Motherboard or Power Supply

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Jeff1960

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May 22, 2012
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Hello,

I have the GA-EX58-UD5 motherboard and I know it is a few years old, but boy what a work horse it has been; I love it. Now though, I am not sure if the motherboard is bad or power supply. I am not getting any graphics on the monitor. The system is running, the hard drive kicks on, the fans turn, the video card fans turn but nothing on screen. (the monitor is good, I tested it)

I thought it might have been my new GTX 750 graphics card and I just exchanged it for a new one, but still no picture.

I was told it could be the mother board? If all power is working, wouldn't that rule out the power supply? I moved the card to another slot but nothing still. I do see on the bottom right of motherboard lit up the letters "FF"

I have a very good (old) system built in 2008 or 2009. Any advice? If I have to replace the motherboard, what would I get that will support my system? I can't find this motherboard online under $200.00 and I feel there might be better and cheaper option.
Here is what I have, except for the graphics card.

CD: LG CH08-LS10K 8X Blu-Ray Player & DVDRW Combo Drive
CD2: LG 22X DVD+/-R/+/-RW + CD-R/RW Dual Layer Drive (BLACK COLOR)
CAS: AZZA Solano 1000 Full-Tower Advance Cooling Case w/ Dual 230mm Fan + Extra 3 Fans
CASUPGRADE:
CS_FAN: Default case fans
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-950 3.06 GHz 8M L3 Cache LGA1366
FAN: Asetek Liquid CPU Cooling System (Extreme Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA)
FREEBIE_RM: None
FA_HDD: None
FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer [+10] (BLACK COLOR)
FLOPPY: NONE
FREEBIE_OS: FREE! (Halo 2) Game
HDD: Single Hard Drive (1TB (1TBx1) SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
HDD2: NONE
IEEE_CARD: NONE
KEYBOARD: Xtreme Gear (Black Color) Multimedia/Internet USB Keyboard
MOUSE: XtremeGear Optical USB 3 Buttons Gaming Mouse
MODEM: NONE
MULTIVIEW: Non-SLI/Non-CrossFireX Mode Supports Multiple Monitors
MONITOR: NONE
MONITOR2: NONE
MOTHERBOARD: (3-Way SLI Support) GigaByte GA-EX58-UD5 Intel X58 Chipset SLI/CrossFireX Ultra Durable(TM)3 Mainboard Triple-Channel DDR3/1600 SATA RAID w/ eSATA,Dual GbLAN,USB2.0,IEEE1394a,&7.1Audio (Venom Boost Extreme OC Certified) [+129]
MEMORY: 12GB (2GBx6) PC1333 DDR3 PC3 10666 Triple Channel Memory [+117] (Corsair or Major Brand)
NOISEREDUCE: Sound Absorbing Foam on Side, Top And Bottom panels [+29]
NETWORK: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
OVERCLOCK: No Overclocking
OS: Microsoft(R) Windows Vista(TM) Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (64-bit Edition)
OS_UPGRADE: (Free Upgrade coupon with purchasing of Vista Home Premium) Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 7 Home Premium (64-bit Edition)
POWERSUPPLY: 1,000 Watts Power Supplies [+30] (Azza Gaming Active PFC Power Supply SLI/CrossFire Ready)
PRINTER: None
PRINTER_CABLE: None
RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: None
TEMP: Thermal Temperature Color LCD Display [+15] (Black Color)
TVRC: None
USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
USBHD: NONE
VIDEOCAMERA: NONE
VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX285 1GB 16X PCIe Video Card [-185] (EVGA Powered by NVIDIA [+5])
VIDEO2: NVIDIA GeForce GTX285 1GB 16X PCIe Video Card [+342] (EVGA Powered by NVIDIA [+5])
VIDEO3: None
VC_GAMES: None
WNC: PCI Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Network Interface Card


Best Regards,
 
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Jeff, just getting back to the KB - I attempted to find the board you referenced - saw a $200+ tag - don't remember where now.
I saw this on ebay - it is a new board which I always see as a plus and a recognized name. If you check it out - and not what you fancy, there are links to other 1366 boards there - beware the lowest priced ones seem to be 'no-name' manufacturers.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-GA-B85M-DS3H-A-Motherboard-CPU-i3-i5-i7-Intel-DDR3-HDMI-HTPC-LGA-1150/222463356102?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D40130%26meid%3D770ce2aba68f4ad2bfb2fc43b83dbc82%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D172566501848&rt=nc
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Jeff1960

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May 22, 2012
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Hello,

I went through all the fixes for the FF code; it does cycle through all the codes but I still get no graphic display on the monitor. So, I am assuming the motherboard is fine and graphics card is fine. Now I need to figure out if it is the power supply perhaps?
 
