Q6600 Posts to Splash Screen and Stops on G31M-ES2L Motherboard

[DerekL]

Hi There...
I'm new to this Forum so I hope I am following protocol here.
Here is my issue:
I'm replacing a Core 2 Duo E660 processor with a Core 2 Duo Quad Q6600 processor on a G31M-ES2L Motherboard.
When I attempt to start I get to the Start-up Splash Screen and everything stops.

It gives me the CPU information followed by CPUID06FB Patch ID:00B6.
It just hangs there until I power off.

I was able to get to the Bios Screen once, but that has been it.
That was only after unplugging, shorting the CMOS and pulling the battery from the Motherboard.
Attempts to duplicate this have failed.

Since it is reading the processor and I was able to get into the BIOS once and the CPU was recognized, I'm not sure what I can do to get this to a successful Boot.
I believe the CPU is in working condition.
Has anyone else come across an issue similar to this?

The Hardware Config is as follows:
G31M-ES2L
Q6600 CPU @ 2.4GHZ
ATI HD 4670 PCI Video Card
Seagate 500 MB SATA HDD

Thanx
  Derek

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[Dark Mantis]

Hi Derek and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

A couple of questions first i'm afraid.

What PSU are you using and how old is it ?

What memory do you have installed and in what slots ?

Have you tried changing the motherboard battery ? It will be a CR2032.

[DerekL]

Hi Dark Mantis.
Thanx for the prompt response.

The memory I am running is 2X2 sticks of HYNIX DDR2 6400.
There are only 2 memory slots on the MB.
The power supply is a Dynex 500 watt PS.
It is about 6 months old.

I have not tried replacing the Battery yet, but I will certainly give that a try.
I'll let you know the results.
Thanx
 Derek

[DerekL]

I tried replacing the battery but received the same results.
Here is a screen shot of where it is freezing.
Thanx
  Derek

[Dark Mantis]

I think the next step would be to do an extended CMOS clear. Please follow these instructions.

Remove the power cable from the mains supply and then press the power switch on the case for a few seconds just to drain any residual energy in the PSU capacitors.

Once done remove the motherboard battery overnight before replacing it.
 
Next plug back into the mains supply and boot.
 
You will now need to enter the BIOS by pressing DEL and load Opimised BIOS Defaults.

Make any other changes to the BIOS settings to suit your self like disabling the floppy drive, disabling the full screen logo and making the HDD the primary boot device and then press F10 to save and exit.

[DerekL]

Hi Dark Mantis...
I tried as you suggested unplugging the PSU, holding the Power on Button on the computer to clear any residual power and pulled the Battery out.
I left it over night and started up the machine this morning and received the same results.
I pressed the DEL key at start up and I got the same screen except a message saying 'Prepare To Enter Setup' was displayed and it froze.
I'm getting to the point where I feel like tossing the Q6600 CPU out the window!!!

Any other ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.
Am I the only one out here experiencing this problem?
Thanx
  Derek

[Dark Mantis]

It is more likely then that your new CPU isn't supported by your present BIOS version. If you go here and click on the motherboard revision you have you will be taken to the boards screen where you can see what BIOS you need to run that processor.

http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/download-center.aspx?kw=G31M-ES2L&ck=

[DerekL]

I am running with BIOS version FI which according to the Gigabyte Website is the latest version for Rev 2.3.
Does this mean I need to regress the BIOS level I am running?
Thanx
 Derek

[Dark Mantis]

No according to the list you processor needs FC or newer to be supported so there  shouldn't be any problem with that.

If you replace your original CPU does it work fine still ?

[DerekL]

Dark Mantis...
I put the E6600 CPU back in this morning and it booted up right away.
I did have to go into the BIOS and configure for the CPU change, but I am up and running.
Looks like there is some sort of compatibility issue between my MB and the Q6600.
I just cannot get a clean Boot.
Thanx for all your suggestions...
 Derek   

[Dark Mantis]

Yes I figured that was the problem Derek, but why is another matter. According to the website the new processor should be supported ok.