Greetings--
Bob's suggestions are all good, however; be sure that your RAM is being provided with appropriate voltage. I have assembled several computers, and on two of them (with ASUS motherboards, by the way),
the default voltage for the system memory was only 1.7 volts. When I looked up the specs for the RAM I was using, I found that the voltage range was between 1.9 and 2.2 volts. Fortunately, I was able to adjust the RAM voltage in the CMOS setup area. (I had been getting BSODs intermittently for some time before I stumbled across this problem.) Once the voltage was reset to a level within the specified range, I no longer received the BSODs. You might want to check this.
Sincerely,
Paul A. Shippert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Wright" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 9:41:49 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Motherboard Processor - Guess which is bad
At 02:54 PM 8/23/2009, you wrote:
>I'm replacing my motherboard and processor. I have the Intel Pentium E2200 dual core
>processor and a EVGA e-7050/610i Motherboard - Socket 775.
>
>When I first turned on the power supply switch after replacing and with only memory
>connected (no drives or other add-on's), the PC reacted as expected, waited for me to
>press the power button. When I did that, I didn't get my usual POST screens so I shut
>it off by pressing the power button for 5 seconds and it shut down. I did some checking
>of jumpers, connectors and turned power on and off using the power button. I left the
>project for a few days and when I started checking again, I found that the heat sink fan
>was loose on one corner and so fixed that.
>
>Now with nothing connected except memory, when I turn on the power using the power
>supply switch (not the power button) the fans all turn on and the PC acts as if it is
>powered up. The power button now has no effect.
>
>I'm asking for for your guesses as to whether the the CPU is bad or the
>motherboard? I'll probably end up buying both but I'd like to try one or the other
>first. The question is whether I should try a new CPU or Motherboard first.
>
>Thanks for any opinions.
>
>Doug
Well Doug, lets try not to guess here. I am quite familiar with Intel processors and
there you made a good choice. The EVGA motherboard is not exactly top of the line,
although I have used numerous just such boards to save money building
servers. Personally, if it is my personal machine it has an ASUS motherboard, (but that
does not help you and only shows my bigotry towards off brands).
Where to start? First, I would short the Bios pins to flush the CMOS. Then try it. No
satisfaction? Then I would be concerned about your ram. Have you double checked that the
ram is proper for your motherboard and processor? If that is not the issue, then try
removing all your ram and trying it with each ram stick one by one. IF that does not
bring success, then I would consider the processor. Remove the processor and smell it up
close. Usually if they have died due to overheating, (you did mention the heatsink was
ill attached), they will have an odor like melted plastic. Also look for decolorization.
Now, if you do not have a second computer to try the processor, then take it down to your
local computer shoppee and have them test it for you. Once you know the ram is not
failed and the processor is fine, you know that MB is your culprit.
So, finally, I make the quantum leap that you are building a new PC, so your parts have
all been purchased in the last 30 days. Box up the motherboard, heatsink/fan, processor
and ram, then send the lot all back to your supplier under warranty. You should receive
working and pre-tested parts. USPS has a great Priority mail system now for boxes and
you should be able to return the whole lot for $10. Be sure you contact the supplier
for an RMA, (Return Materials Authorization), number to write on the box and inside the box.
Do not feel you have erred badly, this is something most of us have run into from time to
time. Just be patient.
Bob Wright
Senior Managing Partner - The NoSpin Group, Inc,
ListOwner - PCBUILD - PCSOFT
Subscribed to PCBUILD since 1991
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