[RESOLVED] New build still not booting

[jdc2000]

If you got the correct beep sequence indicating that no RAM was installed, that would seem to indicate that the CPU is working (or you would still have not heard any beeps). I did not see in your posts that you had tried different RAM, so that would be the next step. Check the compatibility list for the motherboard for a brand and type that is known to work. I am surprised that the Microcenter rep did not try this - he should have had some RAM available for testing.

[photolady]

buying another CPU (nobody sells them new

Oh, but newegg does sell them new.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103877

but I'd check your ram as jdc suggests.

[MPTech]

Hmmm, RAM? I can try that! A lot easier than replacing cpu.
Never dawned on me that the RAM wasn't compatible.
I'll double check the specs.


photolady, that's amazing! I had a link to the old newegg offering in this post. good to know.

[MPTech]

Not much information available on the mobo.
Originally I couldn't find it on ASUS's website using their searh tool, but googled it and found it in their "Commercial Products" (?? I don't know if that's good or bad? I thought I bought it from Newegg)

Newegg says:
Number of Memory Slots: 4×240pin
Memory Standard: DDR2 1066 (will accept 1066/800/667/533)
Maximum Memory Supported: 8GB
Channel Supported: Dual Channel


my RAM is:
2gb (2 x 1gb) 240 pin
DDR2 800
PC2 6400

what / where else can I check? (ASUS website is useless!)

[Train]

Crucial says
Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-6400,DDR2 PC2-8500,DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 2GB per slot.*


Check the BIOS updates and found this.

M3A78-CM BIOS 2601
Fix the issue that system may hang during POST when using certain graphic card.

Also there are 20 BIOS updates. At ASUS

I started here and used the dropdowns.
http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx

[jdc2000]

The motherboard manual can be downloaded, and it has lots of good information about the memory setup and approved memory.

[MPTech]

I thought I replied to this on Friday, but I guess I didn't "submit" it.

Train, ASUS sent me the latest BIOS on a chip and I replaced the chip. Still didn't wok, so I shipped it to them and the did a diagnostic and "Fixed" it, but never explained what they "fixed" and it still never worked.

jdc2000, you might be on to something. My RAM meets the M3A78-CM spec requirements, but was not listed in their QVL (Qualified Vendors List)!

here's my RAM:

RAM: OCZ SLI-Ready 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) OCZ2N800SR2GK

And here's the QVL from the ASUS


I tried looking up a current RAM support list on ASUS, but couldn't find anything, beyond this:
http://commercial.asus.com/product/detail/21

but I did find this, for Crucial RAM support:
Memory Upgrade for the ASUS M3A78-CM Motherboard

WOW! I'm confused now, but hoping the problem is the RAM.
I was thinking about taking it back to MicroCenter and buying new RAM from them and trying to boot it on the spot.

[jdc2000]

I think the RAM may well be the issue. I have an ASUS P5VD2-X board that has a similar issue. I have some RAM that is on the QVL list, provided you have the latest BIOS (2GB DIMMs). Earlier BIOS versions did not support 2GB DIMMs, only 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DIMMs. I will have to install a compatible DIMM, flash the BIOS, and then I can use the larger DIMMs. If you have the latest BIOS installed now, I would think your memory would work. However, the Microcenter idea may be the best one, provided their memory pricing isn't exorbitant. If they have some memory that they can install to make sure the board POSTs, then you can buy it from them.

[Shinma]

If taking it to a store to test,
Try Corsair brand of memory modules.

[MPTech]

WAHOOOO! I HAVE BOOT!


I stopped @ MicroCenter today at lunch and told the guy what mobo I have. I asked if he could look it up and tell me what RAM fits it. He says he doesn't need to, it takes DDR2 and handed me 2 sticks of OCZ "High Performance", I said please look it up, I have 2 sticks of OCZ that DON'T work. He assured me these would be fine and if there were any problems, bring them back.

Well, IT WORKED!! I am so stoked!

thanks guys, RAM was the last thing I expected, my old stuff (which was expensive stuff new) met all of the specs, but wasn't on their QVL (but I don't think the new stuff was either! go figure)

Now it's on to loading Win7 64-bit!

THANKS again

[jdc2000]

Thanks for the update. Glad you got it working.

[SuperSparks]

Good news

It jut goes to show how fussy some mobos can be when it comes to RAM.