[Resolved]UT nF4 Ultra-D won't post

[Quinn]

Hi,

 

I'm new here and I just switched from Intel to AMD. I purchased the following hardware:

 

- AMD Opteron 165 HSF (new)

- DFI UT nF4 Ultra-D (new)

- 2GB (4x512MB PC4000) RAM (old)

- XFX GeForce 6500 (new)

- Enermax FMA 535w (new)

 

Having just installed the mobo, CPU, RAM, video, and PSU, I attempted to boot and ... nothing. No beeps, no video. The diag leds stop with 2 ON. Thus far I've tried to clear CMOS, reduce to 1 stick of RAM and swapped several sticks in slot 1, swapped video cards, ensured all 4 power connectors are in place. All without success.

 

Being new to DFI I'm not sure what to make of the diag leds. Does the fact that it stopped at 2 leds lit mean there's a problem with the video? Does this also mean the CPU and RAM are ok?

 

I'm running out of ideas to try and am hoping those with more experience can make some insightful suggestions on the next things I can try.

 

Thanks

[Chocobo55]

look in manual it tells what the leds mean.

 

try one stick ram in top orange slot cleare cmos then tryu boot.

[tasr]

Quinn

 

To DFI-Street.

 

Do me and all the other people that will be helping you out a big favor and put together a signature per the rules.

 

That will help us help you. Look at my signature and others for ideas of what should go in your signature.

 

 

Did you follow the NF4 LanParty - initial build w/pictures?

 

4 LEDs on = Power applied, checking CPU

3 LEDs on = CPU has been detected OK, checking RAM

2 LEDs on = RAM has been detected OK, checking VGA

1 LED on = VGA has been detected OK, entering BIOS

0 LEDs on = System has booted to the Operating System

 

 

º¿º

[red930]

That's a memory issue, 2 LED's. Put two memory modules in the two Orange Slots, and go into the Bios and change CPC to 2T from Auto or 1T it was on. It's in the memory configuration menu. Then make sure you save and exit and shut down and add your other memory. Now you'll need to check and see which memory is either faulty or cause of issue either with 2T or just not working together very well. Good Luck!

[Quinn]

look in manual it tells what the leds mean.

 

I have looked in the manual. It just says the LEDs report the mobo "detected" things. I was wondering if the mobo passed the CPU and RAM checks, does that mean the mobo says there working OR just present? Since everything is new except the RAM, I'm trying to solicit experienced opinions about whether the CPU or the mobo could be bad.

 

try one stick ram in top orange slot cleare cmos then tryu boot.

 

Yes, I tried each of my memory sticks in the top orange (slot 1), same result.

[Quinn]

Do me and all the other people that will be helping you out a big favor and put together a signature per the rules.

 

That will help us help you. Look at my signature and others for ideas of what should go in your signature.

 

Sig created.

 

Did you follow the NF4 LanParty - initial build w/pictures?

 

I didn't use the initial build w/pictures guide, but after reviewing it, I've done everything the guide recommends except having the setup outside of my case.

 

4 LEDs on = Power applied, checking CPU

3 LEDs on = CPU has been detected OK, checking RAM

2 LEDs on = RAM has been detected OK, checking VGA

1 LED on = VGA has been detected OK, entering BIOS

0 LEDs on = System has booted to the Operating System

 

What I was originally asking is when the mobo says the CPU and RAM was detected OK, it only means that component was detected to be present? Can I also assume that the mobo thinks both components are functional? Since I get to the "2 LEDs on" stage, I wanted to know if I should focus on the video OR could there still be a problem with the CPU or RAM?

[tasr]

I question your memory. You have it listed as (2GB (4x512MB PC4000) RAM). What type, make and model? This would be helpful.

 

 

 

OK, here’s what I would do.

 

Remove your motherboard from the case and place it on a non-conductive surface. This will eliminate the possibility of any shorts.

 

Then rebuild it like this; NF4 LanParty - initial build w/pictures.

 

Place one stick of memory is the orange slot closest to the edge of the motherboard. Look at step #8 of initial build.

 

Clear the CMOS like this; Proper way to clear the CMOS from a "No Boot" condition?

