ga-990fxa-ud3 -- Bios resets when unplugged and idk if I should RMA

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SlashFD

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Oct 21, 2015
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Hi, first time here! And just in case my grammar is bad or I don't make myself clear, english isn't my first language, so take it easy :)

I've assembled a brand new computer with the following specs (probably more info than needed, but better than lacking):

Mobo: gigabyte ga-990fxa-ud3 (bios version F2 from 2013, there's already F3 from 2015)
CPU: fx8320e
PSU: corsair cx-600W
RAM: corsair 2x4gb 1333
GPU: r9 270x

It's doing very well and I have no problems using it normally, but I noticed my bios keeps resetting in those scenarios:
a) At first I had my pc plugged to a nobreak. Whenever I switched the nobreak off, the bios would reset, but if I kept it on, it wouldn't;
b) For unrelated reasons, I swapped my nobreak for a surge protector. Same behavior - bios resets if switched off, otherwise it doesn't.
c) Tried plugging the psu straight to the wall. Bios resets if unplugged. Same if using a nobreak/surge protector and then unplugging them from the wall (which is basically the same as (a) and (b), of course).

There's no cmos jumper, meaning it's on normal, not on clear.

Assuming the cmos battery was in bad shape, I tried 2 different ones: bought a new one and got one from my work that I knew was good and being used. Nothing's changed.

My questions are: if not the battery, what could be causing this? Could it be a problem with the mobo? Could it be the bios version, which isn't updated (for RMA reasons)? Could it be some bios config that I'm missing (I believe it's unlikely, but I'm not discarding any possibility)? Could this be the normal behavior and I didn't read the memo (again, unlikely)?

Also, I need to mention that I have until this saturday (10/24) to ask for RMA, but it would probably take a month for them to fix/replace it and I really need the pc for some college homeworks. This brings me to some more questions: is this such a big deal that I really need to fix asap? If I don't have it fixed/replaced, should I worry about this problem snowballing? If I keep it on the surge protector and never turn it (the surge protector) off or even if I don't mind turning it off sometimes and then reconfig, will it be ok or am I looking for trouble?

Let me know if anything needs clarification.

Thanks in advance!
 
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NerdyComputerGuy

NerdyComputerGuy

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Nov 19, 2013
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Evening,

At first from your post, my initial response would have been "Change the CMOS battery" but you've already done that...

Now here is what I think,

It is likely a motherboard issue yes, either a software issue (in terms of the BIOS) or an actual hardware problem (in terms of the motherboard). An RMA would be the best option if you want to get all of this cleaned up as fast as possible although it could also be the memory, try re-seating the memory or swapping the sticks in the different dimms and see if there is a difference.

The BIOS resetting it's self shouldn't really affect you realistically... What exactly in the BIOS do you want to be kept to your user preference specifically? Is the computer having issues because of the BIOS resetting?

It's not really a big deal really if you want my side of the story...

Also, this is most likely NOT normal behaviour, the BIOS shouldn't be resetting it's self without telling you since if you're setting custom settings and it is jsut resetting all the time this is just annoying and I don't think the mobo manufacturer (gigabyte in this case) would have added this for the 'fun of it'.

Call up for an RMA as soon as you possibly can if you want it to arrive as soon as possible.
 
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westom

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Only possible answer is wild speculation. We have seen where some motherboards discharge that battery too fast. Had you identified the problem rather than just swapping parts, then the defect was identified - an informed answer is possible. IOW measure a CMOS battery with a digital meter. Report those numbers here. Then have an informed reply.

BTW, some internet sites will suffer denied access if the clock (also maintained by that battery) is not accurate.

Protector does nothing for CMOS. Apparently CMOS is losing data when AC power does not constantly provide what a battery was suppose to provide. Leaving a computer off but always connected to AC mains should maintain power to CMOS - assuming numbers from a meter confirm the battery is being discharged.
 
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SlashFD

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Oct 21, 2015
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Well, looks like I'd better send it to RMA. I have already started the procedure and once the new board arrives I'll let you know if it's ok.

Thanks for the replies!
 
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