Clock: [*T] *2T
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto]
tRC: [Auto]
tWR: [Auto]
tWTR: [Auto]
tFAW: [Auto]
tREF: [Auto] 7.8uS
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [auto]
CPU FSB: [auto]
Memory: [auto] 1.8
nForce SPP: [auto] 1.4
nForce MCP: [auto] 1.55
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto]
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Disabled]
CPU Core 3: [Disabled]

Post #: 5

RE: random bootings/POST errors - 6/11/2009 11:58:30 AM

vostua

Folding Points:

Posts: 3
Current Blue Ribbons: 0
Joined: 3/4/2006
Status: offline

I am very glad to say i have found the problem. Oddly enough, its the case!! I have a wireless network card, and my x-fi sound card in the bottom PCI slots, and the case makes them sit very slightly out of the sockets, mainly the wireless card. the motherboard pauses when they're not in all the way, even though by sight and feel they appear to be all the way in. i slightly put pressure on the wireless card, and it continues booting and then posts. i've done it several times now, and everytime i hold it slightly, it posts. now comes the problem of getting it to stay in straight when the only thing i've got to screw it into isn't straight to begin with

Thanks very much for the help, i have already changed all the BIOS settings to what they're suppossed to be, now to try and fix the damn case problem.

Post #: 6

RE: random bootings/POST errors - 6/11/2009 12:24:06 PM

Deicida

Folding Points:

710,303

Posts: 2269
Current Blue Ribbons: 27
Joined: 1/15/2009
From: Ireland
Status: offline

That good to hear! Try taking out the screw and see if it will sit in place, if the bracket on the case isn't straight screwing it in tightly might pull the card at an angle.