GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

[Enigma007x]

After about 2 weeks of ownership, something horrible has happened to my new motherboard. My specs are:

GA-EP45-DS3L Motherboard
E8400 Processor
1 stick from a 2x2GB Pair of OCZ PC2 6400 Memory (P/N OCZ2VU8004GK)
MSI Nvidia 8800GT Video Card
Corsair VX550W Power supply
Vista Home Premium

I ran the system for about a week with absolutely no difficulties. After that, I began to see random BSODs (one said tcpip.sys was the cause, another just said REGISTRY ERROR).

After one of the BSODs, my computer started up and displayed something like "MAIN BIOS Checksum Error. BIOS Auto-Recovering..........". I couldn't tell if it rebooted during or right after this completed.

Then it started again, it was no longer at the POST screen. It just displayed "Scanning BIOS image in hard drive. BIOS Auto-Recovering........". It rebooted and returned to this same screen about 3 times.

Finally, after one of the reboots, the machine would no longer display anything to the monitor. It began to power up the fans, wait about 3 seconds, and then power off... Over and over. No beeps, no video, no sign that anything is happening.

I have stripped every component out of the machine, and it will only stop the rebooting when everything (even processor) has been removed. I took the motherboard out of my case and placed it on cardboard to rule out shorts.

Any idea what could be causing this? It was working just fine and then all of the sudden it crashed and burned.

Thanks!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

Have you tried to clear the CMOS? If not see the second post here and try that >>>

http://forums.tweaktown.com/f69/bios-flashing-how-qflash-guide-27576/

Could be bad ram or ram settings that caused it to corrupt your BIOS at boot time maybe

Have you or can you test this stick of ram in another system with memtest86+ to be sure it is ok? >>>
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

[Enigma007x]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

Thanks for the reply!

I have tried clearing the CMOS. I even removed the battery and disconnected the power for an entire day with no luck :( Still rebooting with no POST/video.

I will try to find another stick of memory to try in the machine. I, unfortunately, do not have another machine to test this memory in.

This board has the dual BIOS feature. If the BIOS was corrupted, will swapping in good memory possibly allow it to fix itself (using the backup BIOS)?

Thanks!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

Well yes, it could just be faulty memory or a bad BIOS Bootblock. Once you get some other ram let me know how it goes. There is a few ways you can try to fix it before you have to RMA. But if you just got the board less then 30 days ago and can still RMA where you bought it you may want to do that before you run out of time

I would remove the battery, unplug the PSU, Put a Optical Jumper on the Clear CMOS pins, Press and hold the case Power button in for a few minutes to drain all remaining power from the PSU, Press and hold the Clear CMOS button if you case has it. If not let all that sit, with the jumper on and battery removed after doing the above, for about a hour and then remove the jumper and put the battery back in and plug in the PSU and see if you can start the system with only one stick of ram.

If no luck, try starting the system WITHOUT the CMOS battery in.

After that you can try Blind flash if you have a floppy ALREADY Connected and set as first boot device. Method here >>>

http://forums.tweaktown.com/f69/bios-flashing-how-qflash-guide-27576/

If you still have no luck and are past your time to return where you bought it let me know and I will PM you something to try before you have to RMA to Gigabyte

[Enigma007x]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

No luck with the CMOS reset options that you gave. Still no video/post and fans starting/stopping.

I only have a few days left to RMA, so I sent the board on its way. I am somewhat concerned that was caused by bad memory. If I was looking to buy a new 2x2GB set of memory, what is cheap and reliable with these boards for someone who isn't looking to overclock?

I looked at the Gigabyte compatibility list, but I recall reading that this wasn't very up-to-date.

I really appreciate all of the help! Thanks!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

If you are sure you do not want to overclock (At least much at all on the ram side of things) I would suggest these for a cheap good for sure compatibility $54 w/ $15 MIR >>>
Newegg.com - mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

$12 more w/ $20 MIR and you can get some GREAT Sticks (I paid $120 once and $80 once for these) (GREAT Overclockers) >>>
Newegg.com - mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

If you would like me to find you cheaper deal or different ram for sure let me know your price range and I will post you a few types that would be good

[Enigma007x]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

Thanks once again for a all of your help! I picked up a new pair of the better ones you listed for both of my computers.

The machines are pretty much identical, except one has a P35-DS3L and one has the EP45-DS3L.

What settings should I set these motherboards to so that I can ensure that I have everything the way I want it for this RAM? I want to be as safe as possible going forward with my current working machine and the machine I will have after the RMA returns. Is it smart to start with a BIOS upgrade on each, or should I let them be if I am not having any problems?

Once again, I really appreciate the help!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

Well, I always update the BIOS to the newest, or at least the one below it. But that is up to you really. The P35 board may need a BIOS update to run best with a 8400 CPU, the P45 may be good as is, but recent BIOS updates do fix certain things. As long as you flash with qflash you should be fine updating

As for settings, both have very different BIOS's and would require different settings. DO you want FULL settings for both? If so, please tell me if they are running stock CPU Speed, and link me so I can be sure which you bought and I will give you settings for both boards

[Enigma007x]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

I am just really looking for settings that you would recommend for a stock machine using this new RAM. I noticed it says 2.0-2.1v on the label, and I think the default is 1.8v... Is there anything I should be changing for this type of RAM from the default settings in the BIOS? I know very little about timings and voltage.

It actually looks like the 2 machines have more differences than I realized:

First Machine (older)-
E2180 Processor
P35-DS3L Mobo (link)

Second Machine (newer)-
E8400 Processor
EP45-DS3L Mobo (link)

Both will use:
Memory (link)

I can't thank you enough for your help!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3L Rebooting w/ No POST

Ya, 1.8V is the default for all DDR2 (555-15/18 at 800Mhz 1.8V)

Here is what you would want for stock for both setups

P35 E2180 2x2GB 800Mhz

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto or FAST]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [10] 
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [200] 
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [4.00C or 4.00+ whichever you see]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 4
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 4
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______4
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 12

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3-4
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 3-5
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 4-6
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 52-62
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3-5
Static tRead Value_______________6-8
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto]

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [800mV]
CPU Clock Skew Control [normal]
GMCH Clock Skew Control [Normal] << Try 50-150 later on

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.20V-+0.3] 2.0-2.1 (Will run great at 2.0)
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V] 
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V] 
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.2V-+0.3V] 
CPU Voltage Control_______ [Auto]

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

P45 E8400 2x2GB 800Mhz

[b][u]MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)[/u][/b]
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto Or fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.0Ghz


[b][u]Clock Chip Control [/u][/b]
[b][u]Standard Clock Control[/u][/b]
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
[B]PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100[/B]

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


[b][u]Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter][/u][/b]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 0
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 50-150


[b][u]DRAM Performance Control[/u][/b][u][/u]
[B]Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD][/B]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.40B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

[b]Standard Timing Control[/b]
CAS Latency Time........................4
tRCD .........................................4
tRP'...........................................4
tRAS..........................................12

[b][u]Advanced Timing Control[/u][/b]
tRRD...........................................3-4
tWTR..........................................3-5
tWR............................................4-6
tRFC...........................................52-62
tRTP...........................................3-5
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

[u][b]Driving Strength Profiles[/b][/u][b][/b]
Driving Strength ............................800-1066

[b]Channel A[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................:6-9
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto 
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto 
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

[b]Channel B[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................:6-9
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto 
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto 
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

[b][U]Motherboard Voltage Control[/U][/b][U][/U]
Voltage Type.………... Manual
[b]CPU[/b]
CPU Vcore….……….........................: Auto
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: <<< Set 1.2
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much

CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

[b]MCH/ICH[/b]
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << 1.2-1.3 (1.24-1.28 would be good)
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: <<< 1.5-1.6
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< 1.1x-1.2

^^ Above ICH only needs adjusted if you use a larger GFX Card)

[b]DRAM[/b]
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.0-2.1 (Same as above, 2.0-2.05 will be great)
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

[b][U]Advanced Settings[/U][/b][U][/U]
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

[b][U]Integrated Peripherals[/U][/b][U][/U]
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB