Computer Doesn't Boot: Interesting problem

[jakelevi97]

So. This is one of the weirdest problems I've every had to deal with. The gist of the issue is that my computer will not boot with a GPU in.

I started by replacing the GPU (after checking all components of course, including both a manual and automatic PSU test), and still the computer wouldn't boot. After that (and successfully testing the GPUs in another machine), I decided to replace the motherboard. No dice. Still the same issue with the system.

I'm confused as to what is constant between those builds. One thing to bear in mind is that my system boots fine without a GPU. I replaced the motherboard thinking it was the PCI slot, but it obviously was not.

My thinking is that it could be that the PSU is too low power, but it it a 700W PSU...

Here's a list of my components.

1st GPU: HD Radeon 7770
2nd GPU: R9 390
1st Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H87M-D3H
2nd Motherboard: ASUS Z97 Pro Gamer
RAM: 28GB (4 sticks)
CPU: i5 4570 (4th generation)

Thanks,

JL

 

[fencepost]

When you say "won't boot" are you referring to the OS not starting or the hardware itself not even doing a POST?

Do you have options in BIOS to set whether the onboard or card graphics are used first?

 

[ohio_grad_06]

Also, what power supply are you using specifically? Just because a power supply advertises 700 watts does not mean it really can deliver that.

 

[oldtech]

1st GPU: HD Radeon 7770
2nd GPU: R9 390
1st Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H87M-D3H
2nd Motherboard: ASUS Z97 Pro Gamer
RAM: 28GB (4 sticks)
CPU: i5 4570 (4th generation)

Thanks,

JL

Exactly how does one get 28Gb of ram in a system? That and what CPU are you using?

 

[TheBeave]

Exactly how does one get 28Gb of ram in a system?

If I were to guess 3 eights and a four maybe? That's about the only way I can think of getting 28gb anyways.

 

[brandonkick]

https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/proper-pc-diagnostics.50329/

That's a guide I've written on proper PC diagnosis. Start there if you haven't done those things already.

 

[brandonkick]

Fixed.... thanks for catching that!

 

[jakelevi97]

Hi!

3 8GB and a 4GB is the config.
I think I mentioned the CPU i5 4570 (4th generation).
I'm using a BeQuiet 700W PurePower L8 PSU.

Fencepost, I should've elaborated on 'won't boot' - sorry! What happens is that first everything spins up, all looks good. I get that 'all good' first beep. . I get lots of POST codes, too fast to read. However, I can't seem to find a match for them, as I don't know what kind of BIOS I have (Phoenix, AMI etc). These also happen on a normal boot, so I think it's just part of POST. Here is where things go wrong; The display only shows a blank screen, and the post code is A601, which is also the post code I get during a normal boot (I can see my POST tester, and it's displaying it now).

I'll check about the Onboard/GPU preference. Update imminent.

Brandon, thanks for the guide, it looks like a great resource for a newbie! I've already done those things, sadly. I wish I hadn't, just so they might've worked!

Thanks for all the help guys! Let me know if you need any more info or anything.

JL

 

[Diggs]

What beep codes are you getting on POST and are you sure it's a GPU problem? Those boards are dual-channel which must be matched memory and you don't have that. You might want to start with a matched pair of memory in the correct slots.

 

[jakelevi97]

Only the first 'all good' single beep. I've tested the system with only 1 stick of RAM (tried each one), and it didn't make any difference - same issues. I don't think it's a GPU issue, as I've tried two GPUs, both of which worked in another PC.

I started by replacing the GPU (after checking all components of course, including both a manual and automatic PSU test), and still the computer wouldn't boot. After that (and successfully testing the GPUs in another machine), I decided to replace the motherboard. No dice. Still the same issue with the system.

I just want to reiterate - I've been working on this system for a good while before I posted here, and I do know the basics - I've also spoken to a guy who's been doing this for 30 odd years, and he couldn't see anything new. I do appreciate the help though - it's just been a frustrating process (one which I'd love to forget )

Thanks,

JL

 

[brandonkick]

Hi Jake.

I'd like the mention that I suggested the guide since it can help even the most experienced people
used a methodical approach and give a very linear path for them to follow. Knowing what you did,
and in what order you did it can be very helpful. I didn't mean to suggest it as a way of labeling you as
a noob.

When you start with a bare system, using the bare minimum components, you should get a BIOS screen
and you should have no issues with the graphics. At this point, you know the GPU's work in other systems.
At this point, you've replaced both the motherboard and the GPU and you know the GPU's work in other systems.

Has this machine ever worked with a GPU in it? Maybe there is onboard video and the BIOS is currently set to use
the on board and not the PCI-E card. It's possible.

It's also possible that perhaps the 700W PSU just doesn't have enough amperage on the 12V rail.

Try another monitor as well, just to rule out the display being the problem.

I've seen things like mouse / keyboard / optical drives and modems cause some crazy crazy problems.

Starting with a bare minimum setup, which is basically processor, power supply, memory and graphics card
the system should run. If the system does have on board video, connect the hard drive and try to boot from it.

Computers can drive you crazy!

 

[red12049]

Do you have the board out of the case? If not, try that, and then see if it'll boot with a GPU in it. If it does, you're probably getting a short under the area where the video card sits.

Rick

 

[katz]

So this is happening with (2) different motherboards, correct?

I would proceed this way, from your description.

Did you try another power supply? What is the voltage of the CMOS battery? Boot with the bare minimum of hardware, no RAM, & then a stick at a time? It sound like it could be a malfunctioning/faulty GPU. Hard to determine this sort of thing when diagnosing from behind a keyboard though.

 

[jakelevi97]

One of the RAM sticks was bad, and I figured out the issue with the GPU. The problem was that, for the PCI-E auxiliary power on my PSU, the cable ends with 2 outputs, but I couldn't use them together.

I'm just glad it's all working - thanks for the advice.