My GA-7VAX won't load an OS...what's up?

[Lokey]

I'm new to TechIMO because I have just purchased some (new) hardware to build a new PC for myself and I am striking out here.
Mobo = Gigabyte GA-7VAX (w KT100 chip & 8X AGP)
CPU = AMD Athelon XP 2400
Video = MSI 8X AGP Geforce Titanium 4200
OS = XP
Ramm = 512 stick (several brands tried)

The rest may be inconsequential to my problem. After carefully assembling the PC I got a wide range of errors / reactions (from blue screen, to rebooting itself, freezing up, no video signal, no post beep, no error beeps when memory is removed, beginning to load os and freezing, anything but operate.

A friend of mine has the next step in Gig. boards with raid controllers and he had a similar prob that he finally solved with a different brand of ramm.

I have now tried at least 5 different (brands) of 512 DDR with no success. Finally I took the manuel specs to someone and had them carefully order me the proper ramm. Still nothing.

I work on PC's and this is the point I usually tell the customer they need a new motherboard (but I have a new Mobo).

Does anyone know any particualr quirk on this board or gigabyte boards that might help me? I've run down all the usual errors (jumper settings, shorts to the case, etc.) Any ideas for me. Please?

[squeech]

I build systems with the GA-7VAX 3-4 times per week (generally with Ti4200 and MX440SE cards), and if there's one thing Gigabyte boards can be picky on, it's video.

I also happen to own a GA-7VRXP (KT333 instead of KT400), which has become infamous for a compatibility issue with many GeForce4 cards (MSI is at the top of that list).

Now, as I mentioned, I have not YET come across a 7VAX whose problems cannot be fixed with new RAM (but there's always a first ). So, what you might try (as this is what worked on the KT333 boards and some 7VAX boards) is increase the core voltage of your CPU to +5% or +7.5%. This increases the compatibility of the CPU with your AGP card.

Also, [probably] obviously check your RAM timings in BIOS setup. If it's set to auto, try entering in frequency, CAS latency, etc. by hand.

My last suggestion, your board MAY still be bad. Never rule out the RMA if all else fails. New board doesn't always equal GOOD board.

Hope some of this info helps! Keep us posted!


BTW, Welcome to TechIMO!!!

[Micro Bean]

Hmmm Whats your specs on the Power Supply? as you mentioned that it keeps rebooting maybe can it be the power supply?

[PyroSama]

This this the GA-7VAX or the GA-7VAXP? And what is the diff? If its a VAXP then to check the RAM timings hit ctrl+f1 to gain access to advanced bios features. Also up the Vcore and what ram are you using? PC2700? Order a chunk of kingston value ram 512mb pc2700 and try that. Also did you check to make sure the GFX card is seated right? Do you have a DVM? What are CPU temps usualy at?



PyroSama

[squeech]

7VAXP has RAID, SD, and memory stick controllers on it, and 7VAX does not.

[Lokey]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your replys. Let me see...
1. First off I have not even gotten to square one yet. The board would not even post or give me the warning beeps when I remove all ramm. That's usually my acid test that a board has issues.
2. The ram I am using was PC333 (2 sticks of 512) As I noticed that they were two different brands(one was Kingston value ramm) I tried them independantly of each other just in case...no joy.
3. I did double check that all cards were seated, then one by one removed them all testing post with each new withdrawal. No effect.
4. What's a DVM? As for cpu temps I have not gotten far enough to find out. Thanks Prosama.
5. Micro BEan, I have a new 350 watt P.S. on this one. I just bought it for this build.
6. Squeech, It sure is encouraging to hear that this board and video card will work together. I haven't tried the voltage change yet...thanks for the tip.
I'll get back with you all. Thanks loads...it's good not to be alone on this.

[Lokey]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your replys. Let me see...
1. First off I have not even gotten to square one yet. The board would not even post or give me the warning beeps when I remove all ramm. That's usually my acid test that a board has issues.
2. The ram I am using was PC333 (2 sticks of 512) As I noticed that they were two different brands(one was Kingston value ramm) I tried them independantly of each other just in case...no joy.
3. I did double check that all cards were seated, then one by one removed them all testing post with each new withdrawal. No effect.
4. What's a DVM? As for cpu temps I have not gotten far enough to find out. Thanks Prosama.
5. Micro BEan, I have a new 350 watt P.S. on this one. I just bought it for this build.
6. Squeech, It sure is encouraging to hear that this board and video card will work together. I haven't tried the voltage change yet...thanks for the tip.
I'll get back with you all. Thanks loads...it's good not to be alone on this.

[Siliconjunkie]

Try powering the board up outside the case, on a piece of cardboard or wood. I have seen grounding issues cause all kinds of weird problems. If it works, add cards one at a time till it posts with all of them, then put it back in the case (after removing the cards again). If it wont post out of the case with nothing on it, the board is bad. Or, the P/S or switch is.

[Lokey]

Ok, don't shoot me but I bolted. I have RMA'ed the Gig board and latched onto an ASUS they had with pretty good specs as well.
Asus A7N8X
Chipset nVidia nForce II
Processor Athlon XP FSB 100/133/166MHz
Duron FSB 100MHz
Memory PC1600/2100/2700/3200
HDD UltraDMA/133
Serial-ATA/RAID

Additional 2 IEEE-1394
Audio - nForce II
6 USB 2.0
2 x10/100M LAN
Well, anywhere, I am at the same place with this one. THe board wont post at all either. Now, believe me the insecurities have kicked in so much that I even used a static strap on this one. I have treated it with kid gloves.
I like the specs on this one so well I am willing to stick with it to make it work. My assumption thus far is that I am overlooking something small, or obvious so I am taking days with this one...thinking it through.

CHeck some of these out. Similar problem for the most part.

http://www.computing.net/cpus/wwwboard/forum/5758.html
http://miataru.computing.net/hardwar...rum/12132.html
http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/7445/
http://hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/6086/
http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4633
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/printthr...hreadid=134984

To date I have:
-replaced the CMOS battery, no effect.
-reread the manual and rechecked jumper settings.
-same drill on mobo memory removed test, (no reaction)
-Yeah, this one's supposed to talk to you, it hasn't through headphones.
-the only two tests I have left to try is remove the cpu and see if it complains, and removing the board from the case to check for potential shorts.
-I better get good with this fast...I have to build one for a customer soon as all his parts come it.
By the way, this boy is using the same videocard, ramm, etc as I am with the only change being he's using an AMD XP 3200! processor.

-I will RMA this one if I have to, (just last week I got a bad intel board (GBVL) right out of the box. In fact recently we got 3 in a row that were bad. SO after I make the last two tests I can come up with I'll replace it, but I mean to ride this one out till it works for me.

All words of wisdom will be welcome, and Stand by in the mean time.