Abit Ab9 Quad GT boot problems

[format]

System -

Abit AB9 Quad GT
Core 2 Duo E6750 @ 2.66 + Arctic Cooling AC-FRZ-7P Freezer 7 Pro

Nvidia 8600GT 512mb + zalman vf1000
2 x 1GB Geil Black Dragon memory, 800mhz
750W PSU
2 x 80 GB Hitachi SATA


After putting this stuff together for the first time, I tried to install windows.
Every time I tried it would get to 'inspecting your computer's hardware configuration', then reboot, repeat.
After digging around the tubes looking for a solution, I discovered my board apparantly has an issue with SATA drives, and needs a bios update to work.
So, after a flash, my computer now refuses to boot at all, and I get the POST code C1...
I think it's a memory issue but can anyone help?

[ABIT Sean]

Remove 1 stick of memory, clear the cmos and try again.

Its more than likely to do with the DDR2 voltages being to low.

[format]

Yeah I should have mentioned that I tried that already.
I think the problem is due to the rated voltage on the sticks being 2 (or 2.2, can't remember atm).
But obv I can't get into BIOS to change it.
I ordered a replacement BIOS chip today, will that sort it?

Thanks

[EtheAv8r]

Having flashed the new BIOS - have you then Reset CMOS?

I have had 4 of these boards some with the original ist issue shipping BIOS - and the SATA 'issues' have not prevented installing Windows on a single HD, they are assoiciated with SATA Optical plus RAID/AHCI problems, which require particular BIOS versions to work.

[format]

Yeah, I reset the CMOS, removed the battery and everything - no joy.

Help me

[0iD]

I had this with mine, turned out to be faulty ram after going thro it component by component. Try one stick & then the other. Plus, on the offchance it could be both sticks, can you get someone to test the ram for you. Luckily I got mine from Scan & rma'd it & got it replaced.

[format]

It's brand new ram though... but if my new bios chip doesn't sort it then I'm taking the buggers back.
Cheers, I'll let you know

[0iD]

Yup, mine was brand new, straight out of the wrapper & into the board. It pays to cover all the bases, s'all. Could be a duff motherboard, ram, cpu etc.
Still, hope the new BIOS chip works, got a proper chip removal tool thingy? They're swines to remove & replace.

[format]

to quote someone from somewhere

An unfolded paperclip will be ok

Would it damage the slot to remove it with that?

[Richh]

You shouldn't damage anything by removing the BIOS chip in that way, provided you're not ham-fisted. Get yourself a reasonably substantial paperclip, or similar steel wire, and put a 90 degree bend in it, with about 3-4mm of wire on the "short" side of the bend.

Removal/refitting should be obvious but ask if there's anything you need to know. Make sure you ground yourself on your PC case before starting, just in case you're a bit static.

[format]

I held on the case the entire time
My new chip (finally!!) arrived this morning, got it replaced in the board with no bother really.
All is working fine and dandy now!
Decided to give Vista a go, its installed sweetly and running smoother than Sean Connery

Thanks for all the help guys.