GA-990FXA-UD3 AMD 990FX - 2 questions.

[Mrtibbs]

I have purchhased the below parts

Bulldozer FX-4 Quad Core 4100
Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 AMD 990FX (Socket AM3+) Motherboard
Gigabyte GeForce GT 430 OC 1024MB GDDR3
Corsair Vengeance Blue 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800 C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit


2 quick questions


1) I am getting no POST and is this because i need to update the bios first to enable the MOBO to recognise the Bulldozer chip. If so can is there any way of getting round this as unitl i start the computer i cant change bios (new computer build)
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,7133.0.html

2) i am right in saying that although you need a bulldozer CPU to use faster Ram types than 1600MHz, it will still work fine with lesser types of ram (the one i have chosen.


If question 1 is right then how am i meant to get round this? surely they would have planned and known this would cause a lot of problems for users and buying and old CPU just to get  the new one to work?

All help is much appreciated!

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome.

The answer I am sure  is yes you will need to update the BIOS before the motherboard will accept the BullDozer chip. If you post the revision number of your motherboard I can check 100% for you. This means using a supported (older) CPU to run the update first. You can borrow one if possible or you can probably get a local computer store to flash the file for you for a small consideration normally.

The slower memory will run fine.

[Mrtibbs]

Thank you for the help.

Rev is 1.0 so i assume this is on the F1 bios and it needs upgrading to F3??

Also can you comfirm that only the one long power supply needs to be connected for full power to be sent to the MOBO from the power supply, as there is there another power supply conecter (i think near the CPU and to the best of my knowledge either a 6 or 8 pin connecter.

My power supply is 2 conncters short so does this mean i am using the wrong power supply? or is the one one power supply sonnection all i need.


Thank you

[absic]

Hi there,

Yes, the BIOS will probably need to be updated to support the Bulldozer FX Processor.

You need to connect the PSU to the 24 PIN ATX and the 8 PIN connector near the CPU before the CPU will power up.

[Dark Mantis]

My power supply is 2 conncters short so does this mean i am using the wrong power supply? or is the one one power supply sonnection all i need.

If you mean by that that you have a lead there with a six pin plug on the end that is for the graphics card not the 12v ATX connection near the CPU. You will need an adapter or change the PSU.

[Mrtibbs]

Bought an apapter for the other power supply part and now when I turn it on I get noting. No fans, no power, nothing. Where as before I at least had the processor fan and case fan working.

Any suggestions?

I was super careful with the build, am sure its not shorting out anywhere and don't know where to go next?

Really appreciate the help guys. I just want this sorted asap.

[Dark Mantis]

From the sound of things the adapter you have installed is the wrong part or at least connected to the wrong cables. What PSU make and model are you trying to use ?

[Mrtibbs]

Its a CIT 230 volt 550w PSU.

Model is 550UT

That's all its got on the PSU.

So you suggest getting a newer one?

Also it does say pentium P4 on the side but I have been using this for my old Athlon 2800 which I know is accient. Do you think think this could be the issue?

[absic]

Hi again,

yes, the PSU could well  be the issue and I have come across several CIT units that have been brand new and haven't worked.

[Mrtibbs]

You guys are so helpful!!!

Any suggestions on some decent brand PSUs around the 30 quid mark?

Promise I will stop hassling you soon!!!

[Dark Mantis]

Don't bother trying to find a 30 sh PSU.  Never buy a cheap and nasty power supply they can go wrong and take out all you other expensive components at the same time. Not only that just because it is marked 500w or 600W often they are nowhere near that rating. Purchase a good make like Seasonic, CWT, Corsair, Thermaltake, Enermax, Gigabyte, Coolermaster, Antec, etc and try and get one with a single 12V rail if possible. I would advise you to get one of about 650W minimum depending on your hardware demands.

[Mrtibbs]

Ok. Got new power supply(corsair CX600) and now i have just stared it up.

I get no bios splash screen but now graphics card fan spins and I get power to the motherboard.

But it seems to be trying to POST, but it just seems to be going round in a loop and not getting there. I assume this is because I need to update bios for bulldozer MB? So I guess all I have to do is deal with that and it should work.?

[absic]

yes, if the BIOS isn't recognising the CPU it can result in the system going into a loop as you describe.

Are you getting any POST beeps from the motherboard speaker?

[Mrtibbs]

Nope. No Post. Is this normal?

 

[absic]

Silly question but have you attached a motherboard speaker?