GA-990FXA-UD7 No POST LCD OO then 88

[MauriceTSC]

New build issues. Installed CPU (FX-8150), 1 stick of RAM, 1 video card, HD, & PSU. Sounds like it's trying to boot, but cycling. The LCD reads "00" then "88" with about 2 seconds between sets of numbers. I'm just trying to get it in to the BIOS. The 24 pin connector, 8 pin connector, & SATA power connector are all plugged in to the MB & PSU. That's all 3 points of power supply to the MB covered. What does the way the MB is acting & the LCD readout bouncing between the 2 sets of numbers mean?

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Well the first thing is to make sure that you have a BIOS that supports your processor installed as nothing will work properly if not. From the information you have given you need at least the F4 version.

http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3880

Next make sure that the memory is in the first slot DDR3_0

Make sure that you have the CPU, cooler, RAM, PSU, speaker, keyboard and mouse connected as this is the minimum components that are required to boot. You can add the GPU also if you want to.  If everything is working then you should get a single beep at the end to signify POST completed.

[MauriceTSC]

Hi

Well the first thing is to make sure that you have a BIOS that supports your processor installed as nothing will work properly if not. From the information you have given you need at least the F4 version.

http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3880

 I had the thought the CPU & BIOS might not match, but it is unknown because I can't access the BIOS screen to check the version.

Next make sure that the memory is in the first slot DDR3_0

The slots on this MB are labeled DDR3_4, DDR3_3, DDR3_2, & DDR3_1, with DDR3_4 being the position closest to the CPU socket. Which slot is preferred?

Make sure that you have the CPU, cooler, RAM, PSU, speaker, keyboard and mouse connected as this is the minimum components that are required to boot. You can add the GPU also if you want to.  If everything is working then you should get a single beep at the end to signify POST completed.

I'm going to try another keyboard & mouse combo this time.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Well the first thing is to make sure that you have a BIOS that supports your processor installed as nothing will work properly if not. From the information you have given you need at least the F4 version.

http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3880

I had the thought the CPU & BIOS might not match, but it is unknown because I can't access the BIOS screen to check the version.

There is no easy way to know until you put in a supported CPU.

Next make sure that the memory is in the first slot DDR3_0

The slots on this MB are labeled DDR3_4, DDR3_3, DDR3_2, & DDR3_1, with DDR3_4 being the position closest to the CPU socket. Which slot is preferred?

The first one is DDR3_1

Make sure that you have the CPU, cooler, RAM, PSU, speaker, keyboard and mouse connected as this is the minimum components that are required to boot. You can add the GPU also if you want to.  If everything is working then you should get a single beep at the end to signify POST completed.


I'm going to try another keyboard & mouse combo this time.

Good idea. If possible try using a PS2 keyboard rather than USB. That way you don't have any problems with legacy USB devices.

[MauriceTSC]

There is no easy way to know until you put in a supported CPU.

I pulled a 1090T from the system I'm typing from & installed that. Same result. No changes to the LCD readout. Is it possible a Phenom II X4 955 would be more compatible than the 6-core? That would entail another purchase.

The first one is DDR3_1

DDR3_1 is the slot closest to the 24 pin power connector according to the GB manual. Should I use that slot or another one?

Good idea. If possible try using a PS2 keyboard rather than USB. That way you don't have any problems with legacy USB devices.

Unfortunately I only have USB keyboards on hand. Would a PS2 adapter work? Can you buy a PS2 KB today?

[MarkJohnson]

It sounds like you have a short somewhere.  I got the error 88 code before and it was from having a loose screw underneath my MB I didn't catch.  Try removing the motherboard and test it on a bench.

 I don't know if you need the extra MB power connector.  It is just for crossfire video cards so each card gets it's full voltage.  I'm surprised to even see it anymore.  It used to be on a lot of boards when crossfire first came out.  Test with and without is to make sure there is nothing wrong with it as it should be fine without it.

Also, that 1090T should be fine.  It was released before that motherboard, so it shouldn't be a CPU issue.

also, what board are you using currently?  Does it have a newer BIOS for Bulldozer support?  A lot of older boards are getting BIOS updates for Bulldozer lately.

Luck
-=Mark=-

[MauriceTSC]

It sounds like you have a short somewhere.  I got the error 88 code before and it was from having a loose screw underneath my MB I didn't catch.  Try removing the motherboard and test it on a bench.

I've bench tested it out of the case. Same issue. If it's a short, it has nothing to do with the case. 

I don't know if you need the extra MB power connector.  It is just for crossfire video cards so each card gets it's full voltage.  I'm surprised to even see it anymore.  It used to be on a lot of boards when crossfire first came out.  Test with and without is to make sure there is nothing wrong with it as it should be fine without it.

I've done both & there isn't a change in the LCD, though it may have an effect on a running board.

Also, that 1090T should be fine.  It was released before that motherboard, so it shouldn't be a CPU issue..

I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy another CPU to flash the BIOS. I'm still not 100% sure on that because I'm running out of options.

also, what board are you using currently?  Does it have a newer BIOS for Bulldozer support?  A lot of older boards are getting BIOS updates for Bulldozer lately..

Do you mean what revision of the MB? It's a revision 1.1 according to the label on the box. I have no idea what BIOS is on board because I can't get in to the BIOS to find out.

[MarkJohnson]

I meant the 1090T board you are using to type this message.

[MauriceTSC]

I meant the 1090T board you are using to type this message.

ASUS Crosshair IV Formula. All of the FX processors are BETA BIOS support only.  There's also an issue with supplying enough power to run the FX on the CHIV. There were reports of melting power connectors. The new CHV has an extra power supply connector on the MB that isn't on the CHIV. Perhaps that's why the BIOS has been a BETA for 6-7 months? It's not worth the possibility of destroying a MB to test the FX-8150 on the CHIV.

[MarkJohnson]

I understand your concern.  But usually the people having these meltdowns are overclockers pushing it hard.  at stock speeds I'm sure you'd be fine.  but if you don't feel comfortable doing it, by all means, don't let me talk you into it.

At this point it seems like it is a motherboard issue.  Maybe a BIOS issue, but doubtful since your 1090T isn't working either.

Maybe a return or rma?  Try calling Gigabyte tech support?

also, with 1090T, did you try unplugging the psu from the unit, pulling battery, and clearing the cmos for atleast 10min (overnight would be better) in case the BIOS is locked up?  Sometimes the jumper isn't enough.  would be worth a try to hopefully avoid an RMA and the several weeks wait.

Luck
-=Mark=-

[MauriceTSC]

I understand your concern.  But usually the people having these meltdowns are overclockers pushing it hard.  at stock speeds I'm sure you'd be fine.  but if you don't feel comfortable doing it, by all means, don't let me talk you into it.

There's one other major issue with flashing the BIOS. The BETA BIOS only works for the AM3+ CPU. I can't flash it to that BIOS, test the FX, then pull it & install the 1090T. I would have to flash back to the BIOS I have now. If the 8150 is defective, there is no way to flash the MB back to use the 1090T. At that point I'm down 2 systems.

At this point it seems like it is a motherboard issue.  Maybe a BIOS issue, but doubtful since your 1090T isn't working either.

I'm leaning that way, but still not sure the 1090T is the CPU I should use to test it.

Maybe a return or rma?  Try calling Gigabyte tech support?

It's almost time to put support in to play, but want to exhaust every other option first.

also, with 1090T, did you try unplugging the psu from the unit, pulling battery, and clearing the cmos for atleast 10min (overnight would be better) in case the BIOS is locked up?  Sometimes the jumper isn't enough.  would be worth a try to hopefully avoid an RMA and the several weeks wait.

It's sat overnight unplugged from the wall with the power drained by pushing on the start button for 30 seconds. I used the clear CMOS button, but will have to dig up a jumper to try clearing with the pins on the board.

[MauriceTSC]

I found a jumper that will work, & also pulled the BIOS battery. While it was out I tested it, 3.15v, so another possible issue is eliminated. I'll let it sit until I have something else that is feasible to try out.

[MarkJohnson]

Your 1090T is fully supported for that motherboard since it was released as the chip is older than your motherboard.  The CPU list even says BIOS F2 is needed which is the first BIOS for that motherboard.

It seems much more than a CPU issue anyway.  It isn't even getting to the CPU test yet.  It errors immediately which is the PCI lanes.  Maybe remove all cards from pci/pcie slots and see if error is same?  usually a CPU incompatibility is error 55.

Usually an 88 error is an electrical short since it errors immediately or bad pci/pcie card/lanes.

Try the jumper and pray it is just a locked-up BIOS.

If not, good luck with tech support.  I've had good luck with Gigabyte tech support.
-=Mark=-

[MauriceTSC]

Your 1090T is fully supported for that motherboard since it was released as the chip is older than your motherboard.  The CPU list even says BIOS F2 is needed which is the first BIOS for that motherboard.

Tried an AM3 955 X4 BE CPU 10 minutes ago. Another fail. I'd rule out it being a CPU issue at this point.

It seems much more than a CPU issue anyway.  It isn't even getting to the CPU test yet.  It errors immediately which is the PCI lanes.  Maybe remove all cards from pci/pcie slots and see if error is same?  usually a CPU incompatibility is error 55. Usually an 88 error is an electrical short since it errors immediately or bad pci/pcie card/lanes.

I'll try that later today. Hungry & tired right now.

Try the jumper and pray it is just a locked-up BIOS.

I left the battery out & the jumper hooked up for almost 6 hours. Pulled the jumper, reinstalled the battery, installed the 955, hooked everything up again, & gave it a go. It now doesn't even do the continuous cycling. It just flashes the LCD real fast, gets the fans spinning, then powers completely off.

This is the first MB I can remember that doesn't have a 3 pin BIOS jumper set-up. I'm used to it being with a jumper always in place, on either pins 1&2, or 2&3, depending on if the BIOS is being used, or being reset.

If not, good luck with tech support.  I've had good luck with Gigabyte tech support.

I'll start the process of dealing with them later today.

[MarkJohnson]

Yeah, I think I'd stop testing before something dies.  Hopefully you have a return window still open.

That two-pin clear cmos jumper has been in effect for a while with Gigabyte.  I remember a few boards ago I got one that looked like it had 3 pin, but it was a jumper only connected to one one pin.  Now they don't seem to even put pins on anymore.

also, what psu do you have?  I've seen similar things happen on low quality and low power PSUs before.  I just assumed a short as I had when I got the error code 88 before.

-=Mark=-