Diagnosing Error code 68 on post?

[LesC]

I'd been having various problems with my PC over the past couple of months, mainly freezes & reboots & a few odd artifacts/screen glitches. Thinking it was GPU related, I used DDU to remove all Nvidia related drivers/software and installed an earlier driver. I've also removed & re-inserted the GPU & RAM sticks & cleaned inside of case of dust - not that there was much.

PC is now running a lot more smoothly except for one thing - on boot up, it hangs for about 5 minutes on Post Error code 68 (which EVGA says is 'PCI host bridge initialization') and then boots up fine and runs as normal.

I'm suspecting a replacement GPU might be the solution but I'd be happier if I could confirm the GPU is the culprit before shelling out for a new one as they're not exaclty cheap at the moment

Any suggestions please?

[AGTDenton]

Try the GPU in another slot if you have one, if that works then change it back to the original slot.

Does your CPU have an integrated GPU?

What are the specs & model of your system? (is it the one listed?)

[LesC]

Try the GPU in another slot if you have one, if that works then change it back to the original slot.

Does your CPU have an integrated GPU?

What are the specs & model of your system? (is it the one listed?)

Thanks; hadn't thought of that - will give it a go.

Unfortunately CPU doesn't have an integrated GPU.

Yes, specs are as listed...

[AGTDenton]

If changing PCIe slots doesn't help, then its possibly down to Motherboard, CPU or PSU.

A few additional things you can try:

• Perform a static dischrge
• Some BIOS display voltage readings or when you get into Windows have a look at voltages, make sure they're OK (HWInfo)
• Remove all other PCIe devices you may have, soundcard, network card etc...
• Clear the CMOS, making a note of any custom settings first.
• Rmove all RAM and try with only one stick
• Reseat the CPU

[LesC]

OK, so think I have ruled out GPU - I found an old EVGA GT610 card in the loft(!) and tried that - same 68 post error. Also tried it in another PCIe slot & same again. The GT610 gets it's power from the board, so no power cables.

Probably coincidental but I also got a 'cable not connected' message on my main monitor; tried changing the cable (DVI - HDMI) for another with same result. Then tried a DP - Mini DP cable and all OK again, except for 68 error.

As far as I know, the GPU is the only PCIe device unless the M2 SSD counts as one??

[Kumagoro]

It sounds implausible but in the past I have had dodgy goings on with bios batteries so might be worth giving a known good one a try.

Check for a bios update as well.

[LesC]

It sounds implausible but in the past I have had dodgy goings on with bios batteries so might be worth giving a known good one a try.

Check for a bios update as well.

Thanks Seems there was was a minor BIOS update in November 2019 which I ignored/missed but as my issues have been in the last couple of months and no components changed, would that be relevant? Won't hurt i suppose...

[AGTDenton]

As far as I know, the GPU is the only PCIe device unless the M2 SSD counts as one??

Yes, yours is PCIe based.
I would have a go removing that, see if it posts any better.

Just try not to lose that screw

[LesC]

So, tested all 4 sticks of RAM in slot one, same 68 error.

Then reset CMOS
Had to make some changes in BIOS:
PWR fan & AUX Fan set to 50% as fans were running too fast
Re-enable M2 SSD slot for SSD to be recognised
Change bootup to UEFI
Set memory profiles to XMP Profile 1 and voltage to 1.220
System now boots ok without 68 error. Appears to boot faster than before and running quieter and cooler too!


Many thanks for your help guys

[LesC]

After a few weeks of running well, since plugging in/installing a Corsair MM800 RGB POLARIS Gaming Mouse Pad I've had various issues mainly system sometimes switches off at splash screen before booting in to Windows or freezes on Splash screen. On other occasions it boots up fine. I removed the mouse mat & driver but no change.

I've tried Cmd prompt sfc /scannow which found and repaired some corrupt files, reset the CMOS, changed the CMOS battery for a new one without success. A couple of times the Splash screen showed a message 'attempting automatic repair' too.

Does this suggest reinstalling Windows might be the best course of action?

[AGTDenton]

Have you got any other USB devices plugged in other than mouse n keyboard? Phones are typical for oddities
Just wondering if something is draining the USB power.

A reinstall may have to be