GA-MA770-UD3 rev2.0 does not get to post screen.

[deejayburnout]

Good evening Peeps

Hello everyone, a newbie here so please be gentle.

I have recently purchased a GA-MA770-UD3 rev 2.0 to replace my GA-M68SM-SL2 as i need a PCI-E 2.0 slot for a new GPU as Skyrim is out soon and need a better card than i have. Rather get it on my PC than 360

my existing rig is

GA-M68SM-SL2 mobo
AMD Phenom X4 9650, 2300 MHz - Agena
2 x A-Data DQVE1B16 2GB DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM - 800MHZ
nVIDIA 8600GT 512MB
Soundblaster Audigy 4
OCZ Vertex 2 SSD running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
650w PSU

Now after much investigation, the GA-MA770-UD3 was the only board that will allow me to use all my existing components and give the option to upgrade my CPU, memory and GPU to more modern spec.

The GA-MA770-UD3 arrived today and i swapped over all the kit. Powered up and no post screen. nothing Argh

Tried all the usual,

1. remove all components and add one by one -  no luck
2. clear the CMOS via jumper - no luck
3. clear the CMOS via unplugging mains from PSU, discharging capacitors, pulling battery, shorting battery terminals and waiting for an hour - no luck
4. put in 1 stick of ram in each slot in turn - no luck
5. Put the mobo on the box and booted it. - no luck

The buzzer sound makes 1 long beep followed by 8 or 9 ( too bloody fast to tell ) beeps. Using the manual, looks to be a BIOS ROM error.

One thing i noticed is that my PSU only has a 4 pin plug for the CPU ( 12v ATX if i am correct ), and the mobo has a slot for 8pins. Could this be the problem.

I don't know the BIOS Version as it will not post, however the website states that my CPU is supported from the first BIOS for the mobo

The board was sold to me as un-used and it looks to be in great condition.i am a electrician so i know all the stuff to look for.

Can anyone please help as it either i get this fixed or its Skyrim for the Xbox 360.  

Cheers

Chris

[absic]

Hi Chris,

Don't you just love a challenge for the weekend?

One thing i noticed is that my PSU only has a 4 pin plug for the CPU ( 12v ATX if i am correct ), and the mobo has a slot for 8pins. Could this be the problem.

This should not be a major problem but you need to make sure that you have plugged the 4 Pin part from your PSU into the correct part of the 8 Pin socket If you have the User Manual check page 22, it needs to go into the upper half of the connector nearest the CPU pin numbers 3,4,7 & 8. You can buy an adaptor such as this: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/akasa-4pin-to-8pin-atx-psu-black-braid-sleeve-adapter-cable to overcome any problems.

If possible try another PSU, just to make sure that this isn't the cause of the problem. What may seem like a perfectly good PSU in one machine may not be as good as you think and, overtime, PSU power output drops.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

The 12v ATX connection could quite possibly be the problem as in theory it shouldn't and should work ok with just a 4 pin plug as long as it is in the correct socket but I have known in the past where the board just wouldn't work or at least not stably without all 8 pins connected. I would certainly tackle this problem first.

[deejayburnout]

Thanks for your help guys.

The 4 pin plug is plugged into the the top half of the 8 pin socket.

My PSU is rather old and possibly could be an issue.

Luckly i have a spare case so i will get a new PSU and build the mobo up in there and try again.

[Dark Mantis]

I think that is the best option and in the long run too it is invaluable to have a good quality PSU supplying your requirements as you would be surprised at how many problems we see that are caused by old or rubbish PSUs. The trouble is they often not only fail themselves but take other components with them and can result in a very expensive repair bill. Better to buy a quality PSU in the first place.

[deejayburnout]

You are right there.

[deejayburnout]

Question

From others previous experience, would a incompatable CPU give me the problem of not getting to the post screen? If all my components were ok and the bios version was outdated, would my problem be the outcome i seem to be having.

i am looking at getting a sempron 2800+ to test my mobo anyways.

Just been thinking about this

[absic]

Hi again,

looking at the CPU support list for the GA-MA770-UD3 here: http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3097 your Phenom 9650 should be supported from the first version of the BIOS which is FA so this probably isn't the cause of your problem.

Also, looking at the CPU Support list it would seem as if the Sempron 2800+ is not a supported processor so getting one probably wouldn't help in troubleshooting.

[deejayburnout]

I was thinking that my phenom was supported out of the box but i just thought i would maybe try a sempron. Thanks for the advice.

Got a 4 pin to 8 pin adaptor on its way from eBay so will try that when it arrives with my existing PSU and see if that makes a difference.

If not, a new PSU will have to be bought.

[Dark Mantis]

Question

From others previous experience, would a incompatable CPU give me the problem of not getting to the post screen? If all my components were ok and the bios version was outdated, would my problem be the outcome i seem to be having.

i am looking at getting a sempron 2800+ to test my mobo anyways.

Just been thinking about this

Youi have already had the result of this but just to answer your question and for anyone else whoi might read it you would get any sort of effect from absolutely no boot at all to a partly working system. It would depend entirely on the individual circumstances.

Hope this clears it up anyway.

[deejayburnout]

I have been speaking to the IT guy at work and he says my problem could be incompatable memory.

Even thought the Mobo supports my Memory in the sense of DDR2 and 800mhz, it might not support my brand.

From his experience, if a mobo has memory installed that isnt correct, it will not POST.

Got a new PSU so going to try that this weekend, just wish i had some other memeory to try as well.

[Vezina]

Your issue can be due to a broken CPU socket as well.
Do you feel ,while securing the CPU ,that the socket "catches" the CPU ?!

Try (with the board in horizontal position of course) ,booting with the cooler on the CPU ,but without securing it.Just make sure it seats on the CPU.See what happens.

[deejayburnout]

Never really noticed to be honest

will check as soon as possible.

What could cause it to break??

Update 20:05 - just looked at my socket and it LOOKS ok. no obvious signs of damage. will need to try processor in it.

[deejayburnout]

Tis a sad day

I got stuck into my mobo and found the problem.

I built the mob up with GPU and memory on the box and plugged in all fans, fitted my new PSU and the machine wouldn't POST.

However, it went from 1 long 8 short to 1 long 2 short, and according to my manual, thats a monitor or GPU problem.

Now i know my GPU and monitors are fine so i had a closer look at the PCI-E slot. Now its right next to the Northbridge and it looks like its had some heat damage to it. Also the little clip that should be there to lock the card in is missing.

It looks to me like something has happened to the PCI slot and the mobo is now knackered.

Now this board was bought off ebay as un-used and the seller will not take it back. 

Looks like i have a duff board and now i am out of pocket.

Few Questions

1. Can i RMA it?

2. How do i tell if its still under warranty.

3. How far will it fly if i throw it.

[Dark Mantis]

Your motherboard should be under warranty for three years from the date of manufacture. Whether Gigabyte will cover it because of the damage I am not sure but you can only ask.

You cannot tell but the date is encoded into the serial number sticker.

I am not sure about their airworthiness or general aeronautical prowess!

This is the address to contact Gigabyte about an RMA.

returns@gbt-tech.co.uk RMA section UK