Asus M5A88-M Wrong Bios for AMD FX8120

[Zaytsev]

Where do I start.

I purchased items to make a small server.

Fractal Case
AMD FX 8120
8GB DDR3
60gb SSD
Corasair 430CX

I RMA'd a MSI 760GM-E51 after went pop on run in tests with the new AMD FX8120. On reading up this is a know problem with the MSI board, dodgy mosfets.

So I ordered and had delivered the Asus M5A88-M which has a far better write up.

Put all the kit together and it wont post. Checking on Asus website looks like I need a BIOS update (new board is 0601) to 0801.

So big problem how do I update bios with being able to post. I realise I can't but I don't have a spare CPU to do the update and then pop in the FX 8120.

Any suggestions. Pulling my hair out on this.

Thanks

Gary

[Zaytsev]

Update:

Managed to borrow a Sempron 145 locally to try and update the bios.

The motherboard will still not post.

All lights are on.

I originally bought Dual Channel Corsair DDR3 1600 XMS3 8GB pair. Could this be the problem. I know they work as I have tested them in my 3XS system.

PSU is all working checked with multimeter on all feeds.

Totally baffled.

Surely not a second bad board

[Mark@SCAN]

Hi,

The testing you have done would indicate you either have a problem with the board OR something else is causing the problem as technically the Sempron CPU you have installed should be supported from the initial BIOS according to the CPU support list on the ASUS website:

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD...s/M5A88M/#CPUS

As such if you can discount the other components from being the cause of the problem I could only suggest you raise an RMA request via the website:

https://secure.scan.co.uk/aspnet/sup...px?QueryType=R

Regards

[Zaytsev]

Thanks for the reply Mark,

The MSI Board is on its way back as we speak.

I can raise the RMA no problem. How do I go about getting a replacement board. I ordered this one after the MSI went down and am awaiting the RMA refund. I can't afford to purchase another and wait for the refund on this Asus.

How quickly can I get another board?

Thanks

Gary

[Mark@SCAN]

We would collect the board, once returned it would be tested for the fault reported, providing a fault is confirmed a replacement would be shipped back to you free of charge (Also I can request the BIOS of the replacement is updated to the latest prior to dispatch)

Turnaround on average is 3 - 5 working days. Once you have submitted an RMA request and have the RMA number drop me a PM and I will try and keep an eye on it for you.

Regards

[Zaytsev]

Raised a RMA. Not got number yet but query number is OLQ*******

Thanks

Gary

[Zaytsev]

Forget all above. As a last resort removed motherboard and reinstalled. Must have been a short on the case it now posts with the Sempron.

Will update the bios and try the AMD 8120 FX.

[Mark@SCAN]

I can confirm we have received your request to cancel the RMA. Glad you managed to get it sorted without needing to RMA!

Regards

[Zaytsev]

Updated the bios. Everything posts fine with the Sempron.

Installed the AMD 8120 FX and nothing. All power lights on and fans working but nothing.

Looks like the AMD 8120 FX gave up the ghost with the MSI Motherboard.

I'll have to RMA the 8120.

Query Number OLQ*******

Thanks

Gary

[Zaytsev]

Morning,

Any idea when the RMA for the dead 8120 will be processed.

[Zaytsev]

Mark sorted the RMA so now awaiting collection.

First rate service again.

Thanks Mark

[Zaytsev]

MSI Board collected on Thursday and delivered back to Scan on Friday Morning. When is the online Returns tracking updated as it is showing not yet received.

The AMD 8120 FX has just been collected.

Thanks

[Zaytsev]

My RMA status for the returned MSI 760GM-E5 states REJECTED. Can I ask why for something that was a week old and from reports on the web has a known problem.

Can someone get back to me please ASAP.

Not happy as the AMD FX 8120 is on its way back as well.

[Zaytsev]

So MSI accept that their is a 'Power Design Issue' see their product page NOTE 2 : http://www.msi.com/product/mb/760GM-.../?div=Overview

They also list the FX 8120 as a supported CPU despite it being a 125W chip.

The rejected notice states 'Blown Capacitor'. Not from my observation it was a mosfet (voltage regulator) that had blown and that was what I reported.

Here's a Picture:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/37255677/fi...0901144301.jpg

I have used Scan for all my purchases since setting up my studio including a 3XS System, which in fairness has been great, but not happy with the communication on this one guys especially when about to spec a new 3XS Xeon system.

This from Overclockers.net: (note I did overclock using the motherboard switch as indicated in the manual)

'most recent MSI AMD boards feature NO protection of any sort against VRM failure/over current/over temperature, and this is likely why a majority of the catastrophic failures in the horror stories list are MSI boards. At the moment I and others have been trying to find out which brands/specific motherboards do use over current protection, and we are listing them down for future reference.'

From MSI Forums:

1. http://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?to...404#msg1092404

2. http://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=155344.0

3. http://www.carbonite.co.za/f20/msi-j...06/index2.html

[Zaytsev]

Anyone reading this forum today? No reply to emails either.

[Zaytsev]

Half the morning gone and still no response to here or emails.