Failed system - my diagnosis.

MikeTimbers · 7 Sep 2012 at 22:21

OK, so see if this logic works for you and whether I've correctly identified the likely failed part.

Computer is a water-cooled 2600K, 2x2GB DDR3, Asrock P67-Extreme4, GTX260

Computer boots but does not complete post.
On-board debug code is either 96 - no console output device or 9A - initialising USB.
Graphics card works in another computer.
Working graphics card from another computer produces same errors.
Working graphics card in different PCI-E slot always stops at 9A, never at 96.
Brand new OCZ 750W PSU makes no difference.
No alternate RAM or CPU to test with.
Disconnecting all the USB devices makes no difference.

If motherboard tries to boot, the CPU and RAM must be OK
Problem is not GPU or PSU related.
Motherboard does not recognise the GPU if in the primary PCI-E slot so that is likely to be bust.

Diagnosis: buy a new motherboard.

Anyone disagree?

bremen1874 · 7 Sep 2012 at 22:32

It doesn't prove the memory is okay. Try each stick on its own in all of the slots.

MikeTimbers · 7 Sep 2012 at 22:51

One stick or two sticks, any slot or any pair, gives the same 9A error.

trickynickyuk · 8 Sep 2012 at 06:39

just out of curiosity have you tried disconnecting your USB devices if not try that and see what happens

MikeTimbers · 8 Sep 2012 at 10:55

Sadly no difference.

Dave0w · 8 Sep 2012 at 10:59

reset CMOS and try again

dont just remove the battery more the jumper

Fob · 8 Sep 2012 at 13:38

Tried unplugging all usb headers ? maybe just one thats failed, if so with a bit of luck it will at least post.

trickynickyuk · 8 Sep 2012 at 13:57

let us know please

MikeTimbers · 8 Sep 2012 at 16:33

Now out of its case, on a table. Just the motherboard, CPU, temporary heatsink, ram, known good GTX260, 750W PSU. Nothing is plugged into the motherboard other than the above.

Same error - 9A or 96.

Battery removed, CMOS jumper applied. Battery returned, jumper reset. No change.

trickynickyuk · 8 Sep 2012 at 18:49

just reading on a different forum about this error here is the link but admin please give the dude a chance to read if link not aloud http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/305991-12-asrock-extreme7-error-post-reach-bios it looks to be the same error as yours mate hope it helps

MikeTimbers · 8 Sep 2012 at 19:23

Thanks but I don't even get to a BIOS screen.

Currently I'm trying to leave the board without a battery overnight. If that doesn't work, I'll have to buy a new board and fix next weekend.

Speaking of which, I need another Asrock because they're the only one that have the s1156 holes that my waterblock needs. Any views on the Z77 Extreme4?

bremen1874 · 8 Sep 2012 at 19:44

I thought s1155 and s1156 used the same mountings.

trickynickyuk · 8 Sep 2012 at 21:23

hhhhmmm so did i didnt know they were different size

MikeTimbers · 8 Sep 2012 at 21:35

Sorry, I meant s775. The Asrock boards allow s775 coolers to fit on their s1155/s1156/s1366 sockets.

MikeTimbers · 9 Sep 2012 at 13:22

Left the battery out overnight but still not working

Z77 ordered as a replacement.

MikeTimbers · 14 Sep 2012 at 22:10

OK, so the Z77 also doesn't boot properly, stopping at "Initialising North Bridge"

I can only assume the CPU is damaged. It has been running 100% 24/7 at 4.6GHz since it was bought.

What are the chances the chip is blown inside i.e. enough to start the board but not enough to complete the process?

Mei · 14 Sep 2012 at 22:38

not sure if it helps u find out anything but uve tried with the onboard gfx? ur mobo has a connector for that?

MikeTimbers · 14 Sep 2012 at 23:57

Bare z77 so graphics built-in via 2600K, still stops on initialising northbridge

bremen1874 · 15 Sep 2012 at 01:32

Have you got one of those small independent computer shops near to you? It sounds like it’d be worth spending a few pounds getting the CPU (and possibly the motherboard(s)) tested.

PCZ · 15 Sep 2012 at 04:57

MikeTimbers said:
OK, so the Z77 also doesn't boot properly, stopping at "Initialising North Bridge"

I can only assume the CPU is damaged. It has been running 100% 24/7 at 4.6GHz since it was bought.

What are the chances the chip is blown inside i.e. enough to start the board but not enough to complete the process?

Took a look at the contact pads on the bottom of the CPU.
Could be that one or more of them are burnt.

Give the pads a clean anyway even if you don't see any obvious burnt ones
A rub with dry paper is slightly abrasive and can help restore connectivty.