No Beeps, no post, no display GA-990FXA-UD3 MOBO

[absic]

Hi again,

part of the problem is that these motherboards were released quite sometime before the Bulldozer FX CPU's came out and therefore needed a BIOS update once the final CPU code for the AM3+ Processors came along. I agree, that this should have been made clearer in the details for the motherboards.

The inability to run new processors without a BIOS update is quite common and applies to all motherboard manufacturer's. I have encountered this issue on a variety of boards and learnt  long ago to keep a low end CPU just for the purpose of updating BIOS. Only problem with this is, I have to keep checking which of the cheaper CPU's are supported to make sure I have one that will work.  

[jimdot]

Absic, It has been suggested to me to purchase the AMD Sempron 130 Sargas for 30 bucks over at NewEgg to get me thru this. Could I get your opinion?

Thanks again for all the correspondence & helping me out with this problem today. You have been a real help. It's been an education for me that's for sure.

Have a super day!!!
Jim

[absic]

Hi Jim,

sorry to say that the Sempron 130 is not a supported CPU for your motherboard. If you could get a Sempron 140 that would work.

For a full list of supported CPU's check Here: http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3894 you need one that will work with the F1 BIOS (your motherboard was probably shipped with F2 BIOS)

You do need to weigh up the cost of a "spare" CPU against the possible cost of getting it done by a local store or the free option of borrowing an AMD CPU from a freind.

[jimdot]

Dark Mantis,
I hear what your saying, but I don't know anyone who would have an AM3 sockit CPU to borrow from.

[jimdot]

Absic,
I found a reliable local store that said they could do it for me Monday for $34.00. Doesn't sound too bad. Once the BIOS is updated I shouln't have any problems with future BIOS updates, correct?

[absic]

Hi Jim,

Yes, once the BIOS has been updated you should be fine. I would recommend syncing the Back-up BIOS chip so they both have the same version, just in case there are any issues in the future and you need to use the back-up version.

To synch the BIOS chip, once you have the system up and running you will need to start up the PC and press the "ALT+F12" keys immediately, in the same way that you would enter BIOS. This make take several attempts before the key strokes are registered and, if possible, it is better to do this using a P/S2 keyboard rather than a USB one. When the process starts it is automatic and you just need to follow the on-screen instructions.

To check the BIOS versions on the two BIOS chips, go to the BIOS Home screen and then press the F9 key, this brings up a sub-menu (read only) which will give you this information along with other system details.

[jimdot]

Well I BIG thanks once again, Absic!! What is you background if you don't mind that I ask? Mine was Software Develpement for 37 years amongst be 2nd level tech support all corporate windows desktop along with being a part time as needed DBA.

[absic]

No problem with asking but not sure if you will believe the answer. 

I'm self taught and got into building PC's because I wanted to set-up a home recording studio and was sold a lump of doggy doo doo that was supposed to be perfect for what I wanted. It cost me nearly £2,500 and was hopeless and was no more than what I would consider a fairly good Home/Office PC. I met a guy and he told me I would do better to build my own and that he would help me, which he did and I have never looked back.  He now telephones and ask me for advice! 

[jimdot]

Another question about BIOS updates. I am assuming that each version encompases all previous versions. Would that be correct?

Absic. I believe you. Much of what I have learned over the years has been through the technique of "Baptism by fire"!! 

[Dark Mantis]

Yes each BIOS update has all the best bitsa of the versions before it. There is no need to update in a version by version manor, however if you have to make a big jump between two versions then it is a good idea to make it in a couple of stages.

Learning from your mistakes is the only real way to learn. That way the knowledge sticks much more than what has been learnt from a book.

[absic]

Hi Jim,

yes, you are almost correct about BIOS updates encompassing previous versions. Sometimes though, when a BIOS is updated certain features can be removed or altered. A lot depends on the revisions being made and the amount of space on the BIOS chip.

[jimdot]

Next question please. How are BIOS updates applied if you have no OS to execute them from?

[Dark Mantis]

It is best to use the BIOS utility QFlash to run the update. This will work on it's own without the need for an OS. In fact this way is far superior to the @BIOS program which is the OS version of the update utility. In fact we are always trying to steer people away from using @BIOS because of it's apptitude to fail and cause corrupted BIOSes.

[absic]

As DM has said we always recommend using QFlash or FLASHSPI for updating the BIOS. If you're not sure of how to update the BIOS using QFlash check out the FAQ found here: http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,2441.msg13929.html#msg13929 which goes through the process.

[jimdot]

Okay. Got it. Thanks again to Absic & Dark Mantis for all the help