Maximus II Formula INIT ROM and DET DRAM Issues

[JohnnyR2D2]

Hello everyone,

I'm googling for two weeks now trying to solve my problem and I just realized that I'm not alone . I hope someone can give some directions on how to solve this problem.

I've just build a new computer using the follow:

Processor: Model : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz
Motherboard : ASUSTeK Computer INC. Maximus II Formula BIOS 1901
Chipset - Front Side Bus Speed : 4x 333MHz (1.33GHz)
Memory: 4GB DIMM DDR2 (TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF PC2-8500)
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 533MHz (1.07GHz)
Video: 2x ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 (1GB, 750MHz/2x900MHz, PCIe 2.00 x16, SM5.0)
Power Supply: Corsair HX1000W
Storage Devices:
ST3500320AS 500GB (SATA300, 3.5", NCQ, 32MB Cache) : 466GB ( B: C: H: )
ST31000340AS 1TB (SATA300, 3.5", NCQ, 32MB Cache) : 932GB ( S: U: Y: )
ST3320620AS 320GB (SATA300, 3.5", NCQ, 16MB Cache) : 298GB ( D: )
Seagate FreeAgent Pro 500GB (USB) : 466GB ( T: W: )

The problem started as soon I built the computer. It was hanging at Init ROM. I've noticed that pressing the Power reset button the system starts correctly however after two days the system began to hang at Det DRAM and only starts after several resets and/or Power On/Off. Sometimes I need to reset the BIOS to be able to boot the computer.

After upgraded the BIOS to the latest version 1901 everything on BIOS is as factory Defaults. The only thing I've disabled was the Floppy, the Lan 2 and IEEE 1394 which are things I don't use but even with the factory defaults the problem persists.

One thing I think it's worth to mention is that when I've managed to get into Windows I can let the computer on for days without any issue. It is pretty fast and stable and that's why I think it's some kind of BIOS configuration and not hardware fault.


Here is what I tried so far:

1 - Switch ram to white slots
2 - Manually set the Ram Frequency to 1066MHZ and ram timings and voltage from to 5-5-5-18-2T (Auto) to 5-5-5-15-2T with 2.1v.
3 - Change the battery and to not connect any fans into the MB according to some posts I've read. Didn't work.
4 - Manually set the FSB Frequency and FSB Strap to Norhtbridge from Auto to 333MHZ and
5 - Tried one stick at a time and tested the ram using memtest+ (No errors).
6 - Tested other RAM. OCZ
7 - Tested 4 different BIOS (802, 1307, 1802 and the current 1901)
8 - Use a mod I've found here: http://forums.pureoverclock.com/showthread.php?t=4932 to lower my SB/ NB temps.

Nothing work.

Here is some CPU-Z screens:

http://www.uploadgeek.com/uploads456/0/CPU-Z.jpg

And here is some Sandra info:

Processor
Model : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz
Speed : 3GHz
Cores per Processor : 2 Unit(s)
Threads per Core : 1 Unit(s)
Type : Dual-Core
Internal Data Cache : 2x 32kB, Synchronous, Write-Thru, 8-way, 64 byte line size
L2 On-board Cache : 6MB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 24-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
System
System : System manufacturer Maximus II Formula
Mainboard : ASUSTeK Computer INC. Maximus II Formula
Bus(es) : ISA PCI PCIe IMB USB i2c/SMBus
Multi-Processor (MP) Support : No
Multi-Processor Advanced PIC (APIC) : Yes
System BIOS : American Megatrends Inc. 1901

Chipset
Model : ASUS P45/P43/G45/G43 DRAM Controller
Front Side Bus Speed : 4x 333MHz (1.33GHz)
Total Memory : 4GB DIMM DDR3
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 533MHz (1.07GHz)
Memory Module(s)
Memory Module : Corsair CM2X2048-8500C5D 2GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-6400U DDR2-800 (5.0-5-5-18 3-23-6-3)
Memory Module : Corsair CM2X2048-8500C5D 2GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-6400U DDR2-800 (5.0-5-5-18 3-23-6-3)
Video System
Adapter : 2x ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 (1GB, 750MHz/2x900MHz, PCIe 2.00 x16, SM5.0)
Graphics Processor
Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 48XX (RV770) (1.03, 1GB, 750MHz/900MHz)


I have one final question to anyone that could give some advice in case I found this Mobo/ Ram is defective:

If I managed to return the Mobo and/or the Corsair modules what should I do?

1 - Keep the processor and try another Mobo brand/ chipset (maybe a X48) and upgrade the Ram to DDR3?

2 - Go back to AMD (12 years using AMD. This is my first Intel) and try the new Phenom II 940? If so, comparing only with my current E8400 and not with other Intel's Quads the Phenom II will be better?

I would like you guys have in mind that the primarily use of my Computer is gaming (60%), Watching Movies (30%), do some Video render and work with Photoshop (10%).


Thanks in Advance

JohnnyR2D2

 

[Amg]

try booting with only 1 RAM stick I used to have this mobo its lovely in every way and very forgiving. now I have a rampage, due to my maxumise having a fight with a powersupply...turns its okay its my CPU >.> you do NOT need X48 unless crossfireing that X2 of oyurs

 

[Amg]

oh and try running that CPU at stock FSB and memory at stock 800Mhz see if that helps =)

 

[JohnnyR2D2]

Thanks for the reply.

Tried already. CPU at stock FSB and memory at 800Mhz. Also tried with only one stick.
Just arrived in home and again got the the DET DRAM issue so I let the computer with the DET DRAM message on for at least 20 minutes. After that I tried to reset and it worked in the first try which makes me think that it's some kind of "Cold Boot" issue and nothing with the RAM. I could be wrong. Don't know if changing NB voltages could help but I don't want to do anything stupid.

 

[Amg]

try taking off on of those harddrives I know its a wired suggestion, but it only when the BIOS(ROM) tries to find the OS. try only booting with one see if that helps. than check each one indervidiauly.
oh yeah almost forgot, I have no idea who made these HDDs but you will know, so downlaod the dionostics form the company website of who made the HDDs and put it on a bootable device(CDs etc) than run a few tests. on each one

 

[JohnnyR2D2]

I already made the diagnostics using Seagate Tools and Hiren's Boots CD. Nothing.

And the issue isn't happen when is trying to find the OS. It's before that. It's exactly the first post I see using the LCD BIOS post.

 

[Amg]

strange one this, have you got any other intel computer which you can test the parts on ?

 

[JohnnyR2D2]

Unfortunately No :-(

 

[JohnnyR2D2]

First of all I would like to say thanks to all replies I've received.

Corsair just sent me a new pair of memory sticks. Instead of send me a new pair of Dominators as I have they sent me the TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX. Anyway, these new sticks solved my DET DRAM problem.

The INIT_ROM problem was fixed by only changing a BIOS setting called Add-On ROM Display Mode from Force BIOS to Keep Current.

Thanks again to all and Cheers

 

[yedan_17]

First of all I would like to say thanks to all replies I've received.

Corsair just sent me a new pair of memory sticks. Instead of send me a new pair of Dominators as I have they sent me the TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX. Anyway, these new sticks solved my DET DRAM problem.

The INIT_ROM problem was fixed by only changing a BIOS setting called Add-On ROM Display Mode from Force BIOS to Keep Current.

Thanks again to all and Cheers

I have an ASUS MAXIMUS II FORMULA 4 DOMINATOR 1066 MHz system start with 2 GB and 4 GB RAM tells me DET. In the BIOS setup menu that ADD / ON ROM.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

accent_wrc23@hotmail.com

 

[JohnnyR2D2]

That's exactly the issue I had until I got the new sticks. I've just bought another pair of sticks 2X2GB from GEIL ( http://www.geil.com.tw/products/show/id/129 ) which worked amazing from the the time I've installed. Not to mention that those memories are incredible fast.

 

[nerfball22]

I just built a system, relaly "rebuilt" one by kicking another mobo out for the numerous issues the other board had.

I am having the init rom issue also, yet i cannot even get into the bios at all. Everytime i try and hit delete, the marvel 86**** screen comes up looking for devices....hangs here. The lcd post device shows init rom and there seems to be no way to get into the bios at all.

Anyone seen this one?

I tried 3 different hard disks, all worked in the other pc just fine. Corsair memory, 8500. QX6700 intel processor, dual 4870 radeon cards.

Any ideas from here would be nice. I just got done throwing it together, maybe a good nights rest will help also.

Thanks for looking.

 

[Darren78]

First of all I would like to say thanks to all replies I've received.

Corsair just sent me a new pair of memory sticks. Instead of send me a new pair of Dominators as I have they sent me the TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX. Anyway, these new sticks solved my DET DRAM problem.

The INIT_ROM problem was fixed by only changing a BIOS setting called Add-On ROM Display Mode from Force BIOS to Keep Current.

Thanks again to all and Cheers

I am having the same problems I have 2 x 1GB sticks of dominator ram and 2x 2GB sticks also dominator

when I put all 4 sticks in I get the DET RAm and the computer won't start up I just built the computer so do you think it is a bios problem it has an old bios verion
forget the exact version I'm not at that computer aqt the moment I will update later with more details


Asus Maximus II Formula
QX6700
GTX 280
6GB corsair dominator

 

[Hotmanaz]

Goto Asus homepage and follow the links to the tech support,then use the Guide Lines For system not starting and I think you'll find yo have a bad stick of ram(or non compatible).

Maximus
ATI 4870's In Crossfire
3x 300GB Raptor drives
1000w Zalman PSU