do I need to update bios before pc will post

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

So.. im building a gaming rig and it wont post. It lights up fans spin etc. Ive tested ALL the hardware in a similar build except the mobo (it lights up and gives beeping error codes when I removed the ram so im sure its ok). Could it be that I need to update the bios version before it works with the cpu. Im using asus pbh61 - mx r2.0 with intel i5 3470 quad core 3.2 and if so how do I check to current bios version? These are new parts. Thanks

Cons29 · Jan 5, 2014

go to asus site, search for your board model, there will be a link there for supported cpu's, along with the bios version that supports it

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

The CPU is supported. Are you getting 1 long 2 short beeps when starting with only CPU and CPU fan installed?

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

Yes. I get the 1 long and 2 short beeps. I believe this is the "no memory inserted" error code.

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

Yes. Now insert single RAM module, connect the monitor to the onboard VGA port, keyboard, mouse, DVD drive and start the board.

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

Thanks for the speedy reply. So im currently running with cpu and fan connected. Also ive installed the ram (I tried both slots and one at a time). For now the gpu and other sata devices are left unplugged. Still, lights up and fans on but no display or beep. (It may be worth mentioning im connected to a tv via hdmi. Its connected via on board graphics like so - vga > vga/hdmi adapter > hdmi. The adapter is in good order.)

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

It wouldn't work (analog to HDMI not working without a converter). The HDMI to HDMI might also not work due to the TV not supporting the low resolution.
For first boot I suggest borrowing a monitor.

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

I have used the converter on another rig. The analog to hdmi works. However its a fair point that perhaps my tv wouldn't support such a low res. I will try a monitor to be sure. However this does not explain the missing beep at post. Perhaps my computer doesnt beep to confirm a successful post but it would be a first in my experience. ..

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

Newer boards won't beep anymore if a successful POST.

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

Ok. I'll try a monitor tonight and if it works you can be my best friend forever! Honestly ive built a fair few and screen res didnt even occur to me.

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

Waiting for the result.

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

No. It didnt work. I've borrowed a monitor and still no display...

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

What connection using for the monitor?

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

It should work. You didn't use the Flashback, did you?
Try clearing the CMOS (unplug the power cord and remove the CMOS battery for few minutes) and try again without a graphics card (using the onboard).

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

No and I cleared the cmos. Im using the on board graphics too - ive left the gpu out because it would need drivers installed first anyway.

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

No, it wouldn't. For POST-ing the card does not need drivers. They are part of the operating system.
Try installing the graphics card and see if any change.

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

Ok. The card went in and lit up. But... damn. no difference. I kinda expected this because the on board didn't work to start with... Anyway im gonna go with my hunch that its a compatibility issue with the mobo *bios* and the cpu. Perhaps because my processor is ivybridge and the mobo chipset is h61?

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

Here's the CPU Support list:
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8H61MX_R20/#support
The CPU is supported starting with the very first version (0401). You can check the board's version on a thin bar code sticker on the motherboard (the last 4 digits on that sticker).
I suspect a VGA cable issue.

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

0803. Guess you're right... but the vga cable works with my other pc.

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

Try reseating the CPU and checking the socket for bent pins.

ashleyriot1 · Jan 5, 2014

Hmm they seem to be ok. Im stumped.

alexoiu · Jan 5, 2014

Does the monitor work? I still think that the system is OK. Try testing it in a local shop, if possible.

ashleyriot1 · Jan 6, 2014

Ok so I dropped it into the shop this morning. The guy took the ram out and from the beeps he ruled out cpu and mobo. Apparently its either psu or faulty ram. Possibly a dodgy vga output. Well I swapped out the psu already to a known working model and it didnt work. As for ram - I thought Id get 3 error beeps if it was faulty/incompatible. .?

alexoiu · Jan 6, 2014

We're back to step 1. What RAMs using? You have tested with single RAM module, have you?
At the shop they should have tested different components and determine the culprit. We already knew that the board did beep, didn't we?.

do I need to update bios before pc will post

Honorable

Splendid

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Share this page