Old system build - problems

shaneosborne · 26 Jan 2020 at 12:31

Gigabyte GA-965p-ds3p Q6600 Core2 Quad

Originally my motherboard blew a MOSFET and I purchased another board same as the original.

Everything was put together but had problems with the RAM and the PC turning on/off on boot.

I decided to buy some standard voltage RAM.

I'll cut a long story short, I replaced everything but the CPU and GPUs.

On a cold boot the BIOS resets and when I go in to Bios I get a VCore - Fail.. I've changed the battery on the motherboard but the problem still occurs but only on a cold boot, otherwise it is fine. Once I put the BIOS back to the settings I require (for RAID config only) and reboot everything is fine for the remainder of the day. I unplug her for the day and return in the morning but the same occurs!

I've run Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool and the the Brand String Test Fails. I'm told this is due to the CPU being old but the program identifies the correct CPU.

I keep thinking I have purchased a faulty motherboard and the seller is happy for me to return it for a refund. I just don't want to return it unless I've tried everything possible.

At least it isnt restarting every few seconds, that was the original problem.

I hope someone can help.... if you require further info please ask....

shaneosborne · 26 Jan 2020 at 12:35

Update

The String Test Fail shows;

Test Result FAIL
..no valid string parts found.
Detected: Intel(R) Core (TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz

String part compare error

shaneosborne · 26 Jan 2020 at 12:56

Decided to unplug the PSU and it does seem that the BIOS is not saving once the power is cut. The internal clock also resets, so nothing is sticking once the power is cut and the vcore fails.

shaneosborne · 26 Jan 2020 at 13:28

Decided to change the battery and it seems to save BIOS settings. Luckily I purchased a 2 pack but why has it only lasted 3 weeks?

I'll run some tests and see how we go...... the one thing I thought it wouldn't be and it was!

drakulton · 26 Jan 2020 at 13:32

Lo

shaneosborne said:
Decided to unplug the PSU and it does seem that the BIOS is not saving once the power is cut. The internal clock also resets, so nothing is sticking once the power is cut and the vcore fails.

Looks like you need a new bios battery. CR 2032 button cell.

shaneosborne · 26 Jan 2020 at 16:14

drakulton said:
Lo

Looks like you need a new bios battery. CR 2032 button cell.

It was new 3 weeks ago, they usually last longer than that from new :/

DoneADougalOnSofa · 26 Jan 2020 at 16:27

Check there isn't a BIOS reset jumper on the mobo. Someone put a jumper cap on it by mistake?

I'm sure that'd cause other issues though, and would certainly not take even 3 weeks to drain the battery...

shaneosborne · 26 Jan 2020 at 17:38

Just checked and no jumper, seems odd that a BIOS battery would cause so many issues but as soon as I inserted a new Energizer battery, all is now fine.

I've read many posts online with the same battery issue but no resolution. Some have said that the board could be shorting and draining the battery. Asus had an issue like this and a batch of boards were recalled but I have a Gigabyte board.

I've broken my own rule, never buy second hand components. This is the first time in 30 years I've done so and it has been nothing but a pain in the butt!

I'll monitor over the next few weeks and see how it goes.

Many thanks to those that have responded, very much appreciated.