A cry for help!!!

ruskle · 27 Sep 2011 at 21:47

This is my first build, I put it all together on the weekend and when the monitor came today tried to switch it on.... lights come on, fans start but no signal to the monitor and the debug LED code reads 58 (CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error). I've googled it and the general theme of the threads would suggest that it has something to do with memory so I've tried every config of the mem sticks I can. On their own one of the sticks on it own gets a 34 (CPU post memory initialisation) in every slot, the other gets 58. I've also tried reseating the CPU, no effect.

I don't want to sound melodramatic but I'm really upset, I've just had to leave it and get some strong beer from the shop. Its exacly what I was afraid of when my mate was saying "just build one yourself, its easy!". I'd really appreciate some help, I suspect there may actually be something wrong with the memory and the motherboard but being a total noob I naturally assume I've done something wrong.

Rik1254 · 27 Sep 2011 at 21:52

From my experience, my mobo was forked.

Is there anyway you can test the RAM elsewhere to rule it out?

stulid · 27 Sep 2011 at 21:57

Have you plugged both 6pin power cables in the card?

Is the monitor connected directly to the card and not the motherboard?

Try a CMOS reset?

Scuzzy · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:03

Also check all ur cable connections to the motherboard, don't panic and stay calm....... Take your time

honosuseri · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:06

Right first off fella dont panic. Worst case you send the lot back as faulty, they will test it and send back tested working parts

CHeck your connections. There is a 24pin (big block) for power and a small 4 or 8 pin one that also powers the mobo.

As stulid said do the same on the video card if it needs power (sometimes 2 6pins)

The manual will tell you how to a cmos reset by jumpers. Or nplug the pc, pop out the lil flat battery on the mobo for a min or so and replace. Job done

Post back what you've tried and we'll go from there

ruskle · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:15

First of all thanks for getting back to me so quickly, its good to know I'm not alone!

I've removed the graphics card to eliminate possibilities. The hdmi was plugged straight into the mobo anyway so should be able to run using the i5 gpu correct?. There is a CMOS reset button on the back, I have pressed it after shutting down with the power still on. I don't know if thats right.

I've pressed down on the cable connections all seem ok.

Whats worrying is that normally you find a thread where some dude had the same problem and sez "yeah that sorted it". I can't find such a thread, I fear Rik1254 maybe right....

ruskle · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:28

The second power plug to the mobo was an 8 pointer with a little cap over 4 points. I originally plugged a 4 point cable into it. I've just taken off the cap and plugged in an 8 point cable....no effect.

Will try the jumper now.

honosuseri · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:31

Yip you can use the i5s IGP for video.

Sometimes the buttons on the mobo are a soft reset, popping out the battery is easy and the fool proof method to do a full reset. Doesn't hurt to try it.

You dont have spare parts to test so I'd sooner send the lot back than try and guess it's the RAM, only to get it back saying it's fine!

ruskle · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:36

ok I've just used the jumper as per the manual again to no effect.

What do people think of the fact the debug code changed depending on the ram config. I'm currently trying everything with just one stick in.

Komedy · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:37

can you take some pics of all the connection u have made so we can have a look

ruskle · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:38

yeah well I think its either the ram, mobo or cpu... lol not much else it could be. Reckon I'm gonna call tech support tomorrow and then send them back.

Komedy · 27 Sep 2011 at 22:41

ruskle said:
The second power plug to the mobo was an 8 pointer with a little cap over 4 points. I originally plugged a 4 point cable into it. I've just taken off the cap and plugged in an 8 point cable....no effect.

Will try the jumper now.

dont do that - put the cap back on it only needs a 4 pin connection there if they had it capped off

ruskle · 27 Sep 2011 at 23:21

Right pics, its a bit of a mess now cos I've been ****** around with it and changing power cables n stuff but here they are anyway

[23:18:56] swifty:

[23:18:21] swifty:

Komedy · 27 Sep 2011 at 23:55

ok in the pic below the areas highlighted yellow (not very well)

1. Check the 8 Pin Connection u have in there. Did u say it came with a cap over it like shown. Just had a look at the manual and it calls for the 8 pin 12v ok, odd they capped it. anyway

2. Double check ur connections here. Only have PWR and Reset in for now - unplug the rest.

3. Hook up 1 sata device for now or if ur DVD is sata 2

4. Disconnect all the USB headers for now. Only want the stuff thats needed to get u booted

Edit

5. How firmly did u seat that Cooler and do u have the stock Intel one that came with the CPU. Make sure u haven't over done it seating the cooler and for the sake of it try the stock one, have read that the mem controller can loose contact if the cooler is over tightened - thus mem error as it dosnt make contact.

6. Put one stick in the slot furthest from the CPU

Report back when you have done steps 1 to 6

Surveyor · 28 Sep 2011 at 00:52

Komedy said:
dont do that - put the cap back on it only needs a 4 pin connection there if they had it capped off

If the PSU only has a 4 pin connector you plug it into the uncapped 4 pins.

If the PSU has an 8 pin connector you remove the cap and plug it in.

Admiral Huddy · 28 Sep 2011 at 09:10

I had a very similar problem recently where a new baoard only gave me a signal 1 in 10 times. I made the most of when i got in and flashed the BIOS which solved the problem. However, this is of no help to you if you can't get a signal from either on board or video card. If you've eliminated the memory and the connections then i would certainly RMA the board. Speak the vendor directly and tell them the problem. I don't think you have anything to loose tbh.

ruskle · 28 Sep 2011 at 11:56

@Komedy - I really appreciate you taking your time to help me with this.

I've gone through the 6 steps and no dice. I read about problems with overtightening coolers when going through the initial build so had been careful, although I've tried it with the stock now and still no dice.

I'm going to RMA the board. I think I should also do the RAM given that I get different debug codes with the different sticks. To be on the safe side I'm gonna send back the CPU as well.

More bad news as well I bought my components from two sources OCuk and a competitor to get them as cheap as possible. I checked my orders and all the components that could be fooked are from the competitor and they don't have any technical support. Doh!

olivier renault · 28 Sep 2011 at 12:17

I do hope you haven't bent any pins. double check when you take it apart.

olivier renault · 28 Sep 2011 at 12:23

When you take out the CPU, and the socket is fine and nothing's bent, I would do a minimum rebuild and try a power up one last time outside the case. The motherboard has all sorts of startup switches and reset buttons. Make sure you reset as much as you can back to factory settings (refer to manual).

you only need motherboard, cpu, ram, cooler, psu, monitor.

Komedy · 28 Sep 2011 at 12:37

have u a chum with an i5 build near you. Take the ram to his place and test it.

Its a process of elimination. He might not be happy about swapping his CPU but ram shud be no question and at least it will tick that box for you.