PC most times doesn´t start, Asus M3A78-EM

[AngryProphet]

Problem: pc does not start, after 10 times pushing the reset button it starts.

Detailed: when starting the pc, there are different behaviours:
1.) it starts, everything is fine
the cpu cooler has a LED light, after starting this light is lighting, turning of for 1/2 second, then lighting normal.
Once it´s started, the pc is running 10 hours without problems.

2.) it doesnt start (most times):
it seems like every 2 seconds all devices loosing power for 1/10 second. The cooler lights turning of very short and the DVD is seeking again and again. The pc doesnt com up to the BIOS start, it just hangs in a loop before...
Assuming its the power, i tested some up to 520 W, all the same behaviour. So i guess its the mainboard or the RAM.

Power: tested some, now: be quiet straight power 400 W
Mainboard: Asus M3A78-EM
CPU: AMD 64 X2 5200+ 2,7 Ghz (200*13,5)
RAM: 4GB Geil Black Dragon GB24GB6400C4DC 800Mhz CL 4-4-4-12 2GB * 2 DC Kit
Graphiccard: Powercolor HD 7550 passive cooled
CPU Cooler: Orb 3-pin connected to chassis fan connector, cpu cooler warning in bios disabled
BIOS: AMI v02.61 Date: 12.10.2009 Version: 2003

Bios Settings:
DRAM Clocking: 800 Mhz
Advanced: Memory Voltage: Auto (means 1,85 V)

Northbridge:
Memory Clocking 400 Mhz
Tcl: 5.0
Trcd: 5 Clk
Rrp: 5 Clk
Tras: 15 Clk
Trrd: 3 Clk
Trc: 24 Clk
Twr: 6 Clk

Tested the ram with 4-4-4-12: pc does not start

 

[FM4E]

Welcome to the forum

I'm sorry, but my english isn't very good.


You can try to reset your bios to default settings. Additional you can remove one of the RAM-modules und start the PC again. The RAM-modules can used with a higher voltage. Actually are 1,85 volts, but the modules can tolerate up to 2,4 volts. Then i would set a minimum of 1,9 volts.

 

[AngryProphet]

In fact, before I updated the bios, it was only possible to start the pc with one of the ram modules, doesn´t matter which of them. If both installed it keeps simply black. So I will try again with only one, if so, should I replace them with other ram?

 

[dragoon92]

Hello AngryProphet,

It might be possible that the motherboard isnt compatible with your Ramsticks. I checked the Asus Website and i looked at their Qualified Vendor list and i figured out that your type of modules arent listed there. On the other hand it might be possible that the board isnt working properly and is broken somewhere. if you have the chance to return the board i would try out that before you fry something. I also recommend you to unplug your HDDs since the spinup-down might cause a damage to them. The board would also boot up without the HDDs, so its perfectly for some testing. There is also a boot-CD image located somewhere in the web(dunno where now) which has memtest. If you can POST sucessfully have the disk in your DVD-drive and the rest should be self-explaining. I hope you didnt get mad at me because of my english, I hope that these tips will help ya out. if not feel free to comment ;-)

 

[AngryProphet]

Hi,

thanks, I worked it out as you said:
And yep, it seems to be the mismatch between RAM and Mainboard. I unplugged one of the two modules: worked properly. Then switched both modules: worked properly. Then put both modules in the 3. and 4. slot: worked properly... till today.

Today the same occurs as at the start, after 15 times pressing reset it bootet up properly.

Thanks for your help, when I have new RAM I´ll post my (hopefully) success.