PC build has left me clueless

[wakenbake]

I'm no noob to pc building, but no pro either - A dedicated enthusiast you could say. However, I've just upgraded my rig and I don't get anything; no beep codes, no POST, no BIOS.

The long and the short of it is that I think there's some compatibility issue between my CPU (AMD FX6100) and my mobo (Gigabyte GA-990XA-UD3). Has anyone run into any problems with this? There could also be an issue with RAM voltages, pertaining to these components.

I know this isn't a tech forum, but who's better to ask than the Escapist's readership?

If you don't know, but DO know where I may be able to find the answer, PLEASE let me know. Also, if your recommendation is to make sure the parts are connected properly, maybe you could go and give the advice to someone else.

BTW, I have flashed the BIOS with another processsor to F4 and F9 with the same result.

 

[MrTub]

I had the same for about a year ago. I tried rebuilding it 4-5 times and nothing happened, I sent the motherboard back since I assumed it was broken. Two weeks later they sent it back after not finding any faults and then it worked like a charm. The advice I was given was to build it outside the case (Which I had done) and with minimum amounts of parts. I'm guessing that you have already tried it, but if you haven't it might be worth a try.


Did you upgrade your psu at the same time? and are any fans working when you turn the computer on?

 

[wakenbake]

Thanks guys, but the fans spin for as long as I leave it on (which isn't long).

I have done an out-of-the-case build with minimal parts, all of which I have swapped out with known working ones, with the exception of the motherboard as I don't have a spare AM3+ socket one lying around.

The PSU is from my current PC and works perfectly well. I'm using it to write this. Its an 800W so its beefy enough.

Like I said before, I have got into the BIOS with a Sempron chip, so I could flash the BIOS to make it ready for the FX-6100, but nothing works with the intended chip.

I realize it could be DOA, but I want to rule out everything before I have to send it to the Netherlands for AMD to test it and send it back (and probably tell me it works fine).

 

[Frost27]

Will the motherboard reach POSt with the processor removed? You should at least be able to reach the BIOS. I would try that, then remove the RAM and attempt a boot. If it works with either of these removed, it could be a problem with them not being seated properly.

When you try to power the system on, is the PSU fan spinning up? Do any of the other system fans kick on as well?

 

[wakenbake]

I get no POST without CPU. According to Gigabyte it shouldn't be able to do that anyway, so I'm not surprised. Worth a test though, although it did boot into BIOS with a different CPU - that's how I managed to flash the BIOS.

I get no beep codes with no RAM installed.

All fans spin (HSF, PSU and 5 case fans) and the mouse lights up, so power getting to USBs too.

 

[])rStrangelove]

If you get beeps with the one CPU and nothing with the other one, chances are high the other one is the problem i say.

 

[Lynoxus]

Based on what you said, please check that the 4-pin ATX cable is plugged into your motherboard, if it isn't, it would almost certainly exert precisely these symptoms.

(I know it sounds obvious, but I've done it once)

 

[wakenbake]

My board has an 8 pin ATX socket and its definitely in properly.

I'm starting to think that RAM timings or voltages could be the problem but I've not had to meddle with this before. Has anyone had a similar problem? Naturally I don't want to fry my rig so does anyone have any pointers on ways to approach this? I don't want to go changing BIOS voltage settings without knowing what I'm doing?

Thanks

 

[pizzapicante27]

Maybe you burned your prossesor? that would explain why the computer is not bboting with it, but it is with the sempron one? (Does the AM3+ has compatibility with older bases(AM2 and such)?)

 

[wakenbake]

The processor could indeed be dead but I'm trying to rule everything else out before I have to send it back - I'd feel like a bit of a dick (and would curse myself for wasting so much time) if AMD sent it back saying it was fine...

Also, AM3 boards only support AM3 processors but AM3+ boards support AM3+ and AM3 processors. Unfortunately I don't have access to another AM3+ board.

I'm starting to get the feeling that I'm going to be sending back the CPU. Unless someone can throw me a little bit of hope....

Fingers crossed...

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Either your CPU is cactus or your mobo's CPU socket has an extremely implausible fault whereby it can run AM3 CPUs but shits out on AM3+ CPUs.