GA-P55A-UD3 shuts system down

[deveng]

I have a fresh build with the following:
1.  P55A-UD3  Version 2 with F10 bios
2.  CPU i7 870
3.  WD Cavier BLue Sata2 320GB (in Sata 0 port)
4.  LG DVD Sata drive (in (Sata 1 port)
5.  Mushkin DDR3 1600 RAM  2x2GB in slots 1 & 3
6.  Gigabyte NX84S  (Gefore 8400) in PCIe-16 slot
7.  Corair 750W power supply
8.  Win XP Pro (SP1a, SP2 and tried SP3)

The system is unstable and completely shuts down the computer.  It happens usually when trying to use the USB ports with a thumb drive.  But, it also happens when installing the Gigabyte drivers from the disc after the OS install or during the install of the Video card driers, or running installed apps.    I've loaded the BIOS fail-safe defaults and optimized defaults.  Same thing.  I've updated the BIOS to F11 with no change.  I've tried a different Video card brand and type, no change.  I've run Memtest on the RAM with 100% passing.  I checked the CPU temp and PS voltages, all good.  I checked the device manager and all devices report "working properly".

I've tried loading the OS and then the Gigabyte drivers as singles.  Doesn't change a thing.  I tried and external USB drive and it crashed the system as well.  After about 20 OS installs I'm at a loss at what to do next!   

Regards,
Jeff

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Jeff and welcome to the gigabyte Forum.

You seem to have been pretty thorough already.

Did you run Memtest86+ for at least 10 loops on each module independantly ?

Have you made sure all the power plugs are installed securely (8 pin 12v and 24 pin) ?

Have you checked the voltages from the PSU when in use ?

Can you try a Linux live disk ?

[absic]

Just another thing to check out. Does the system reboot if you build the PC outside of the case? If you have a short it can cause similar problems especially when attaching/removing USB Devices.

Try re-building the computer on a cardboard box and see if you still have the same problem. If you don't then check that you haven't left behind any screws or motherboard mountings underneath where the motherboard sits in the case that could be causing the problem.

[deveng]

Hey Dark,

Yes, I've monitored the voltages and they are fine (while its running anyway!).  Yes, I ran the memtest for all 10 tests for quite a while and no problems.
Both power supply cables are attached.  I've built at least 12 systems over the last 5 years and have never had this much trouble!  

The most repeatable way to crash the system is to try a USB port.  If I put in a memory stick (or an external USB drive) it sometimes finds the USB device and allows me to view.  If I then remove it (first using "safely remove hardware") and then try another port it will immeadiately shut down the system.  Sometimes if I just connect the USB device it will just crash immediately.  Also, after getting a "complete" install and loading an app, if I run the application it will cause the system to shut down as well.  

Regards,
Jeff

[deveng]

Hi Absic,

I was very careful to make sure that the correct number of standoffs were there and there was nothing behind the motherboard to short it.   Also, since the system will shut down even when not using the USB ports!  It happened during the video card driver install, it has happened during the Gigabyte driver installs, as well as using an application (not using USB).

Regards,
Jeff

[F5BJR]

*
I have found a similar problem some days with an IDE disk ( 320 go )  ::

-->  my WINXP or WIN 7 run fine with OS installed on normal disk no problem  ..

1 - i plug the IDE with SATA to IDE adapter and computer reboot when Windows detect the disk

2 - i plug the same disk with an IDE to USB adapter  .. my computer reboot also when Windows find the disk

*
Problem is with disk , virus ? --> i cannot test because the computer reboot always

Finally i have solve the problem with an old computer running WIN98 ( possible can make similar repair with Linux OS ) !!

*

WIN98 cannot find the NTFS partition and WIN98 not reboot

1 - i remove the NTFS partition with WIN98

2 - i reconnect after the disk to my WINXP computer .. fine i have not reboot at this time because cannot find the NTFS partition removed

3 - i use testdisk for find folders and restore the important files

4 - hourrah i have restored all the disk  in my computer

5 - i reformat the bad disk with WinXP and i can reuse normally , i can reinstall OS in the friend computer and restore all photos , domuments ...

6 - my friend is very happy

*

Pierre

[Dark Mantis]

Hey Dark,

Yes, I've monitored the voltages and they are fine (while its running anyway!).  Yes, I ran the memtest for all 10 tests for quite a while and no problems.
Both power supply cables are attached.  I've built at least 12 systems over the last 5 years and have never had this much trouble!  

The most repeatable way to crash the system is to try a USB port.  If I put in a memory stick (or an external USB drive) it sometimes finds the USB device and allows me to view.  If I then remove it (first using "safely remove hardware") and then try another port it will immeadiately shut down the system.  Sometimes if I just connect the USB device it will just crash immediately.  Also, after getting a "complete" install and loading an app, if I run the application it will cause the system to shut down as well.  

Regards,
Jeff

I think Pierre might have the right idea there but one thing I did think of is does it only happen with the front ports or with even the ones on the motherboard backplate?

[F5BJR]

*
problem is with all ports SATA or USB tested with 3 * computers and same problem

possible is a virus because my antivirus Windows Security Essentials has find some virus in the restored files

Pierre

[deveng]

I tried both sets of ports front and back. Same problem.  I disconnected the front ports (since they are connected with a cable. Same problem.  By the way, I've been using a USB mouse and it work fine in the USB port.   Can't be a virus as I've used different install disks!  Both are original MS licensed disks.

Regards,
Jeff

[deveng]

Ok I just pulled everything out of the case and built it on antistatic surface.  Loaded XP Pro OS, then updated to SP3.  When it rebooted from the SP3 update, a "found new hardware" balloon opened on the taskbar.......then the whole system shut down.  Tried to reboot same thing.  It has to be the motherboard!

regards,
Jeff

[Dark Mantis]

If you have made up your mind that it is the mothewrboard then you will need to RMA it. I suggest returning it to your retailer for them to arrange.

Good luck.

[deveng]

I haven't made up my mind I'm just ruling out most other possibilities.  Do you have any other suggestions as to how to diagnose the problem?  It sure does seem to be something going on with the motherboard.

[Dark Mantis]

Well I would suggest trying to boot off a Live Linux disk or even install Windows 7 and see if the problem still persists.

[F5BJR]

*
With the disk of my friend also impossible to start a new installation

If that is the same problem ( possible MBR virus )

1 - use a Linux Live Cd and remove original partition

2 - reinstall WINXP or WIN7 without partition at installation startup

also possible solution :

Start WINXP CD  installation with Recovery Console --> repair --> fixboot .. fixmbr ...

and test a new reinstallation

*

Pierre

* " Can't be a virus as I've used different install disks! "

No with a good CD you cannot install because the virus is in master boot

Question : have you tested with another harddisk ?




 

[deveng]

Here's the update.  Took the MB back to retailer and they don't have any more (except open box that I don't want).  So, I decided to try again.  I finally managed to get all the drivers installed (except the video).  Even though it crashed multiple times while installing the drivers using the provided Gigabyte driver disc,  the Device manager now shows all devices installed and working properly.  But, if I put in a thumb drive into any of the USB ports, most of the time if will completely shut the system off.   The first time I insert a thumb drive it may or may not recognize it and let me view the contents, but if I pull the stick out and retry it will crash the second time.  I can insert a USB mouse or USB keyboard into any of the ports and it recognizes and enables use, no problem. 

Secondly, it will not load the video driver.  All attempts at loading even in the safe mode, will cause the system to shut down.  When I reboot, it tries to start the new video card but soon crashes. 

Any ideas?

regards,
Jeff