Strange Problem, really need some help!

**sjhills** · #1 27th Sep 2007, 06:42

Hi All,
I am new to this forum so please go easy on me! I would like to discuss a problem I am having with my computer. I will try and be as descriptive as possible and accurately describe my computers hardware.

Hardware:

A8N-SLI-Deluxe Motherboard with Bios Revision 1011
AMD Athlon64 Dual Core x2 4200+
2GB Memory PC300 DDR 400Mhz (2x1GB Sticks)
X1900XT 512mb Shader M 3.0 Graphics Card.
300GB Maxtor Internal Hard Disk 7200RPM
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Chieftec 550W Power Supply

Please mention if I need anymore information..

I originally bought this machine with a X800XL 256mb Shader M2.0, but have since upgraded the graphics card to the above with Shader M3.0 This was mainly so I could play some of the latest games available. I did everything correct, uninstalled the old drivers, removed the x800xl and inserted the new graphics card. I even re-formatted my hard disk and installed Windows XP again with most updates. The problem is, everytime I first switch on my computer the machine makes one long beep and maybe(not sure about this bit) 1 short beep. then boots with no video display(monitor is black screen only) I think the monitor powers down to an orange light. I usually switch off my PC and then re-boot. Upon reboot, My PC loads as normal and everything is working fine with the correct 1 short beep - as normal. The strange thing is, it only happens when I first switch on my PC, not whenever I reboot my PC afterwards. I've tried changing the memory modules, and taking them out so I only have 1GB of memory, but the machine is fine. The games work flawlessly, well, unless it needs patching by the makers; that is.. Could it be the Motherboard Battery? I've had this machine two years now. The machine is on most of the day At first I got 3 short beeps, but realise I didn't put the 6-pin connector on the graphics card, so the graphics card was getting enough power. The X800XL didn't need a 6-pin connector, only this new card. My Power Supply is a Chieftec 550W..So I don't think power is the problem...

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you,
Steve.

PS: I'll add anymore information if the problem continues. I really do think it is the motherboard battery...

Any suggestions?

**alex** · #2 27th Sep 2007, 06:52

I don't think its the battery, I think its your ram.

It's definately hardware related regardless.

The award bios on this board does a pre-post check for ram. That's what's causing this 'beep'.

Try each dimm individually.

Nice build by the way.

**sjhills** · #3 27th Sep 2007, 07:07

Thank you for the reply. I've tried each memory module individually..but the system booted fine. What program would you recommend to test the memory? Memtest? or something else?

I'll try memtest for now and post some feedback.

Thank you again,
Steve.

**sjhills** · #4 27th Sep 2007, 07:57

Just an update on the situation. I ran the memtest program twice as memtest could not check all unused memory singlarly. So I opened the application twice and ran 814mb on both applications. I waited until it covered 100% of the memory - about 30-45mins. It did not find any errors.

I will add more information...

**SocialWarfare** · #5 27th Sep 2007, 10:45

I think it may be a power supply problem, considering that your PSU only has 18a on the 12v rails, I think that the X1900XT may need more than that, like about 20a

Edit: is it the phoenix bios that is with that motherboard?

**sjhills** · #6 27th Sep 2007, 12:05

Hi,
Yes, I've checked. It is the ASUS A8N-SLI DELUXE ACPI BIOS Revision 1011 Manufacturer by Phoenix Technologies LTD..

Is that the problem? A Power supply issue? I am surprised...but What power supply would you recommend if I do need to replace it? It seems very strange... I can leave the machine on, browse the internet, or play games such as; demanding ones such as Bioshock, Medal of Honor, Lost Planet etc. with no troubles at all... If the machine wasn't getting enough juice, wouldn't it freeze, stop or just shutdown constantly?

Thank you for the reply, and for everyones help with this,

**SocialWarfare** · #7 27th Sep 2007, 13:47

Don't think about buying a new one yet, it is just a possibility

If you could check to make sure what the beep code is I will have a look around so that we can diagnose what the beep code stands for

**sjhills** · #8 27th Sep 2007, 14:25

Thank you for taking the time in replying. I know there is a long beep at the beginning, then I think it is a short beep. I will see what happens tomorrow and report back. Can I check to see what the problem is? Does the Bios setup tell you, or give you a numbered code for example? Also, is it displayed at startup?

Thank you again,
Steve.

**SocialWarfare** · #9 27th Sep 2007, 14:38

From the beep, if you Google "phoenix beep codes" it will help you understand what the beeps stand for
Every different type of beep stands for something different

Oh and nice build by the way

Nearly the same as mine(check profile)

**sjhills** · #10 28th Sep 2007, 04:44

Ok I had a listen to it today. It did it twice before the system booted fine. It appears to be a long beep then two short. It is difficult to identify. I have looked on the Phoenix beep codes but I don't know which one it is.

I know the video does not display on the monitor and the hard disk seems to boot for loading Windows.

Another idea is, I do have my old X800XL graphics card so I could change it back and see if this problems happens if I use a lower wattage graphics card. Does anybody have any suggestions?

Thank you,
Steve.