PC Shutdown Caused by Incorrect AMD FX8120 to GA-78LMT-S2P Matching ?!

[1050rat]

Hi ,

I've been having problems with a brand new PC I bought from a local dealer and I am trying to rule out all possible causes before I take it back (for a second time).

During or just after login, my PC will crash which as of late I have been putting down to driver issues (even though it is a brand new build / install).

However browsing the Gigabyte site for a new BIOS update (successfully installed to F3) I noticed that my CPU specification - AMD FX8120 - was not listed for the type of motherboard I have >> http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=4125

Now I am no PC expert but alarm bells started ringing in my head. Could this be the source of the problem ? Can anyone confirm the two are compatible or otherwise and that the PC has been built correctly ?

I studied the processor spec sheets and don't notice a big difference between them and those listed other than maybe power supply which is listed confusingly at 95/125W ? Although I fully understand we are talking very sensitive microprocessors here and not lightbulbs when it comes to these things ie. you can't just plug one in an expect it to work !

Any help gratefully appreciated.


Regards,

1050rat

[autotech]

Welcome to the Gigabyte Forum if the processor isnt listed then it isnt supported. And that one isnt listed. Sometimes they will still work but alot of time upon boot it will not load windows or just crash. You might want to email Gigabyte support and see if they have a bios that will let that chip work.

[1050rat]

Hi autotech

Thanks for the welcome, your reply and suggestion. I have already sent an e-mail to Gigabyte but only to confirm the wrong specs have been installed. I was not aware a different BIOS might make things work ?

However, considering the PC is almost brand new and still within warranty I think I'll take it back to the shop - for the second time - and get them to install a compatible motherboard ! 

<crosses fingers and walks of mumbling>

[autotech]

Sounds like a good plan after all they should of tested it before sale anyway. Good luck

[1050rat]

Hi autotech,

I got a response from my dealer who, like you suggested "the BIOS will need updated to fully support the FX processor that is on board. If you struggle to install the update you can always pop it into us and we'll do it."

Just so I am clear about this I have already iinstalled the latest F3 BIOS but you both appear to be suggesting a different BIOS say lifted from a motherboard that is compatible with the CPU ? Can you confirm ?

I have already told them I have the latest BIOS and requested clarification on which update they suggest I will let you know. I have said I want a new compatible motherboard instead as this all sounds like nothing more than a compromise !

Response from Gigabyte awaited.

Cheers

1050rat

[absic]

Hi there,

do not use a BIOS for a different, though similar board as it could cause a lot more problems, if it even installs.

I think, what Autotech is suggesting about a BIOS update, is to see if Tech Support have a beta version which includes support for your CPU or, if there is one in the pipeline.

That said, I'm surprised that a shop sold you a PC with an unsupported processor and would have thought that this is a basic thing to get right on their behalf and it makes one wonder if they really know what they're doing!  

[klh591]

a BIOS change will not work. The FX-8120 that AMD sells is the 125W version.  Your motherboard maximum is 95W processors.
I can't find ANY evidence from AMD or anyone else that the 95W version of the FX8120 has ever been available to end-users.
To use your 125W version you will need a 900 series chipset motherboard for best results.

[1050rat]

Hi klh591 & absic

I got a reply from the shop today suggesting a BIOS update based on a ver 3 board whereas I have ver 5 (different BIOS versions exist) !!

Interesting point on processor wattage as all I could see reviewing the specs was a sort of either or rating of 95/125W so I wasn't too clear which one I had. This could explain the "outages" at first boot or shortly thereafter as I am guessing like a car on cold start the CPU is drawing most power then ?

I also got the "this is the first time this has happened story and we build lots of these" line - very disappointing - coupled with reasoning for the CPU not being listed as supported as Gigabyte's website not being up to date. You wonder if these guys know what they are doing - I think I've got the answer !

Despite strongly hinting that I wanted a new motherboard they now want to examine the blue screen codes first (which I've sent although I'm convinced this is no longer a software / driver conflict issue). I also asked them to get Gigabyte to confirm in writing this CPU and board are compatible and that their website is merely out of date (I accept there is an outside chance this is correct).

I'll keep you informed of the ongoing saga.

Cheers

1050rat

PS. Did I tell you when I first bought this PC I was running an AMD FX8150 on it (at an extra upgrade cost) ? When I got it back it after I sent it back to the shop the first time it had been downgraded to a AMD FX8120 without my knowledge. I had 30 BSOD's in that week alone !

PPS. Does anyone know if any other sensitive components may have been damaged by this mismatch of motherboard and CPU (or the first one for that matter) ?

[Vezina]

Using this mobo + CPU combination is dangerous.
Get a proper motherboard ,based on the AMD 9xx chipset series

You may end up with a dead mobo , CPU ,etc depending on different factors.

[Ripshod]

I'm sure there's some consumer protection thingy. You bought a working PC with an FX8150 - that's not working. FX8150 and that board won't work. They should either supply what you paid for or give you your money back (all of it).
 If I'm wrong then what the heck is happening to the world?

[1050rat]

OK guys I have my PC back now with a new motherboard which supports my CPU. It's the GA-78LMT-USB3 - but, horror of horrors, it has not stopped the shutdowns at bootup!

What the heck could it be causing this ? A faulty PSU ? The board is paired with a Corsair 430w 80+ so it should be getting enough juice right ? (My graphics card is an AMD HD7750).

PC is certainly quieter than it was before / running better but is still not "cured" 100%.

Any thoughts ? Could it be something to do with motherboard's in built protection I have read about ? Can this be disabled ?

Any help welcome!

Regards,

1050rat

 

[absic]

well the user manual for this motherboard states:

To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high
power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the
required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.

So it could well be a power issue that is causing your problems and I have seen similar issues on other PC's because of this. Do you have access to a more powerful PSU to test with?

If the BIOS is set mainly to the default settings (no major tweaking for RAM, CPU etc) then there should not be a problem due to power saving features and I would not recommend disabling anything at this stage until you know what exactly is causing the problem as you may cause damage to your hardware if there is a fault there.

What RAM are you using? Shutdowns during BOOT can often be caused by memory issues. These can be speed, timings, faulty modules etc. so are not always easy to fault find. If possible run MemTest 86 for several passes (time consuming but necessary to throw up any faults) to eliminate faulty modules.

[autotech]

Just to add to Absic's thoughts, you did buy it from a local return it for them to fix. Shouldn't be a charge hopefully.