Computer Starts then Stops in an endless cycle

CYPER · 6 Sep 2013 at 22:53

Asus P8P67-M / i5 2500K

If I put the memory I get endless ON-OFF cycle. If I remove it then it works as intended.

I've tried another ram module with all slots, which are clean.
I've removed the battery for 30 minutes to reset the BIOS.
I've tried another PSU - same thing.

Here's a video of what's happening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Ujsz7_S9E

1st half is without memory and 2nd half with memory.
Btw is the noise coming from the water pump normal - it sounds quite loud and annoying.

Anu suggestions what might be the problem?

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 00:34

Idleman said:
Can you list your system spec, as this may help others help you.

Don`t understand this bit, can you clarify what you mean, as it does`nt make any sense.

I'm just testing the Mobo/CPU/Memory as the problem is definitely in one of these.
Check the video - with the memory installed the computer starts then shuts down immediately and this goes until I switch off the PSU.
Without the memory installed (just PSU, Mobo and CPU) - computer starts and runs normally, just beeping for missing memory.

wazza300 said:
Is that the red dram/mem ok light lighting up? What make/model memory?

It is (DRAM_Led) and according to the Manual:

Memory is Patriot PSD32G13332

Idleman said:
2 beeps Memory parity error. The parity circuit is not working properly.

It is 1 long, 2 short, which I believe is problem with memory, which is to be expected as I remove it.

Btw I removed the water cooler and things doesn't look good. It looks like it has leaked:

So it is either the Mobo or the CPU - is there a way to find out without having another CPU? I have a multimeter.

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 00:37

wazza300 said:
Check for Bent CPU socket pins? It will beep if no memory is installed

CPU pins look OK.
Now I'm convinsed it is leak damage - I just have to figure out which one is dead - CPU or Mobo.

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 00:48

wazza300 said:
Let it dry out first,then try again,can't see pics yet,not showing up on my phone

Pics are up. You mean dry the CPU, because I don't think it is a very good idea to use the CPU cooler again as it is leaking.

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 01:01

wazza300 said:
Don't you have stock Intel cooler? I mean take chip out and leave everything a few days to dry out,last thing you wanna do is power it up whilst wet or damp and have a short circuit

Can I dry the CPU and the socket with a hairdryer?

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 01:31

Idleman said:
Looking at that pic of the Cpu, there looks to be a cluster of damaged pins, in the top left section.

I don't see anything unusual.

wazza300 said:
yes but don't stay on one spot too long or get too close as it might melt the plastic or bubble the pcb of the motherboard

it could have shorted the memory sticks,ive had that happen with a bent cpu socket pin

EDIT post a pic of the whole cpu socket/pins from directly above looking down on them

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 01:36

wazza300 said:
all looks ok to me

When I shine strong light onto it I can actually see some strange coloration:

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 01:53

wazza300 said:
does it rub off? clean it with thermal paste cleaner or alcohol

cpu's are pretty tough,if dram led is flashing it could be the memory itself or the integrated memory controller inside the cpu or something to do with it

I have ArctiClean Thermal Paste Remover and Thermal Surface Purifier. I'll try with them, even though when I look at it I don't see any difference.
Just when I shine strong light and at an angle.

It's either the CPU or the Mobo as I've tried with another RAM module and no difference.

Do you know anyone who would be willing to give me a processor for a test - any socket 1155 will do. I'm based in NW London.

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 01:54

wazza300 said:
hold on,im seeing no graphic card??

it wont boot or display anything with no gpu installed,p67 has no onboard graphics support

The problem I'm experiencing is not realated to the video card. The system automatically shuts down with a memory module installed - it doesn't even get to POST.

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 01:59

wazza300 said:
did you try with gpu tho? just incase it has something to do with it not starting up without a gpu installed

a cheap Pentium g620 would be your best option to test with,

Yes, tried with a GPU (nvidia GTX 460), but same thing: shuts down less than a second after it is powered on with a memory module installed.

I believe I have tested all possible scenarios and I'm quite positive it is either the CPU or the Mobo, but the only way to find out which one is with a different CPU, which I don't have.

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 02:27

Idleman said:
No, you`re right. Just checked it against another pic. It was just that it stood out from the rest, must have just been the way the light caught it.
So, it wont work with any ram module in any slot. Seems it`s a mobo problem. All you can do as wazza said and see if it`s ok when it`s had time to dry off.
Is your cooler still under warranty?

I've tried the original ram + another ram module that I have = no difference.
I'll try again tomorrow, but I don't have high hopes.
Warranty has expired

What makes you think it's the Mobo?
Could it be the memory controller inside the CPU - when a memory module is inserted then it shuts down for some reason.
I wish a could deduct one of both as the possible culprit without buying anything just for the test.

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 02:47

Idleman said:
Shame the warranty has expired.

I`m not a 100% certain, but more inclined towards the mobo being at fault, especially with water added to the equation.
The only way to find out exactly which is at fault, is one of two means:
1. Try the Cpu in another mobo.
2. Or mobo with another Cpu.
Do you have any family members or friends who could assist with this, might save you spending money unnecessarily.
What neck of the woods are you in?

No friends of family with socket 1155 processors

I'm located in NW2 London. Maybe try a local computer shop, but they will probably charge me just for the test :confused:

CYPER · 7 Sep 2013 at 14:57

It turns out the computer is still under warranty after all. It was purchased Feb 17, 2011.

8. Warranty Claims.

8.1 The purchased product is covered under warranty by the "seller" for 3 years commencing on the date the "buyer" received the PC. This warranty is limited to 2 years parts, and 3 years repair/labour.
8.2 All hardware parts which are in a built system from the "seller" are covered for 2 years commencing the date the "buyer" received the PC.
8.3 Notebook computers purchased from the "seller" are covered for 1 year, commencing the date the "buyer" received the Notebook.
8.4 All monitors purchased from the "seller" will be warranted for 1 year only commencing the date the "buyer" received it. The "buyer" can often deal directly with the monitor manufacturers to obtain warranty claims for repairs/replacements. If the "buyer" chooses to use the "seller" for warranty repairs/replacements on monitors, the "seller" will deal direct with the manufacturer and obtain repairs/replacements from them.
8.5 Peripheral devices such as: Keyboards, Mice, Speakers, Cables, Surge protectors, Webcams, Headsets/Headphones, Routers/Modems, 3d vision goggles and accessories, USB sticks, Bluetooth dongles and External hard drives are covered for 1 year from the date the "buyer" received them.
8.6 All repair labour costs are covered by the "seller" for 3 years commencing on the date the "buyer" received the PC.

So does that mean they will only establish which is the faulty component and then I have to buy a new one?
If the leaked water cooler is the cause of the problem, isn't the company responsible for the fault?