New build graphics problem

[mozzajay]

Any help please on this problem, ive Just built a new pc on the following spec

Intel core2quad q6600 2.4ghz 8mb cache
2gb corsair 800mhz ram
cit 750w power supply
asus p5nd sli mobo
antec gaming case
windows 7 ultimate
wd caviar 300gb hdd

Problem is i am trying to install windows 7, and after severall attempts the system restarts after about 5 mins of installing windows, and gives me a bios error code 1 long beep plus 3 short beeps this is a graphics card error according to award.
The annoying thing is once my system restarts i cant boot it up again because of the error which will only go away after about 30mins to 1 hour turned off. To me it seems to be a overheating issue as the graphics card seems pretty hot to touch, also noticed the north bridge chip is very hot as well and they are both right next to each other. In the bios the temperature for the mobo is averaging 51 degrees and cpu 45 is this normal?

Ive tried reseating the graphics card but still the same problem and it works fine in my other pc. ive even tried another card 9800gt.The case is massive and has 2 120mm fans front and rear so the components arn't crammed in close and the is enough space for cooling
I have also tried another psu, different ram and using minimal components to boot up.

Any help please

[deejayburnout]

I had a similar problem and it stemed from the fact the when installing windows 7, the generic video drivers didn't work to load the gpu.

Once it got to a point in the install when it hanged ( the OS installed fully, just when it went from DOS to the windows part ) is when it tries to load the generic windows drivers and crashed.

The PC should be able to boot in safe mode ( forgot how to do this ) and then install the drivers for the gpu via the disk that's supplied with it.

Hopefully that might help you. It took me 3 days of googling before I found something that worked for me.

Good luck.

[Jonj1611]

Indeed but the OP's problem is he can't get past the bios if I am reading it correctly.

From what you are saying(OP that is) it could well be a mainboard fault as you have pretty much ruled out everything else. While it is unlikely, check behind the mainboard for any odd screws or around the case to see if it is shorting somewhere.

Additionally try clearing the bios, its worth a shot.

As for the temps. sounds about normal.

[mozzajay]

Thanks for the advice, i have finally managed to install windows but still left with the annoying post error codes if i restart the system.
I have tried clearing the bios and tried the board out of the case but still same problem. when i managed to get it to start after 30 mins or more it works great with no problems.
What i did notice is when i do get beeps, if i took the side panel off and watch the gpu fan there is a 5 second delay before the fan starts from when i power on, and when it does start its at max speed.
when i dont get any errors and the pc does post the fan starts but not at max.

Could the bios cause the errors? when i bought the mainboard and set it up with my components and powered it up for the fist time, i had to update my bios to the latest one (1401) to get it to work. well when it does

[Behemoth]

Has anyone not noticed what the power supply is in that build ? Odds on its a power supply issue that can't handle the power requirements of the hardware in there, he doesn't say what his card is, but I suspect if it's one of the current crop of gtx or Radeon Cards the CIT 700 just can't provide enough power.

If you have the cash seriously look at throwing that CIT rubbish out and get something decent.

[mozzajay]

my card is gainward nvidia 280gtx also used a bfg 9800gt with the same problem aswell. from what i have read for the power requirements for 280gtx i only need a 600w power supply so 750w is plenty.

Also used a brand new winpower 750w psu aswell with same problem, i know there are both low budget but its what i have untill i upgrade

I dont think my gpu or power supply's are at fault and maybe the motherboard is as i have tried both cards and psu's in another system and they work fine with no errors

[ladcrooks]

do you have a mate who can try one of your cards out?

[c12038]

my card is gainward nvidia 280gtx also used a bfg 9800gt with the same problem aswell. from what i have read for the power requirements for 280gtx i only need a 600w power supply so 750w is plenty.

Also used a brand new winpower 750w psu aswell with same problem, i know there are both low budget but its what i have untill i upgrade

I dont think my gpu or power supply's are at fault and maybe the motherboard is as i have tried both cards and psu's in another system and they work fine with no errors

Its not how many watts the GFX card use's its the Amps the card consumes which is important if the PSU only has say 20a on each +12v rail its going to struggle to supply enough to all your other components get my meaning....

that GTX280 you have use's "GeForce GTX 280 - 40A and a 550W PSU minimum" according this website http://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/...graphics-cards and that is a reference GFX card which yours should be anyway i think a better PSU could be purchased but before you do buy go here http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm this is a comprehensive database of PSU and give details of each PSU evermade.


Hope this helps

[rtyall]

If the same issue is present on 2 VGA cards then it's a dodgy motherboard, get it replaced.

[mozzajay]

Ok tried both cards with still same problem. i also swapped my cit psu because of the 20a on the 12v+ rails for my new win power for now, this one has 32A on all 3 12+ rails with max combined of 54A. Is this ok?

Last night i thought i retry a few things i have already tried and think i may sussed the problem but gained another.

I dismantled my pc and noticed on the underside of the mobo where the screws come through to secure the board, there was a small scratch on the screw hole with a small chunk of metal touching the circuits.
So i removed it, and reassemble my board outside of the case and hey it works also restarted 6 times no problem.

But now there is another problem, after say 30 mins with the system on and i click on any application my screen either goes completely Grey, white, orange or blue and i cant do anything except kill the power to turn it off. so thats a problem i now have without the restarts.

After killing the power because of my new problem i thought i would put everything back in to the case and start it up again, it did but if i restart the system i get my original problem so i now know my board is shorting on my case so ill either try a new case or try to insulate my board from the case with them insulated washers for the screws if that helps