Asus A8V Video Problems

[mmcdonalataocdotgov]

See, I can't even get to a bios update screen. Nada, zip, nuttin.

 

[SalladDazed]

mmcdonal...

Intel boards are awesome, but I wouldn't let one bad experience with one model ruin my taste for all Intel CPU's either (and I have had a few).

I'm not saying you should be enjoying your current situation, but I've had a ton of systems from Macs to storebought to home made systems with Intel and other boards, and many AMD systems as well. They all have their issues. Intel's, generally, is obvious: their cost, and sometimes the value for that cost is busious. But now it's performance, and (I'm sorry) AMD has them beat right now, unless you are ripping or rendering, or doing crazy FP calcs. No one can touch the 16-pipeline architecture, or the 64-bit processor in this price range. In fact, Intel just announced they scrapped their 4.0 GHz amtitions for this year, and now Dell has considered offering AMD, as did Microsoft when they launched the XBox. So have these things not happened because AMD chips are flukey? Are they not as good as Intel's? I'd say it's money--Intel has a powerful brand name, powerful stacks of cash, and powerful marketing skill. They've pushed AMD out of the picture several times by offering lucrative subsidies to companies who use their copmonents in new products. So AMD does not have the same market that Intel has.

Not that they are unstable, but I wouldn't say you buy an AMD for its stabiliyt, the same way you would buy a volvo for safety, and pay a premium, you could go and buy an Intel for peace-of-mind. But if you wanted to save money and go a bit faster, you'd buy something less engineered and hope for the best. In this case, did you buy AMD looking for stability? Or were you hopeing to get a fast machine for a reasonable price? I'd say that if the latter was your goal, you should reserve judgement until you get your rig together and not let one bad experience destroy your opinion of all AMD systems. Nothing about what you have gone through really relates to the fact that it's an AMD system.

Look, your situation is pretty abysmal. If I may--the vendor has no legs to stand on. I would recommend playing some hardball with them. Give them 24 hours to come up with a solution (if they verified they shipped you crap, they should have replaced it post-haste instead of "working on a solution." ASUS' tech support is sub-par, but I had a decent impression of their Customer Service when I called--they offered me an RMA immediately (or in e-mail follow ups, anyway) and I could have returned it.

I would image that CTC did the old-fashioned swap-aroo and a few troubleshooting and logical steps later, had isolated the probelm to the board. So I would contact them and tell them if you are not satisifed that they are providing the product you paid for, and are not rectifying the problem in a responsible fashion, you are going to report them to the BBB, the States Attorney General for your state and theirs (if they are different states), be sure to provide appropriate feedback on their site or epinions.com or something, etc., call your credit card company and have them stop payment/credit you back for it, explaining they shipped you merchandise that was faulty and have not replaced it (they should have offered to do this for you if they are short on stock or something, I can't believe they didn't).

Also, if they shipped this to you across state lines, it may also interest the FTC as that constitutes interestate commerce, which is their purview, and possibly the USPS because you were defrauded using the mails, which, as you probably know, is a Federal offense. They will especially jump if, say, they maybe, oh I don't know, perhaps have some persons working for or with them who perhaps aren't fully legal citizens? heh

Bring up those points with them, and explain what you intend to do, and provide the 24-hour time frame (I would be sure you have all your ducks in a row first, as far as whom you spoke with and when, what they said about the board being "bad", etc.), and see what shakes. I'll bet their interest in avoiding the headache (even if they are truly dim enough to think they are doing everything they should be) will overcome their urge to let you 'bring it on.' You should get your money back or have a board-in-hand by the end of the week. Then if you're truly unhappy with it, maybe I'll buy it from you

 

[Marty42]

I just finished my A8V AMD 3400+ 939 system with Kingston KVR400X64C3AK2/512 memory. This is a 512 kit and part of the recommended memory modules on the Asus web page for this motherboard. I too had boot problems and received the verbal CPU fail. My experience building computers the last ten years has shown to do the following....make sure all memory modules, CPU, and video cards are completely seated several time over. Clear CMOS with power off and battery out. This motherboard came to me with a 1005 version bios. From what I read on other forums the 1006 has boot problems with certain memory, so I figured even worse with the previous version. I managed to get booted to Windows XP on my pre loaded hard drive (drive was installed in the computer I was replacing). I had to register Windows XP again (off course). I managed to download the version 1008 bios from Asus and place it on a reformatted floppy. The file (according to manual you are suipposed to read!!) was to be renamed to A8V.ROM. Now follow the important manual again and reboot computer and hold down the Alt / F2 keys. This will get you to Ez Flash to update the bios. So simple. Go to bios settings for date time and any other tweaks you may want. I just left the bios on auto overclock for the best performance.....and what do you know...it worked. Bottom line you have a speed demon.

 

[mmcdonalataocdotgov]

Thanks everyone for your input on this continuing problem. I gave this to another tech and he came up with a similar solution:

AFTER the motherboard had gone back to Asus, and was repaired and redelivered and didn't work!!!

Reset CMOS, Boot to the BIOS utility and reboot without flashing BIOS.

This worked for a few hours. Then it wouldn't work again. He said it was a bad hard drive that time. Then I replaced the hard drive and built the machine, loaded Windows XP 64-bit, got all the updates, and it seemed fine. Then I installed a standard case fan using the fan outputs on the motherboard... it died again.

See, the real problem is that I have had to spend literally months (see the date of the first post in this thread) to get a simple motherboard to work. Asus has not been forthcoming. I have never ever ever had a boot problem as basic as this from an Intel board. Too bad they don't make a good 64-bit platform. I will have to stick to 32-bit platforms until they do cause if this is what AMD/Asus has to offer, I am not buying. I would be Reeeeeeal ticked off if this was my money.

This issue is closed and the board is in the trash as far as I am concerned. Now I am looking forward to getting a 925 board with the 3.46GHz cpu and 4 GB of RAM (not to mention the PCI-E graphics card) as my next desktop. I am NOT anticipating any problems with the Intel mobo.

A word to the wise in the IT industry: This was an experiment in 64-bit computing. AMD, although better in gaming, is still not considered robust enough, or quirk-free enough, for day-to-day IT work. If you buy an Intel platform and it screws up, well, that just happens sometimes. If you buy an AMD platform for business and it screws up, well then people will really question your IT sense and accumen. This was true 5 years ago, and is still true today. Stay away from AMD in the business world.

 

[StonePimp]

Hi folks,

Virgin-AnAndTecher - but this A8V has driven me to wetting my feet.

Just to continue this thread, have recently bought the A8V deluxe board (rev2) Athlon 64 3500 (939 Winchester 90nm) and it won't boot. Have 9800Pro AGP, SATA HD, StarIce CPU Cooler, usual other bits... but no joy whatsoever.

From this thread and others, I think that my board is bios 1.006 and my 90nm CPU is only supported on bios 1.007. Without another CPU (130nm) how can I flash my bios???? The PC doesn't boot - just black screen of death...

Have tried the suggestions to mmc earlier.
Any other ideas or is wall-art the new tech passion...

Nick.

 

[Xatrix]

Stone Pimp you only need the 1.006 BIOS to run a 90nm chip.. i think

Hmmmm try this:

STOLEN from Missle Maker on AMD forums. Great read.


Thanks Glassmaster for the PM on this Thread.

Right now, could be a number of issues. Did you plug in the 4 pin ATX Power connector as well as the 20 Pin ATX Main power connector to your Mobo? Lots of folks over look it.
Could actually be a memory problem, or a PSU problem (For your system, you need a PSU with a minimum of 20 AMPS on the 12 V rail. Check the sticker on the side of your PSU. AMPS on 12 V should be listed.
To clear RTCRAM, you usually remove the CMOS battery, move the RTC RAM jumper from pins 1-2 to pins 2-3, count to 10 slowly, replace the jumper on pins 1-2, and replace the CMOS battery. Even if your Mobo needs a BIOS update to correctly recognize a Winchester core, it would recognize your A64 and operate, just list it as unknown model in the BIOS - but I know, you can't look in BIOS because you don't have video yet. event, if you want to try and trouble shoot without video, I'd recommend the following:
Take the Mobo out of your case and place on a non-conductive surface (an anti-static bag works good).
Do not put on (install) CPU and HSF.
Do Not put in RAM. Do Not attach a video card.
Do attach speakers so you can hear the ASUS POST Reporter.
Attach one case fan to the case fan power header on your mobo.
Connect the power and reset switches. (You may need to postion your case close to the Mobo to get the Power switch and rest switch leads to reach the correct pins on your Mobo).
Remove the CMOS battery. Set the Jumper to Clear RTC RAM. Count to 10 slowly. Place the jumper back on the correct pins. Replace the CMOS battery.
Turn on the PSU. Turn on the Power switch.
Case fan should run.
Should get "No CPU installed" message from ASUS POST Reporter. If you don't, that would indicate a Mobo problem.
O.K. Turn everything off.
Now attach CPU and HSF only. Insure installed correctly with good solid contact and minimal thermal grease (one drop of approx 0.5 mm Arctic Silver 5 or equivalent, spread evenly over the top of the CPU heat spreader (CPU cover) with a plastic baggie over your finger works well). Attach HSF fan to CPU fan header on Mobo.
Turn on the PSU. Turn on the Power switch.
Case fan should run. HSF fan should run.
Should get "System failed Memory test" message from ASUS POST Reporter. (Because no RAM installed).
O.K. CPU is good.
If you get "System failed CPU test" or "System failed due to Overclocking"
Likely CPU problem. (But retrying with a more powerful PSU if your amps are 16 or less on the 12 V rail would be advisable before going farther)
If O.K., turn off, then add RAM modules.
Turn on the PSU. Turn on the Power switch.
Case fan should run. HSF fan should run.
Should get "System failed VGA test" message from ASUS POST Reporter.
(Because no Video Card installed)
O.K. Mobo, CPU, and RAM good.
Any of the previous system failed messages, memory likely problem - test in another computer if you can, to confirm.
If O.K., turn off, add video card. Add keyboard and mouse. Wait until you get your video monitor so you can get a visual POST.
Once you have a monitor, and pass post "Power on Self Test Complete. System now booting from Operating System. Load WIN XP OS, load VIA Chipset Drivers from Mobo CD, Load AV Protection, Load Latest Video Drivers, load all WIN Updates. Then Down Load Latest BIOS for Mobo from ASUS website onto bootable FD and use AFUDOS.EXE tool to flash BIOS. Don't use ASUS EZ Flash or Auto Update.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[mmcdonalataocdotgov]

Thanks again everyone for your efforts in helping me resolve this issue.

