Weird Asus Rampage II Extreme problem

[derchris]

So yeah, I was about to change my graphics card.
As I have no 8-pin PCI-e available, I need to use my old card for now.

Plugged the old card back in.
When I turn on the power switch for the PSU, all LEDs on the board are blinking.
The power and reset button on the board, the ROG logo on the chipset, even the blue sign of the SupremeFX soundcard.

They go on, off, on, off, ....

But it does the same without the graphics card connected.
Anyone knows what could be the problem?

[watercooled]

If you have the manual to hand there should be a section for error messages so you can see what it means. I'll look for a pdf on the net and see what I can find...

[derchris]

The only section there is for error codes, which are for the LCD Poster.
I plugged the LCD Poster on the board to check about any error codes, but it is blinking as well as soon I turn on the power for the PSU.

[watercooled]

Err all I can think of is to double check connections and that nothing is shorting. Try replugging the motherboard/CPU power connectors. How long has that been happening? I'm guessing it might have something to do with a missing GPU error or something so make sure there's no dirt on the connections and double check the PCI-E power is connected properly if there is one.

[derchris]

I tried it with and without card, tried it in both PCIe slots.
Got the same card for SLI, changed them during testing, always the same.
System is sitting there and is just blinking.
From my understanding, LEDs should stay on even without a graphics card installed.
LCD poster should then tell me that there is no graphics card installed.
But it is showing nothing.
Looks like I have to remove the motherboard and try to power it outside the case.

[AD-15]

I read about this happening just last night. In that case though these exact problems/symptoms were being caused by an incompatible PSU. The temporary solution was to simply clear the CMOS (jumper-style).

Try switching off the PSU, flashing the CMOS, wait a while, put the jumper back, and switch on the system.

[watercooled]

Oh yeah now you come to mention it I think I've heard something similar - IIRC it was something to do with a PSU having a not-high-enough +5vsb output.

[GoNz0]

never seen that on my R2E, might have blown the PSU. if your running that board with a PSU that doesnt have a spare 8 pin connector then its a safe bet its not up to the job !

i take it you have the 8 pin cpu power cable plugged in to the top of the board ?

[derchris]

It is a Corsair HX 620, so should be good.
Only a 4 pin is connected to the MB + the normal power cord.

There is a black cap, so I left it there.
Is it safe to remove it, and use the 8-pin ATX.
What is the difference in using the 4 or 8 pin here?

I'm also going and try the CMOS flash, will report back once done.

[watercooled]

If it's possible to use the 8 pin I would.

[derchris]

Ok, an update.
Tried the CMOS clear, didn't work.
I had an old spare PSU lying around, which I tried on the MB.
It is only 430W, 4-pin ATX, but should be ok for testing.
MB seems to power on, light stay on. Haven't tested booting though, but looking better then the Corsair.
Tried it with the Corsair again, this time I took the 8-pin ATX.
Was showing me the same problem, blinking.

Now this looks like a PSU problem?
Purchased it back in 2007 from Scan. I heard they give a 5 years warranty on Corsair PSUs ?
But I'm still looking into it why it isn't working anymore, might need to take it out of the case and try again with all modular cables off.
Was working since 2007 without any problems, and now this. Haven't even touche it, just tried to replace the graphics card.

[GoNz0]

they do break, simple as.

try a full stripdown of cables to be sure.

and yes you can remove the black cap and use the 8 pin, they blank one off so you dont put the 4 pin in the wrong side.

[derchris]

Update for those interested.

Remove the PSU from the case, and tried it first with only the 8-pin ATX and main power connector.
No blinking, working as normal.
Then connected one modular cable by one, to check if one these might be broken.
No, all working fine.
So at the moment, it looks like I still have a working PSU.

Will now put it all back into the case to check if it is still booting.

[derchris]

Final update.

I'm back on my old setup.
After putting all back into the case, it was still working and booting up ok.
Still don't know what happened there, but glad nothing is broken.

[watercooled]

Maybe a short or a loose connection that self-righted itself when you were messing inside the case.

[AD-15]

Wierd isn't it?

This has often happened to me when I make a major change in hardware, I have no idea how or why it happens. But a few CMOS flashes/hard resets etc seems to do the job.

Even leaving the PC untouched for two months has done this in the past for me too. CMOS flash fixed that aswell.