Tricky GA-EP35-DS3P problem!

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The_Kuti

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Oct 1, 2013
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Hello!

I've got a Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P motherboard and got some problems with it. First of all let me tell my PC's specs:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P rev 2.1 BIOS ver: F3
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 with Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo cooler
RAM: 2x2GB Kingmax DDR2 800Mhz
VGA: Gigabyte HD 7770 OC rev 2.0
PSU: ASUS U-65GA 650W

So the problem is the following: after I built the PC (checked everything twiwce), I could hear two long beeps then a short beep and the PC started to boot. I wanted to install my Win7 64bit, but after 3-4 hours of waiting (superslow installing and then freezes), i left it be and installed WinXp 32bit instead (running that OS at the moment). I thought if I flash BIOS to the latest problem will be solved, so I've flashed it to the latest (F6) with QFlash downloaded from the official website and everything went well (at least QFlash said), rebooted and experienced the followings: the 2 long beeps have gone (yaaaay!) just hte short one stayed (yaaaay!...again), PC started to boot up but after it listed my Hard drives, etc. and before the "Verifying DMI poll data..." screen it reboots and do this endlessly. I can enter BIOS, but whatever I set, it still reboots everytime (also with fail-safe and optimised defaults). So i get another idea: "Let's try F5!", but the same problem persisted. Only one option left: put back F3 and ignore the 2 long beeps, BUT there were no long beeps but the PC stepped into an infinite reset loop without any POST or beeps. I pulled out the battery to reset CMOS, it worked, but now it says: "CMOS cheksum error...defaults loaded", that sounded good pushed the battery back in, selected default setting and rebboted, but it entered the endless reset loop again (I must say that pulling out battery wasn't working with F5 and F6). If I select to "Continoue boot..." by pressing "F1" the PC boot up and the OS loads. Now everytime i want to start my PC i need to cut out the power and switch PC on to clear CMOS everytime. I've tried to change the battery, use one RAM at time, but nothing solved the issue. I really appreciate any help and thanks in advance!
 
Solution
chunkymonster


One last idea before sending it off to a service center or RMA to Gigabyte would be to replace the BIOS chip itself. A bad BIOS chip would cause all the same problems.

I wish I could have helped more...




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chunkymonster

chunkymonster

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Did you research the POST beep codes for what they mean?

Typically, if you get beeps upon POST, it is a good indication that something is wrong (obviously) and by referring to the manufacturers website and/or manual for the meaning of the POST beep codes, it will tell you what the problem is.

Most likely it is a RAM issue.
 
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The_Kuti

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Oct 1, 2013
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According to User's manual:
"1 short: System boots successfully
2 short: CMOS setting error
1 long, 1 short: Memory or motherboard error
1 long, 2 short: Monitor or graphics card error
1 long, 3 short: Keyboard error
1 long, 9 short: BIOS ROM error
Continuous long beeps: Graphics card not inserted properly
Continuous short beeps: Power error"

Nothing for 2 long beeps, by the way the long beeps no longer exists, just the reset loop.

P.S.: i've checked my VGA, and it's plugged correctly.
 
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chunkymonster

chunkymonster

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From the About.com PC Support page AwardBIOS Beep Code Troubleshooting, see the bold at bottom.

1 Long Beep, 2 Short Beeps
One long beep followed by two short beeps indicates that there has been some kind of error with the video card. Replacing the video card is usually the most you'll have to do to fix this one.
1 Long Beep, 3 Short Beeps
One long beep followed by three short beeps means that either the video card isn't installed or the memory on the video card is bad. Reseating or replacing the video card will typically fix the cause of this Award beep code.
1 High Pitched Beep, 1 Low Pitched Beep (Repeating)
A repeating high pitched / low pitched beep pattern is an indication of some kind of CPU problem. The CPU could be overheating or malfunctioning in some other way.
1 High Pitched Beep (Repeating)
A single, repeating, high pitched beeping sound means that the CPU is overheating. You'll need to figure out why the CPU is getting too hot before this Award beep code will go away.

Important: Turn your computer off immediately if you hear this beep code. The longer your CPU is running hot, the higher the chance that you'll permanently damage this expensive part of your system.

All Other Beep Codes
Any other beep code pattern you hear means that there has been some kind of memory problem. Replacing your RAM is the most you'll need to do to fix this problem.

As mentioned, my guess it is a RAM issue...
 
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The_Kuti

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Okay, finally i've managed to borrow my friends RAM (Kingmax 667Mhz) and the experienced the same issue. Nothing changed at all, so problem still unsolved...
 
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chunkymonster

chunkymonster

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Well, good and bad. Good that you know it's not a RAM issue. Bad that it's still happening?

You stated you have the latest BIOS version, F6, and it just goes into a reset loop.

Is the heatsink installed correctly, with the heatsink fan plugged into the fan header labeled CPU?

Have you verified the BIOS settings? Such as any setting that would cause reboot upon failure, i.e.; not detecting a USB device or keyboard?

What is the boot order? Hard drive first? CD-ROM first? If CD-ROM, is there bootable/non-bootable media in the drive?

Do you also have the latest chipset drivers? Not what came on the mobo CD, but download the latest drivers from the Gigabyte or Intel websites?

Have you tried re-installing Windows?
 
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The_Kuti

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I wished to have the latest BIOS (F6), but its resets after post, before "Veryfing pool data..." thingy. I still have F3 (at least i can boot with that, just complicated). Heatsink is fine, double checked it, if it's still not seated correcxtly i wont be able to write now, and pulled into the correct header. There were no usb devices plugged in. Boot order was set to HDD first and nothing more. No bootable CD was in my CD-drive. i Have the latest Gigabyte drivers, cause i don't have the original disc came with my motherboard. I have reinstalled Win Xp twice and the problem still persists.
 
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chunkymonster

chunkymonster

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Wow! This really is a head scratcher!

You mentioned that you can boot with the F3 BIOS version, but it's complicated. I presume that Windows loads when performing this complicated procedure, correct? Please explain what about it is complicated and what steps you take to get it to boot.
 
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The_Kuti

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I need to reset CMOS everytime I want to boot by pulling out the battery (and unplug the power cable). Plug back the cable switch on and short beep comes. After the logo screen i get a window says: "CMOS cheksum error, defaults loaded." and there are options to select from: select one of the settings of later successful boots or enter setup or press "F1" to continue boot, and I have to press "F1" or reset loop will occur whaterver i choose. I can enter BIOS setup by the way but after save anything or not, the same reset loop comes.
 
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chunkymonster

chunkymonster

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I understand you have removed the battery to get it to boot and POST, but have you tried REPLACING the battery.

Does the BIOS remember any settings after you change them or do the BIOS setting return to the factory defaults after shutting down the computer and upon starting it up again? If yes, the battery could be bad in which case it could cause it to have boot and POST issues.

A replacement battery can be gotten at any Radio Shack or similar electronics store. If unsure, just take the battery with you to the store and ask for a matching replacement. It should only cost a few dollars.
 
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The_Kuti

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Well whatever I set in BIOS in ver. F3 i cant say whether its saved or not cause thats gonna be a reset loop.
If I save changes in ver. F6 it will be stored after reset as well. I have also replaced the old battery with a brand new one, but still nothing has changed.

Edit: Everything resets to default settings everytime I cut out the power.
 
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chunkymonster

chunkymonster

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The fact that the BIOS resets to factory defaults is indicative of a bad battery. The job of the battery is to maintain power to the BIOS ROM so it remembers the settings, keeps the clock running, etc. But, given you have replaced the battery, it can't be the culprit.

I'm starting to think you may have a bad motherboard. Your issues could be the result of the mobo having a bad capacitor, MOFSET, or power controller.

Did you buy the board new or used?

 
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The_Kuti

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It's a used motherboard, i am the second user. I think i'm gonna get the motherboard to a service-center to get it inspected and/or repaired. I've also asked the former user if he may encountered this problem, but he said he's not.
 
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chunkymonster

chunkymonster

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One last idea before sending it off to a service center or RMA to Gigabyte would be to replace the BIOS chip itself. A bad BIOS chip would cause all the same problems.

I wish I could have helped more...




 
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The_Kuti

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Oct 1, 2013
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Well, after a few days, it came out that my motherboard's South Bridge got burned and cannot be repaired. So i have to buy a new motherboard. Thank you very much for your help, I appreciate that.
 
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chunkymonster

chunkymonster

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Bummer dude...that stinks.

Could be an opportunity for an upgrade.

If you need help picking a replacement board...

 
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