DS4 Won't Boot - Help!

PhilipM

PhilipM

PhilipM

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Joined
11 Aug 2003
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485
Location
UK
Just built a new rig based around a DS4, e6300, 2GB GeIL, bit it won't boot! See here for complete spec:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17662672

When I power it on, it stays on for about 5 seconds then turns itself off before restarting a few seconds later. This cycle continues until the main physical power switch at the rear is turned off.

I have tried booting without the ram installed, same issue.

I have checked and reseated all the power connectors (ATX_12V_2X - 2x 4 pin connectors, 4 pin PCI-E 12v, main ATX power cable). I've also tried without the PCI-E connector since the graphics card has it's own power supply.

Any ideas? I see other people have had similar problems. Anything else I should try before I RMA the motherboard?

Thanks,
Philip
 
Isn't this what happens when the motherboard DDR voltage is set to 1.8v and the GeIL RAM needs 2.1v to run?

I suggest buying a different DD2 module (or borrowing one) and change the motherboards Vdimm to 2.1v.
 
i had the same problem with my ds4 and it was the ram, do not rma it back to ocuk cos they will just put compatable ram in it and then charge you for the testing (speaks from experience)
 
I've tried booting without any ram installed. In this case, it still doesn't get as far as displaying the bios before restarting. It should post the bios even without any ram, right?

Thanks,
Philip
 
Hi matey,

i had this problem too with a new rig i built 2 weeks ago. I had a DS4 with Geil RAM and it wouldnt post.

I RMA'd the board (i bought it through another reseller) and it was deemed faulty straight away and i had a new one sent out.

The fault is actually on the board itself - its not to do with RAM voltages etc.

Hope you get it sorted.

If you want to ask a couple of questions - PM me.
 
Hi Nick,

Thanks for that. My main worry was that this problem only affected the early boards. It's good to know I'm not the only one. Well, it's not good, ah, you know what I mean! ;)

Do you know what the board fault is? You'd think if it was as regular as this, the factory testing would pick it up!

I'll RMA the board on Monday.

Thanks again,
Philip
 
PhilipM said:
I've tried booting without any ram installed. In this case, it still doesn't get as far as displaying the bios before restarting. It should post the bios even without any ram, right?

Thanks,
Philip
Click to expand...
I don't think so. I'd expect the POST beeps that mean 'no RAM' and nothing else.

Jonathan
 
Good enoug for me. If it's not beeping, then it's a sick mobo!

I've RMA'd it today for a refund and ordered a new one online. OK, so I'm paying postage twice, but at least I get it tomorrow. *rubs hands together in anticipation of some serious BF2142 gaming*

Thanks,
Philip
 
I am somewhat surprised, but OcUK have tested the original mobo and can't find any fault. Any ideas what other component might be the issue?

I can't believe it's the GeIL as it wouldn't boot (or even bleep an error code) even with no sticks installed.

Thanks,
Philip
 
Yes, I connected a spare case speaker to the appropriate front panel jumper pins. ;)

Thanks for the check though, a lot of people would forget to do that. Especially on my case, which doesn't have a speaker by default!
 
Doh! It appears I had tested the same (faulty) stick of memory twice. With a single stick installed, it boots, with the other or both it doesn't. The tech had a bit of a chuckle at that. Talk about a blond moment! ;)

Just waiting on an RMA for the memory and then we're in business. :D

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated.
 
Yep. OcUK confirmed today that one stick is duff. They have sent a replacement which should arrive tomorrow. It's a happy Xmas for me. :D
 
Im havin to send mine back tomorrow too, I have opted for a replacement under a different board though I can't be bothered with the same thing happening again. Wish manufacturers would properly test hardware before shipping them out to their customers!! Wasting our time...
 
Still not working! I think I'm going to cry. Please help! :(

Here is a complete update. I've had two DS4 boards (1) and (2) as well as a first set of GeIL memory (1a) and (1b) and a second set (2a) and (2b).

So first I have DS4(1) and GeIL(1a)(1b). It won't boot with (1a) and (1b) installed. I don't have the speaker installed at this point. I conclude (incorrectly) it's the mobo.

I return DS4(1) and order DS4(2).

I then test DS4(2) and discover it WILL boot with a single stick of Geil (1a) but not (1b). Hence I RMA the GeIL (1a)(1b).

OcUK confirm GeIL (1a)(1b) is faulty and replace it with GeIL (2a)(2b).

I'm now testing DS4(1) with Geil (2a)(2b), this time with a speaker attached. The results are:
- Both sticks in mobo slots 1 and 3 - no beeps, constantly reboots
- Both sticks in mobo slots 2 and 4 - no beeps, constantly reboots
- either stick in slot 1 or slot 2 - no beeps, constantly reboots
- no memory - continuous short beeps
I've tried resetting the bios with a few combinations too, same results.

What do you think? Do I really have two more duff sticks of GeIL, or should I be looking at other components? Anything else I should try? :confused:

Thanks,
Philip
 
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Geil ram is fine at the defaulted 1.8v on the DS4, you have to up it yourself to 2.1v in the BIOS and set the speeds manually to 4-4-4-12, never had any probs with my Geil Ram at the default 1.8v, booted fine with no probs, then i set it manually to 2.1v, and 4-4-4-12, sounds like it could be duff as theres quite a few Geil Ram probs now, sounds like a duff batch. :(
 
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