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BenJaD

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About the only positive item I can provide is that the FF is a BIOS code that seems to be the signal that the motherboard has booted successfully. If you still have the official motherboard manual it would be prudent to verify that is indeed the BIOS code that indicates a good boot.
You stated that you had verified that the monitor is operational - what about the cable? I know the approximate age of the 1366 CPU and it is possible that there is a failure in the cable. Another thought occurred to me as I considered the video cable - how far are you attempting to run the video cable. Back in the VGA days I purchased a video cable that alleged to carry the video cable 20 feet. It did not work for my setup then - and not a format I could use today.
Hence, I think that the FF BIOS code is indicative that the motherboard and affiliated services are operational. My opinion is that this indicates the the PSU is doing it's job.
Which brings me back to something in the video subsystem is errant. What happens if you remove the graphics card completely and boot the system? You should get a BIOS code other than FF indicating video error and probably a string of beeps.
FWIW, I built a gaming system for my grandson built on the i7-970 and an Intel board - he added a high end graphic card and recently a SSD. It is still a competitive gaming platform. So I have a personal interest in seeing this through.
 
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Jeff1960

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May 22, 2012
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Hello Ben,

I have checked the cable connection and cable itself. I tried using 2 other cables I had and same result. The computer to the monitor is only about 2 feet apart.

I took out the graphics card and turned on the computer and it cycled through and gave me the "FF" on the MB. However, there was no beeping that the GC was out though.

Would the CPU be the issue at this point since we kind of ruled out the MB and PS? I also took out the ram and installed 1 at a time but nothing there either.

This is a perplexing issue for sure.

Thank you,

Jeff
 
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BenJaD

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Evening Jeff,
In my mind the same logic that implies the PSU is ok would also lead my to conclude that the CPU is good.
Earlier I had pulled up the Gigabyte page for your board. That did not show any graphic output from the board, so graphics has to be from a card. I may not understand your board as well as I should - in my experience however, removing the graphics card should give some error on boot. Even more troubling is that the board still presented the FF code. I went back to the Gigabyte site for your board and the following are the beep codes that Gigabyte says will happen if an error occurs on POST:
The following Award BIOS beep code descriptions may help you identify possible computer problems.
(For reference only.)
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
Reading through those I would expect either 1 long and 2 short beep code or continuous long beeps with the graphics card removed. I also checked the FF code which Gigabyte defines as "Boot attempt (INT 19h)". I interpret that as the board went through the boot sequence, found no errors and at least attempted to boot.
What I believe is that somehow the board and the card are not communicating - when there are no graphics beeps I have to think that the issue is with the motherboard. Grasping at straws do you by any chance have the original graphics card, or the one last working on hand? Don't see how it could hurt to drop that back in and see what happens. My grandson put a GTX970 on his Intel 1366 board and that worked out of the box so not too optimistic. If it works then we can proceed from there. If nada, my conclusion has to be the board. Depending on your situation where you go from there is your call.
I had my grandson check pricing for the Intel board in his machine - secondary market has it at close to twice what I paid for it new - so I think it will be a close call if you go for a current board or replace the board with another 1366 board.
Let me know on the old graphics card please!
 
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Jeff1960

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May 22, 2012
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Hello Ben,

Thank you again for all your support in this matter. I really appreciate your time.

I did test with another GC and no beeps so, I will try and find a MB for this setup and see what happens.

I just have to find one with the same socket and specs.

The hunt is on!!!

