Abit AX78 - Always Straight To FF

Overslop

Overslop

Overslop

Soldato
Joined
22 Oct 2005
Posts
4,013
Location
Thailand
Hey guys,

Been having troubles with my AX78, which I bought to go into a new HTPC build...

Whenever I switch it on, the POST code goes straight to "FF". All the lights and fans are on, but there is no image on the screen and nothing progresses. I have tried removing the motherboard from the case, disconnecting everything etc. but nothing helps. I bought it off somebody in a members' market and I doubt that he sent it to me defective, but can't tell for sure.

I thought maybe the issue is that my OcZ ModXStream 400W PSU does not have a 8 pin connector. I have tried using its 4 pin connector instead. I also bought a molex to 8 pin adapter, but neither allow the board to go through the POST process properly.

So far, I have made a shortlist of these possible solutions:

  • Try a different adapter - perhaps a molex + 4 pin to 8 pin???
  • Replace the motherboard
  • Replace the PSU

But I'm not convinced that any of these options themselves will solve my issue. Would really appreciate some assistance in getting this fixed as it's a major annoyance! :(
 
the board has a very slow post process, give it a few seconds. FF, by the way, is normally shown with a successful post.

what cpu and ram are you pairing the board with? it has the best compatibility with older athlon x2 or phenom cpu's the phenom 2 940 works with the latest beta bios, but it isnt perfect. ram that has a default voltage of 2.2V often has issues with first post on the board also - 1.8-2v default works best.

the board should work fine with just a 4pin, just make sure its in the recommended pins from the manual.

make sure to remove any usb devices and keep the installed devices to a minimum (eg just a gfx card and ps2 keyboard)

check the back of the board near the io panel, is there a red light glowing here - if so the back panel cmos-reset switch is enabled. and needs moving to other position. likewise check the main cmos jumper in the lower right corner.
 
Thanks for the response Amonlym. :)

FF does normally show a successful POST, but not in this case. It normally takes place in stages, but the second you switch this mobo on, it goes to FF.

I'm using Corsair XM2 PC26400 TwinX and a Phenom 9850.

I've eliminated the PSU as being the issue. I ripped the one out of my main PC and plugged it into the AX78. Sure enough, it's gone the same issue.

I have already tested everything with the absolute minimum. Even without a graphics card or RAM plugged in, it says "FF"! :rolleyes:

I've double checked both CMOS switches and they are both in the correct position. Resetted the CMOS many times and even removed the battery, but it didn't help. Incidentally, even without the battery plugged it it says "FF"! lol

I'm guessing that either the motherboard or CPU are defective. Since I don't have a spare AM2 CPU or motherboard, I will have to try and work out which one is the culprit before sending it back.

Any more ideas Amonlym?
 
FF on abits mean fully functional

if the computer isnt working properly and goes straight to FF then that usually means fully ******

i would rma the board if its still under warranty
 
OK...so I changed the board over to an ASRock N68-S...

I have the same problem! :mad:

There is no LED indicator so I can't see a message. But the system is behaving in exactly the same way...

No image on the screen. All fans at full blast. No response from any input.

Could it be the CPU after all?
 
Oh, and the other thing is that as soon as the power goes on, the PC starts up. This is even without the chassis button attached. So in other words, you plug in the power chord at the back, switch that on and the PC starts instantly. Does this provide some kind of clue?
 
did it do this with the AX78 too?
usually that's a PSU problem.

if you want to send me the CPU I can test it for you.
 
This sounds familiar, I am anothe AX78 owner with nothing but "FF".

Yesterday, I received an Intel X-25m SSD (after much fretting about shelling out over £180 on a small hard drive). Anyway, I was going to post here about the trouble I was having with the Win7 install, but I eventually got it sorted. I spent an hour or so downloading and intstalling drivers, and rebooting several times, just to see what a difference this new slice of technology has made to my PC. I shut down in the early hours, but left my PC in standby (I usually switch off at the mains, but my Logitech mouse needed charging). I got up this morning, went to switch on the PC, NOTHING ! I suspecting something like resetting the CMOS setting might cure it, but after removing the backup battery, re-installing the CPU, RAM modules, graphics card etc., it`s still dead. I`ve volts checked the power suppler rails (it`s a decent quality Hiper Type R), and the conclusion is that it`s either the motherboard or the CPU. I`m guessing (or rather hoping) that it`s the ABit board, as I`ve ordered a new Gigabyte to replace it. Shame, I quite liked the AX78. It overclocked my 5000+ and RAM quite well. The only thing I won`t miss is the "You`ve been running your CPU a bit too fast, you naughty boy, press F1 to continue" bios message every time I switch on.
 
Update on my previous post (no pun intended)........

Installed the new motherboard, and PC is back up an running (more like sprinting with the SSD !). So, it was the AX78 that was at fault. Strange that it decided to kick the bucket just after I installed the SSD and installed Win7 64bit. Maybe it couldn`t handle the pace. Anyway, this new Gigabyte has produced an extra 10Mhz overclock on my X2 5000+. I`m now running at 250Mhz FSB, something that was not achievable on the old Abit board. Maybe Gigabyte will become my prefered choice of motherboard, having never used one before.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom