Computer Doesn't Post (Intermittent)

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Joined
17 Oct 2009
Posts
10
Hello,

I recently completed my first build with the following specs:

Intel i7 920
Noctua NH-D14
3x2GB Corsair DDR3
XFX HD5870 1GB
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
As P6X58D-E

Everything was working absolutely fine and I was at 4GHz at nice low temps of 70C max under Linx with voltages not far from stock.

I noticed however that if left alone while running Linx for some reason Windows would put the machine to sleep and I would get a BSOD with INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR. I read online that this code may be to do with the hibernation file on the machine being too small and so an error occurs when saving the contents of RAM (nearly full as testing with Linx - ALL) to hard disk. I also read it could be a RAM error.

I ran Memtest86+ overnight with all 3 modules installed and received no errors. I then did a Chkdsk to make sure the hard disk was okay after having power terminated a couple times (BSODs) and made the mistake of leaving it running when I went to sleep.

I returned and the machine was in sleep mode (I assume after having finished Chkdsk) and would not wake up.

I then had the following problem:

The machine would not POST at all. The motherboard light comes on, the memory light comes on, the fans spin, etc but there are no beeps whatsover and no signal to monitor.

I disconnected components one by one and still had nothing. By resetting the CMOS I got it to beep properly indicating no memory and then no video card. After connecting everything back up I had the same problem of no POST.

I have since discovered that it boots okay as long as I reset the CMOS. Otherwise it just sits there and won't post.

Is it possible the battery is dead/dying? I am hopeful this might be the case as it would obviously be an easy fix.

Thanks for taking the time to read and I would greatly appreciate any advice.
 
Thanks for the reply. Already on the latest version of BIOS and it still did the "no beeps whatsover" thing with the graphics card disconnected.

Just turned it on after it was off for a while (not at wall or PSU switch) and it came on, then quickly restarted and posted.

Later it failed to restart, so had to hold power down until it went off. Then it started okay.

Fairly sure it has to be either CPU (although it can pass 50 runs of Linx at low temps and voltages so I don't really understand how it could be damaged), motherboard, CMOS battery or PSU not supplying enough power to start.

It's a Corsair 850W but again I don't really understand it if it's faulty since there are aren't any problems playing games like GTA IV with settings on high and I'd have thought there would be if it was on the blink.
 
Alright, I'm beginning to think this might be a simple voltage issue due to overclock. I have it running back at stock and it seems okay (famous last words!).

What is a normal CPU/VTT voltage? I had it set at 1.21875V, but I see that XMP would be setting it at 1.4V so maybe it is way too low?
 
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1.21875V seems way to low for a 4Ghz overclock, but all setups vary. Just use the search tool at the top of the page and check out what other guys have/are using for your motherboard/cpu configuration.

ATB :)

PS... welcome to the forums
 
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Thanks.

Strange that it was able to pass 50 runs of Linx and memtest86+ overnight, but I guess if that's what's causing the cold boot issue then so be it.

I've upped the qpi/dram (cpu vtt) up to 1.24375 with CPU voltage at 1.2375 and so far seems okay. Doesn't appear to have made any difference to the temps.

What makes me a bit less sure is that I found plenty of posts on various forums for this particular board with the same issue who ended up RMAing it. Hopefully won't be needed here...

BTW I'm very impressed with the Noctua NH-D14. Highest temp under Linx is 72C on 2 of the cores and that's for 4GHz with HT on.
 
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