Jeff
 
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BenJaD

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Good morning Jeff,
If you have the ability to have a tech shop test the board I would try that route first off. Would hate for you to invest in a different board and find the same issue.
I will share my experience with 1366 boards. The first board that I owned for the 1366 CPU was a Foxconn board. I was using it as a base for my HDTVPC machine. Over a period of time I found far and away too many fails when I attempted to do something configuration wise. Final straw came when I was unable to (I do not recall what) and discovered that the BIOS would not allow that - and the manufacturer has no intention of upgrading the BIOS to address the problem. There was another subsequent issue that I RMA'ed the board - and was informed that the expected return time was in excess of six months. I opted to replace the board with an Intel video typed board and a new CPU.
When my grandson's original PC expressed an inability to game - and could not fit a current GPU board I still held the 1366 CPU and went looking for a board.
Intel was no longer making any 1366 boards, nor to my knowledge was anyone else. I eventually found a new Intel board in Canada and picked that up for that build. That build has been running well since the build. Somehow the GPU card toasted under rigorous play and was replaced with a GTX970. At the moment he is having CPU thermal issues playing a new video game release. We will address that with a liquid cooling AIO that is sitting next to my bench waiting for him to arrive for installation and training.
I would encourage you to weigh your cost to keep your current CPU build and replace motherboard and contrast what cost to upgrade to a 6 or 7th generation CPU. What is it worth to you to maintain your current build going forward?
 
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Jeff1960

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May 22, 2012
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Ben, as always, thank you very kindly for the support.

I guess at this point I want to upgrade the board for sure, just not sure which one? I am not that familiar with these boards and I am sure they are not easy to find for my socket and build.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Jeff
 
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BenJaD

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Trick question right? :)
First task if to sit down and realistically determine how much you are willing to put into an upgrade. Looking over your configuration data I have the sense that this system was purchased as a system - or you have done a marvelous job documenting the build.
Reviewing the hardware that you have - I believe that most of it will be usable in an upgrade build. I am making the assumption that you are satisfied with the current case - and see no reason to change that. If you want the latest and greatest in cases - they are all in the eye of the beholder. As an inveterate DIY I prefer full tower and as much space as I am willing to pay for.
I will state up front that I am Intel biased. If the organization was still marketing motherboards that is where I would begin. I want that known because I think that AMD and their Ryzen product line may be outperforming Intel based material in todays market. Lots of reasons for that condition and a caveat that the advantage may be short lived.
Current Intel boards offer either 170 or 270 chipsets, with the 270 being the latest - and more future growth potential. Were I in your position I would plan to replace the motherboard with a high end (not top end) 170 board at least with consideration of price points on 270 boards and what the new bells and whistles are worth to you. That entails the board, new CPU, and DDR4 memory. I am not familiar with the specs on the GPU that you are currently using - so no judgement there. Most of the new(er) boards have onboard video if a video capable CPU is used. That would be an option until you find how well the build performs on the games you prefer to play.
Since you are communicating here I assume that you have some computer power available to you while you rebuild this machine. To my mind that tells me that you can wait until an item on your build list is on sale and save some cash. Don't do as I did however, and wait more than a year from first purchase to last and then build, warranty length or RMA terms could bite you.
While I think of it - the CPU in your current build should be worth enough $$ to offset the cost of a new CPU - see what the current market is for the i7-970.
 
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Jeff1960

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May 22, 2012
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Hi Ben,

I am using my work computer right now. I will concede to the idea of just using what I have and update the MB and CPU if needed. I find it crazy to spend $200 on a MB that is over 5 years old.

I will figure something out. It shouldn't be that difficult to upgrade and still be able to use the 1100w PS and 12G of DDR3 ram.

Thanks again,

Jeff
 
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Jeff1960

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May 22, 2012
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Hello Ben/Room,

I am looking into this motherboard to replace mine that we discussed; do you see any issues at all using it/

GIGABYTE G1 ASSASSIN MOTHERBOARD INTEL X58 LGA SOCKET 1366 DDR3 I7 CPU

It has the same socket, DDR3 and it is Gigabyte so I shouldn't have to reinstall the operating system should I? I hate to lose everything on my drive.

Thank you again for your support.

Jeff
 
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BenJaD

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Jeff, just getting back to the KB - I attempted to find the board you referenced - saw a $200+ tag - don't remember where now.
I saw this on ebay - it is a new board which I always see as a plus and a recognized name. If you check it out - and not what you fancy, there are links to other 1366 boards there - beware the lowest priced ones seem to be 'no-name' manufacturers.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-GA-B85M-DS3H-A-Motherboard-CPU-i3-i5-i7-Intel-DDR3-HDMI-HTPC-LGA-1150/222463356102?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D40130%26meid%3D770ce2aba68f4ad2bfb2fc43b83dbc82%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D172566501848&rt=nc
 
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