GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

[tunstals]

I've had an EP43 for about 6 months, for 5 months the motherboard was fine but now when I switch on, the system powers up, always reboots once (no POST screen shows) and then starts up.. mostly.

The only difference with my setup is a USB keyboard.

I've not tried it without unplugging the USB keyboard yet, I'll do so tonight, but in case that doesn't work, anything else that causes such reboots? The reboot process goes as follows:

1) CPU Fan spins up then slows down to normal
2) CD drive LED comes on
3) System reboots

Steps 1-3 above repeat, except this time the system starts up (mostly) - on the odd occasion the fan makes a very strange noise and the system switches off. I leave the system off for 10 secs then restart the system and it works.

I used to have the system permanently rebooting when a USB external hard disk was plugged in, but now the keyboard and mouse are the only USB devices attached.

My system spec:

GA-EP43-DS3 with F9 BIOS
Intel Q6600
8GB DDR2 RAM OCZ
Radeon 4870HD
Unbranded hard disk (750GB)
Asus Xonar

System is not overclocked in any way whatsoever.

Any ideas? Once the machine's actually up and running it's 100% stable.

Also, can you tell me where I can find an @BIOS file for version F8? I downloaded the F8 BIOS file from Gigabyte but @BIOS froze when trying to load it, I guess its not compatible (not that the website says)

[artdrivers]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

Always remove all cd&dvd's when finished using them and before shuting down your system. No need in having cd&dvd's spinning in drives when your not using them.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

You may need to enable "Legacy USB Storage Detect" in the Integrated Peripherals BIOS page for your USB Devices to work fully.

Please DO NOT USE @BIOS to flash, please use Qflash with a USB Or Floppy, or use DOS. @BIOS should only be used as a last resort and even then I advise trying other ways.

Please read this thread about flashing with Qflash, and if you have any questions feel free to ask

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

[tunstals]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

Hi guys, thanks for replying.

My USB mouse and keyboard are new, I'm using a Razer 1600dpi mouse and a Microsoft keyboard. I'll try this when I'm at my PC next.

Is this a known issue? Surely the system would reboot all the time by repeating the same process then failing, not just once and then work OK?

Regarding QFlash - point taken. I have no floppy drive but I'll check if I can boot from a USB stick.

I'll let you know if your solution works. Thanks again for your help.

Regards,
Scott

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

Yes, some USB Devices cause issues at startup so USB Storage Detect must be disabled.

And sadly yes some either way always have issues. Once you get some testing done if you find it to be an issue no matter what I will try to get a report in on it in a few weeks and see if a BIOS update can address the issue

One reboot is normal as the system checks the settings, then reboots and applies them. Three or more is not normal and two-three can happen normally as well when making certain BIOS changes.

Are you overclocked? If so that is why the one reboot, at stock it should boot normally as defaults would not often need to be checked

You can boot from USB, see my guide above for how to make a bootable USB Stick. If you need help with that let me know.

[tunstals]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

Hi, Legacy USB storage detect is *disabled* (I had said Enabled before), USB keyboard is enabled and USB mouse is disabled.

The system spins up the fans, reboots once then works OK....

So, no idea what to do now.

Scott

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

What is your issue, the one reboot? This is normal if overclocked. Are you overclocked, if so how stable is your system, you have tested right?

[tunstals]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

Well normally there's one reboot, but on more than the one occassion the fans haven't spun up properly on POST.

The system is not overclocked and never has been. Most components are less than 3 months old, only the CPU is older than a year.

The only thing that has changed is that I've added a USB mouse *AND* keyboard - but why should they cause any reboots?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

K, well with 8GB of ram you have to make some changes in the BIOS.

Lets have your settings and I will advise back >>

This is Just a template I use to ask people their settings, pay no attention to the numbers in it, replace with yours

CPU = Model #
Motherboard = Model, Revision #
BIOS Version =
Ram = Brand, Model#, Part#, And or Link

[b][u]MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)[/u][/b]
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 


[b][u]Clock Chip Control [/u][/b]
[b][u]Standard Clock Control[/u][/b]
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: Mhz
[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)....................: <<< 
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 


[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 ..............: 
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

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

Set all Suggested below to highest Values first.  Then later you can lower, one at a time, testing as you go

[b][u]Advanced Timing Control[/u][/b]
tRRD...........................................
tWTR..........................................
tWR............................................
tRFC...........................................
tRTP...........................................
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

[u][b]Driving Strength Profiles[/b][/u][b][/b]
Driving Strength ............................

