PC Wont Boot and Gives Post Codes

DonnyTechMaster

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So today my homebuilt pc finally died on me.

Every time I start the pc i am greeted with 6 short beeps followed by a never ending set of 3 beeps. Sometimes the pc will get past the 3 beeps and greet me with an error message alerting me that the pc has failed to boot several times, and asks if i would like to continue. When I hit yes the pc boots normally into Windows, and I have no further issues until i need to reboot the pc.

I looked into the post codes and found that 6 beeps means an a20 keyboard controller error, or a memory error of some sort. The 3 beeps mean a memory error.

Things I've tried:

- removed both ram modules and swapped them
- cleared CMOS by swapping the jumper
- cleared BIOS by taking out the battery
- tried moving the keyboard to a different usb port
- completely disassembled the pc and rebuilt it

If you have any idea what the problem is, or how to fix it please let me know, as I'm running out of options. If this persists I will be forced to purchase a new motherboard.
 
Solution
stick to the gigabyte, gigabyte and asus are the only two companies i'd buy a motherboard from for an AMD chip. And that's a solid motherboard.

if you want some entertainment, here is a link to some pictures and videos of those asrock boards burning up. it's really quiet astounding. My favorite is the video the kid was shooting of his attempt to overclock his a10-5800k, and when he was stressing it at stock settings, his motherboard burst into flames on the test bench right in front of him. Classic video. There was some thought that asrock had fixed the issue on later boards, but then people started to have the same things happen to them on the newer boards too.

asrock uses cheap vrms, which is fine if you have a 65W intel cpu...

fall0ut3

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The problem could lie within your operating system; Speaking of which, what kind of OS do you have?
Also, try to 'system restore' into an earlier point where you have not experienced these kind of issues.
 

DonnyTechMaster

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No, by that I meant that i swapped the memory module into the other slot ( I have 2 slots total)

I doubt it's the psu. I'ts brand new, and has been working great since I bought it. It's a 550 watt which is more than enough for my components.
 
if your ram was bad your system wouldn't boot. if it was only sometimes bad you'd be suffering random blue screens not "slow" loading times

it sounds like you have dying hardware, like a motherboard, hard drive or power supply. those can cause similar issues. As can power shorts or grounding issues.

I suggest you breadboard your system
 

DonnyTechMaster

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You could be right about the motherboard. When I researched the 6 beep error, I found that it can be caused by either a bad keyboard or a bad keyboard controller on the motherboard. I'm starting to lean towards the latter. It sucks, but a new motherboard may be the only solution for me :(
 

Keith Fisher

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Hey DonnyTechMaster, Before going out and buying a new motherboard. I have a couple ideas, First I'd do a memory test, I believe you can find a couple online. Memtweaker, or I believe windows has one if that's the operating system your using. Secondly, if your using two memory modules, try using 1 and see if it fixes the problem, if not, then swap the other one out and try that memory stick. Idk, but it might just be one ram module has gone bad. Thirdly, I'd try a bios update, and make sure you have all the latest drivers for your motherboard and keyboard. If your computer still isn't booting properly and everything is upadated and checks out, me personally, I'd try reinstalling the operating system, sometimes there's weird nuances that take place and corrupt registry files and what not. Finally, if that doesn't work, I would feel secure enough in buying a new motherboard, if its not under a manufacturer warranty. Good luck, Hope I helped.
 

DonnyTechMaster

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I just tried using 1 memory module (tested both), and it still gives me the same post codes. I was considering doing a Bios update like you mentioned, but I have been unable to get past the black screen so far. I wont be buying a new motherboard until im sure that my current motherboard is the issue. I guess for now I will have to resort to using my laptop.

 

Keith Fisher

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Are you not able to get into the operating system anymore? Or, do you mean when you try to enter your bios, you're not able too? Have you put both Ram modules back? How old is your motherboard? If you can get your computer to boot, then you know you can update the bios usually from your motherboard drivers and utilities disk or online. Good luck, man. Also just an FYI when you reset your cmos with the jumper, you didn't have to take out the battery. That's what the jumper does.
 

DonnyTechMaster

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Now I cant even get to the bios settings anymore. I've put both ram modules back but with no success. My motherboard is only about a year or 2 old.
 

DonnyTechMaster

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Good point:

- Motherboard: Asrock fm2 a88x-itx

-Ram: 8Gb 1600Mhz (2 4Gb sticks)

- CPU: AMD x4 750k 3.4Ghz quad core

- 1TB Western digital blu HDD

VIdeo Card: AMD Radeon HD 7850
 
yeah, that motherboard is pretty much junk. I would not be surprised it's failing. All mitx asrock boards on the fm2 and fm2+ platform are basically junk.

consider yourself lucky that board didn't catch fire. most of them did.

i'd replace the board as a basic safety precaution, no need to burn your house down, regardless of whether it's actually the source of your problem. That said i'd say chances are VERY HIGH the issue is the motherboard.
 

DonnyTechMaster

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Well it seemed like a good buy at the time, and had a lot of good reviews to boot. However, I guess I have no choice but to retire it :(

I was thinking of replacing it with this board, any thoughts?:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128663

My other option was this one, but its a bit more pricey:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130756
 
stick to the gigabyte, gigabyte and asus are the only two companies i'd buy a motherboard from for an AMD chip. And that's a solid motherboard.

if you want some entertainment, here is a link to some pictures and videos of those asrock boards burning up. it's really quiet astounding. My favorite is the video the kid was shooting of his attempt to overclock his a10-5800k, and when he was stressing it at stock settings, his motherboard burst into flames on the test bench right in front of him. Classic video. There was some thought that asrock had fixed the issue on later boards, but then people started to have the same things happen to them on the newer boards too.

asrock uses cheap vrms, which is fine if you have a 65W intel cpu, but running a 95W AMD piledriver cpu is a different matter. cheap and thin pcb + cheap vrms = fire hazard with piledriver cored cpus.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1337304/asrock-fm2a75m-itx-motherboard-fire
http://www.overclock.net/t/1301979/trinity-apu-amd-socket-fm2-motherboard-discussion-gallery/230
 
Solution

DonnyTechMaster

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Well I saw no burn marks on the board, but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean something didnt fizzle out. I guess I'll go ahead and buy the gigabyte board and hope for the best, although I will feel like a dumb ass if it was the ram all along lol. Thanks for all of your help :D
 
well; it could be a number of things. i'd say your psu dying is the 2nd most likely behind the motherboard. i'm just saying, on principle, i'd replace the motherboard. not only is it the MOST LIKELY cause of your issue, but it's a legit fire-hazard.

still, if you'd like to do some bug testing prior to buying a new motherboard, i can walk you through a few things to test, maybe narrow it down a little bit.
 

DonnyTechMaster

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I highly doubt the psu is failing. It's a really good PSU (good ratings, and 80+ gold) and has enough power for my system. If you have anymore ideas I'll definitely hear them, but I'm pretty sure its the mobo at this point. Especially since clearing cmos was the only way to get it to start at all.
 
yeah. i'm not saying it isn't the motherboard.

-breadbox the system (your issues mimic bad power just as much as a bad motherboard, breadboxing will help you determine if it's bad power or not)

*note: bad power does not have to mean a bad power supply, it can mean dirt or dust caused shorts, loose wires, plugs not fully plugged in, dying case switches, exposed wires, motherboard spacers in the wrong spot, loose screws behind the motherboard, dying electrical equipment