 

Boot into the BIOS and Load Optimized Defaults and enable memtest.

 

Boot again test that 1 stick of memory test #5 and #8 for 20 passes. If good shut down label it good and test another stick and so on.

 

Once you have all memory tested good put 2 stick in the orange slots. Then see if you can load or get into the OS.

 

Post back

 

º¿º

[Quinn]

I question your memory. You have it listed as (2GB (4x512MB PC4000) RAM). What type, make and model? This would be helpful.

 

Wasn't trying to be vague. The truth is the memory is about 3 years old and I don't remember the manufacturer. I'll pop off the heat spreaders and see if their name is listed there. They're not a well known brand name. I'd have to classify them as Generic.

 

How picky are DFI/Opeterons on memory? If they are very picky, I'll go searching thru the forum for good replacement candidates. However, I'd be happy to receive some recommendations. I have water cooling gear (in the case, but not bolted to mobo yet) and am planning overclocking this puppy. I like to have 2GB in the system. Is 4x512MB better/worse than 2x1GB?

 

Tasr, I'll try your other suggestions when I get home from work. Thx.

[lowboy]

The OCZ pc4000 1gb either the EB or xtc memory would be good choice.Here is the way to read the Diagnostic LEDs.

 

4 LEDs on = Power applied, checking CPU

3 LEDs on = CPU has been detected OK, checking RAM

2 LEDs on = RAM has been detected OK, checking VGA

1 LED on = VGA has been detected OK, entering BIOS

0 LEDs on = System has booted to the Operating System.

 

As long as you are in the BIOS including running memtest from the BIOS option, there will be one LED on.

 

Example: If you are getting 3 LEDs on, it means the rig is having trouble detecting the RAM.

 

The lower(PCI) Amber LED is the 5VSB indicator. The upper Amber LED is the RAM voltage indicator. Once the rig has started and been shut down the RAM LED will go out until the PSU is power cycled.

[tasr]

Yes if you want to overclock generic or value RAM is not the way to go. Yes certain DFI motherboards can be very picky about RAM.

 

I have always believed in running a good PSU and RAM is what makes the world of difference in stability and overclocking.

 

You will soon learn this with the purchase of better RAM. In my opinion we all learn a little better buy experience these kinds of things.

 

Here is good link to read on memory; Recommended - RAM Guide for DFI nF4's. Look under (A list of good memory modules).

 

 

Then you should also read this prior to OC’ing; The Definitive DFI AMD Overclocking Guide. Then re-read it, and you will be surprised how much more info you’ll pick up.

 

 

Post back no what you decide get as far a RAM goes.

 

That RAM that lowboy posted is a good choice. A lot of people here use them so getting the timings would not be a problem.

 

 

º¿º

[Quinn]

Thanks for all the pointers and recommendations.

 

Post back no what you decide get as far a RAM goes.

 

I just checked with the local Fry's and found one they had one of the recommended memories, the OCZ 2GB DDR PC-4000 (500MHz) OCZ5002048ELGEGXT-K, 3-4-3-8, Dual Channel (2x1gb) DDR 184-Pin with XTC Heat Spreader in stock. On the way home, I'll get a set of those to try out. Hopefully (*fingers crossed*) the system will boot with them. If not, I'll remove the mobo and setup it up outside the case and proceed as described in the "install w/build" sticky.

[Quinn]

Remove your motherboard from the case and place it on a non-conductive surface. This will eliminate the possibility of any shorts.

 

Then rebuild it like this; NF4 LanParty - initial build w/pictures.

 

Place one stick of memory is the orange slot closest to the edge of the motherboard. Look at step #8 of initial build.

 

Ok, I've replaced my value memory with OCZ PC-4000 Gold XTB (2x1GB). Still not able to boot from within case, with either stick in slot 1 (top orange slot).

 

Pull mobo out of case and laid on non-conductive surface, following all the steps in "install build w/pictures" sticky. Still only posting upto the "2 LEDs on" stage.

 

I'm about to try doing a various resets/clearing CMOS variations to see if anything changes, found here: Proper way to clear the CMOS from a "No Boot" condition.

 

I'll post at the next stage of results....