[b]Channel A[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< 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.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< 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]

[b]CPU[/b]
CPU Vcore….……….........................:Auto if not overclocking, if you are overclocking please do find and set your own voltages

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.2-1.5 depending on Vcore, try to keep at least .1 under vcore.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.5-1.65.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

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...........: << 
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.500V............: <<< Leave
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< Leave

[b]DRAM[/b]
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 
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

[tunstals]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

CPU is Quad Core Q6600 (not the energy efficient version)
Motherboard is GA-EP43-DS3 (revision to follow)
BIOS version is F9

RAM is here:
OCZ Gold Edition 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400C5 Dual Channel Series (OCZ2G8004GK)


No RAM timings have been changed, no overclocking, no underclocking, no tweaks whatsoever, just "Load Optimal Defaults" from the BIOS.

This system WORKED PERFECTLY when I bought it in December, with 8GB of RAM. It's only recently its rebooting, I suspect it is the USB keyboard causing the issue (yes, I still haven't tried booting without it, I'm bit busy right atm lol)

If I can't use my USB keyboard the motherboard is as useful as a chocolate fireguard I'm afraid

[Chike]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

If I can't use my USB keyboard the motherboard is as useful as a chocolate fireguard I'm afraid

Is this sentimental?
Never liked USB keyboards myself since the 1st one I had didn't work properly with my 1st P4 board.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

You can use your USB Keyboard, I just asked so I would know and you mentioned they were new additions. Some are just not 100% Compatible as well, so if these turn out to be an issue you can pickup a $3 adapter and you will be good to go.

I agree Chike, I don't like USB Keyboard/mice but I use both with PS/2 adapters myself.

For 8GB I suggest this >>
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.40


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] Or disabled since you are not overclocking
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 266 Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

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


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<<


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.00A
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................5
tRCD .........................................5
tRP'...........................................5
tRAS..........................................18

Set all Suggested below to highest Values first. Then later you can lower, one at a time, testing as you go. If you want all can be left in auto, but I do advise setting tRFC and tRD (Static tRead Value) yourself

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................3-5
tWTR..........................................4-8
tWR............................................6-10
tRFC...........................................62-72
tRTP...........................................3-5
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................800 or 1066, 1066 may be best

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:6-9
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< 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

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:6-9
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< 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

Motherboard Voltage Control

CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................:Auto if not overclocking, if you are overclocking please do find and set your own voltages

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much. Optimal range for overclock would be 1.2-1.5 depending on Vcore, try to keep at least .1 under vcore. Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much. Optimal range for overclock would be 1.5-1.65. Auto is fine if not overclocking

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

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << 1.2-1.34 (for 8GB 1.24-1.28 may be best)
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.500V............: <<< Leave
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< Leave

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.1-2.2
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled] << Enabled since you are not overclocking
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled] << Enabled since you are not overclocking
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

[tunstals]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

Right, just tried to start the bad boy up with no USB devices connected.

Still the one reboot, then boot-up.

My PSU is 500watt, I wonder if its enough for the 4870HD? Then again, why would the system reboot once then start up again and work fine, if there was a shortage of power to the card?

Note: it's bootup thats failing, not the user session in Windows - that is 99% solid! So enough juice must be hitting the card, I'm playing the latest 3D games OK.

I did have a random reboot yesterday during a session. The first I've had since ever with the mobo, but its not happened again today, I suspect a loose molex (I re-checked them all and ensured tight coupling again.)

[tunstals]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

Is this sentimental?
Never liked USB keyboards myself since the 1st one I had didn't work properly with my 1st P4 board.

Sentimental - no, just mental on my part!

God knows what made me say that. Maybe just very p'd off.

[Chike]

Re: GA-EP43-DS3 reboots once, then starts up (usually)

After that one reboot, if you enter MIT do you get the red warning about overclock?