Very stupid moment. =//

[Eddd]

Ok guys. I've just been in the bios setting on my new computer and changed the memory frequency to 1066 when it was 800, I also changed the CPU to 2.5GHz and the DDR2 OverVoltage control to +0.1. As well as that I changed the performance enhance from turbo to standard.

All very stupid, I know. Now the system won't boot.... I turn it on and all of the fans and lights come on fine but there's no signal on the monitor.

I've tried clearing the CMOS by removing the battery, changing the VGA lead to the monitor and reseating the graphics card. Anybody know what the problem is? And more importantly, how to fix it?

I know I was very stupid in the bios and trust me... i won't try overclocking again (well... unless I have a very long read of a good guide)

Look in my profile to see my system specs.

Thanks,
Ed

[staffsMike]

Taken a stick of RAM out? Not sure what else to suggest as you've tried most of them lol

[Eddd]

Just taken a stick of RAM out and now when I press the on button the fans and the lights flicker for a milli-second and then die out. Would you say it's a PSU fault? Should I replace the PSU?

I've had the computer for less than a week and it's a Corsair HX520w, strange....


EDIT: I haven't been using a surge protector extension lead. Could this caused a surge or something to break the PSU?

[peterb]

Clearing the CMOS should have restored the system to defaults. I would have thought it unlikely to be the PSU, but if you over-volted the memory, there is an outside chance that you damaged it. What happens if youtry the otherstick? - Or no memory at all?

I think I would start by clearing the CMOS again leaving the battery disconnected gfor a good 20 minutes (you did have the computer physically disconnected from the mains power supply while you did that?) and check the mobo manual to see if there is a jumper you can remove to clear the CMOS.

I'm not familiar with that mobo - some have an option for manual settings (usually change a dip switch, then adjust others to set what you want) if that is the case, then try that. (I have seen that facility on older Asus boards)

Otherwise its going to be dismantle and start building the system from scratch, testing each component one by one.

[Eddd]

The PSU seems to be working again - no longer just flickering. so that's good

Tried with no memory at all but the same problem: screen flashes check analog cable.

I left the battery out for around 5 minutes when the computer wasn't connected to the mains. but i'll try 20+ now. I've read the manual and you can either put a jumper over two pins or touch it with a metal object for 5 seconds. I don't have a jumper so i touched it with a screwdriver for 10seconds (ish).

I am considering dismantling and re-building. but the VGA lead from my monitor does not connect to the one built in with my mobo so I will not be able to tell what is and what isn't working.

[Noxvayl]

This sounds absolutely horrible m8... I sympathise with you.

As for your problem... you have removed the RAM, reset the CMOS, checked the PSU. Dammit there is something else to do but I can't remember. Crap, I'll be sure to post when I do think of it. The most annoying thing is that it happened to me as well(similar circumstances) and this thing I can't think of is just not able to make it from my brain to the keyboard at the moment

You have tried other memory slots for your RAM?

Just to be sure go through all your cables and make sure they are properly connected.

[Eddd]

yeah, I've tried every slot but no luck. Wouldn't something still come up on the screen even though the RAM is bust? The screen doesn't recognise it when it powers up maybe the bios thing was just a coincidence and it's the GFX card that's the problem?

It's hard to know how to find out the correct problem...

[Eddd]

turn the system on with no bios battery.
turn it off put it back in.

nope, nothing happens. The screen still doesn't post...

[Noxvayl]

Best way to find out is to test other components. Put a different GFX in and see if it starts, try new memory and so on until you can single out a component causing the problem.

Its possible for it to be the motherboard as well.

[Eddd]

i've tried reseating the cpu but nothing happened. I did notice that there is a grey solid forming on the top of the cpu and bottom of the retail heatsink. I didn't use any thermal paste cus I didn't think I needed to with the retail. Could this be a problem?

But wouldn't the screen still post even if this was the case?

[Eddd]

Best way to find out is to test other components. Put a different GFX in and see if it starts, try new memory and so on until you can single out a component causing the problem.

Its possible for it to be the motherboard as well.

Unfortunately the only 2 other graphics cards I have don't fit in the slots on the motherboard. And I only have DDR RAM in my other computers so they don't fit in this mobo.

[peterb]

i've tried reseating the cpu but nothing happened. I did notice that there is a grey solid forming on the top of the cpu and bottom of the retail heatsink. I didn't use any thermal paste cus I didn't think I needed to with the retail. Could this be a problem?

But wouldn't the screen still post even if this was the case?

Retail processors have the paste pre applied. It 'melts' whyen the processor is first used. If you remove the processor, you should really clrean off the old compound and re-apply new, although I have removed and replaced a processor without doing that and without harm.

Diagnosing these things at a distance is always difficult - but if you aren't posting at all, even with a bare board (just CPU and GPU) it does point in the direction of mobo or CPU damage.

When you say the PSU is working, what now happens when you power up? I'm surprised your VGA cable doesn't fit the onboard graphics - these are standard...

(Edit - no I'm not - just checked the specs and the GA-P35-DS3L doesn't have an onboard graphics cpability!)

[Thorsson]

When you took the BIOS battery out did you also unplug the PSU AND put the jumper on to Clear? I suggest that you do this and leave it overnight.

If that doesn't work, I would disassemble and re-build a minimum config outside the box (on cardboard). Minimum means only CPU (with HSF) and 1 stick of RAM, then add GPU, 2nd stick of RAM etc.

[GAteKeeper]

When have been overclocking hte past I have locked a bios up and the only way I could get it to talk to me again was to boot with the reset button pressed in and held in a few times. Not sure if that was special to the nForce2 mobo or what but it sorted me out.

GK

[Taz]

I agree with one or two of the other comments. Remove the mains cable to the PSU, press the power button so any remaining current stored in the mobo capacitors is discharged and then perfrom a CMOS reset (i.e. take the battery out and perform the CMOS clear procedure).

The pressing of the power button AFTER disconnecting the mains supply is recommended in my mobo manual.

One other thing to check would be the LED code on the motherboard itself. It's usually a digit-LED code or simply a colour sequence that may point you in the right direction. Lastly, do you have a speaker on your case? Perhaps you could attach the case speaker connector up and listen for any post codes?

[Eddd]

I've tried resting the CMOS several times (with the mains unplugged and pressing the power button to rid any excess power stored in the mobo) but no luck.

My case doesn't have any speakers and I cannot see any LEDs on the mobo.

I think it's a hardware failure of some kind because the fans are on full pelt and don't slow down which they usually do. but i do not have the resorces to check every component.