Abit AB9 Pro - error code C1

[Vistrix]

I cant get my computer to boot into BIOS. This is a newly built PC, the error indicator on the motherboard is set to "C1" which apparently means:

Detect memory:
- Auto-detection of DRAM size, type and ECC
- Auto-detection of L2 cache ( socket 7 or below )


My computer specs:

Core 2 Duo E7400 (Brand new)
PNY Value ram PC6400 (2x2gb - brand new)
Abit AB9 Pro (Brand new)
EVGA 8800GT



What I've tried:

Resetting CMOS battery (via battery and jumper)
Removing unneccessary devices (DVD rom, all but 1 hard drive, only 1 ram piece)
Tested each ram slot with either of my sticks
Rechecked motherboard screws incase it was shorting (took whole thing out, reseated)


Any ideas?
Thanks.

[0iD]

Possibly because the CPU is unsupported on an old board like this. At least without the latest BIOS.

It's not on the supported CPU list here http://www.abit.com.tw/cpu-support-l...ab9_series.htm

[BUFF]

try with only 1 DIMM installed as C1 is usually RAM related but I also think that you are going to need to update to the latest beta BIOS (see the EO BIOS thread in the abit.care section here).

[Vistrix]

Ok thanks. I cant seem to find a beta bios in that thread for the Abit AB9 pro...

I dont have a spare Intel CPU so I guess Ill have to find one to update it.

So even though a memory error is coming up, you guys think its the CPU?

[0iD]

Well unless you have some spare ram (or are able to try it in someone else's rig) that rules out faults with what you have, it seems the most likely candidate.

[BUFF]

this is a 23beta that was meant to add 45nm support (but possibly not EO steppings)
http://nf7sextreme.lvcoyote.com/M516A_23.B01.zip

[Vistrix]

this is a 23beta that was meant to add 45nm support (but possibly not EO steppings)

Thanks alot, I'll try this out as soon as I find a cheap processor thats compatible...

I should never of switched from Gigabyte

Correct me if Im wrong, but the E7400 has a R0 stepping, not E0...?

[BUFF]

Thanks alot, I'll try this out as soon as I find a cheap processor thats compatible...

I should never of switched from Gigabyte

Correct me if Im wrong, but the E7400 has a R0 stepping, not E0...?

I think that you will find that Gigabyte's equivalent aged mobos (I think that abit stopped making AB9s over 18 months ago) don't support E7400s either.
Given that all the info about CPU support is on abit's website & it's been widely known for months that abit were out of the mobo business by the end of 2008 if you've just bought this board then imo I'm sorry but it's your own fault.
If you speak nicely to your supplier maybe they will let you swap?

if it doesn't support EOs how likely is it to support the later ROs ...?

[Vistrix]

I think that you will find that Gigabyte's equivalent aged mobos (I think that abit stopped making AB9s over 18 months ago) don't support E7400s either.
Given that all the info about CPU support is on abit's website & it's been widely known for months that abit were out of the mobo business by the end of 2008 if you've just bought this board then imo I'm sorry but it's your own fault.
If you speak nicely to your supplier maybe they will let you swap?

if it doesn't support EOs how likely is it to support the later ROs ...?

Can you suggest a board that fully supports an E7400 wolfdale out of the box? Its extremely hard to find a board that specifically says it does. If this bios update doesnt work, Ill be getting another motherboard.

The average consumer will just assume a motherboard supports most 775 socket CPUs, it seems logical...But Ive honestly heard nothing about Abit closing up, perhaps I should of done more research!

Although the reason why I got this board, was only down to its amazing price (£26 brand new in the UK - Scan deal, most places sell them for £40-100) and it seemed to support my hardware (775, PC 6400).

[BUFF]

d.

The average consumer will just assume a motherboard supports most 775 socket CPUs, it seems logical..

with Intel nothing is that simple - lots of 775 mobos didn't support the Core 2 architecture at all, some Core 2 compatible mobos didn't support Core 2 Quads when they came out, the 965 chipset doesn't officially support 1333fsb CPUs not to mention 1600fsb (I can go on & on)

But Ive honestly heard nothing about Abit closing up, perhaps I should of done more research!

mmm, yes?

Although the reason why I got this board, was only down to its amazing price (£26 brand new in the UK - Scan deal, most places sell them for £40-100) and it seemed to support my hardware (775, PC 6400).

because it's an old, long out of production mobo. It was always great value even when current but at @£26 with an appropriate CPU (say an E6600) it's a steal.

[Vistrix]

Ok just an update... It works!

Ive spent all day messing around with various problems (the board is EXTREMELY buggy), but that beta bios recognises the E7400 and fixes a few other things too!

Thanks alot guys.

Small thing though, the bios doesnt recognise the multiplier at 10.5 (it can only increment 1.0) so its stuck at 10. Its running slightly slower than it should but its no big deal.

[Broo]

I have the same problem as Vistrix. My AB9 Pro doesnt support e7400. I tried to install beta bios but I failed, so I would be very happy if someone tell me how to do it, or give me a link to the instructions. And I would prefer if it is without floppy cause I dont have it.

Thank you very much!

[mosherben]

Borrow a Socket 775 CPU and flash to the latest BIOS using usb to boot? Even a Celeron or Pentium D CPU would do the trick

[BUFF]

I tried to install beta bios but I failed, so I would be very happy if someone tell me how to do it, or give me a link to the instructions. And I would prefer if it is without floppy cause I dont have it.

http://www.theraptorpit.com/forum/in...showtopic=2628 & scroll down to via USB flash drive

[Broo]

Hi, tnx for the instructions. Last night I Flashed my bios via FlashMenu with the beta bios.
and everything went well.
when I enter my bios I says that my bios version is (i965-w627ehg-6a79la1ac-23)B01
so it looks like i manage to install beta bios, but still my E7400 C2D wont work on abit ab9pro.
Post code shows 8.7 for 10 second than 8.3 than resets it self and like that goes round and round.

Is it possible that flashManu did not install it good?

[BUFF]

The beta added support for early 45nm CPUs but I think that the E7400 was released after abit stopped work on BIOS development for the original AB9/AB9 Pro.
iirc it came out just as abit was shutting down - it's certainly not on the official CPU support list .