The fact remains, however, that this board is unsuitable for a business environement. I don't have the time to troubleshoot every board we get in here. It just costs too much to do this.

A poster mentioned that Intel is a more stable board, but you pay a premium for it. Well, first of all, the Intel boards I use are in the $100 to $150 range. This Asus board is $140. Secondly, if I have to pay a tech an hour on each board, that more than doubles the cost of the board. Not to mention client downtime, bad will, and a bad resume reference.

If this were a gamer system and I needed the extra few clicks a second that this system provides, then I might be willing to spend a few weekends working on the board instead of playing the games. As it is, my 3GHz, 1GB RAM, 256MB video home system is plenty for the online gaming I do, and I don't lose the weekends trying to get the computer to turn on out of the box. This is especially important when I am using the machine for working at home as well.

There is a lot to be said for stability, and I for one am willing to pay the extra $10 per mobo, and lose the few fps, in order to get the system up and running and just move on with my life.

 

[Mupstar]

Hello to everyone

I wish I had read this forum before purchasing the A8V Deluxe, nothing but trouble from day one, same problems; A1 DIMM wont work, no signal, freezing etc.... and as soon as I solved one problem another came up, now I am at the stage where it will recognise my HDD and tries to boot but opts out and request safe mode. Selecting safe mode or any other option causes the system to lock up (vary frustrating)


I have tyred the earlier suggestion from this topic and nothing has seemed to work, trying to get the latest BIOS now

My HDD is from my old puter and is unformatted is that a problem?

any help would be much appreciated thanks

 

[Skoop]

MMcdonal, sorry you had a bum experience with what is a pretty nice motherboard. Asus, MSI, Abit, Gigabyte, and even Intel make boards and components that fail out of the box. What you won't generally read about in fora such as this one are posts that simply state praises for a system or board that works or works well. Most posts here are requests for information or are cries for help. And much of the time, there really isn't a problem after all. The issue is user/builder unfamiliarity, ignorance, or failure to research. Or buying incompatible components, like CPUs not supported by a motherboard. I am not suggesting that these are also your personal failures in this particular case. You got a bum piece of hardware. It happens. In my experience of building boxes and reading boards like this one over the years, I would estimate that about 10% of the problems described are resolved with a repair or replacement. The preponderance of solutions are the result of someone telling someone else what to do or try. Didn't happen that way for you, but your case was the exception, I am sure.

You are correct, however, when you state that the A8V is not a suitable business motherboard. It's not. It has too many tweakable components and is too high end. It is an enthusiast's board. Business does not use A64 processors for everyday tasks. Business does not overclock or overvolt RAM. Business does not flash BIOS. Generally speaking, of course.

Asus does, though, make scads of entry-level motherboards, often other-branded. They ARE a big player in business and everyday use machines. And, AMD, is making in-roads into that environment, too. Costco, for example, is selling boatloads of E-Machine computers with AMD chips in them.

Brand loyalty runs deep, whether motherboards, automobiles, airlines, or coffee. Often that loyalty is fixed as the result of familiarity, anecdote, what Dad used, or what bailed one out of a jam. That's life.

Just some perspective, coming to you from an A8V performing flawlessly since powerup #1.

Best wishes.

 

[jameso321]

We had problems with A8V Deluxe Asus board.

Problem was.

A. New PSU was bad.
B. Other psu we used for testing was 16 Amp on the 12V

Resolutions

A. Picked up a Antec 480 PSU, which has 28 Amp on 12V.

-----

Installed the more powerful PSU and bam everything works exactly the way it should.


Thanks for all the advice here. Do not ignore anything that people say here regarding this issue. I thought the other Antec 350 PSU was good enough and it wasnt.


Ken

 

[i15Fwy]

I wanted to post this for anyone looking for a solution with the ASUS A8V Deluxe motherboard. It might help you trouble shoot this motherboard
http://forum.corsair.com/v2/showthread.php?t=82905:



Best memory config for ASUS A8V Deluxe Okay, I've got an audio-only DAW. It currently has ASUS A8V Deluxe MB, and two sticks of Corsair ValueSelect 1GB DDR 400 C3 DIMM on it (in the blue slots 0 and 1). Processor is AMD Athlon 64X2 4400. Today I tried installing an additional two 1GB sticks of the same RAM (VS1GB400C3), and after POST it came up with an American Megatrends splash screen stating that "USB Over Current Detected System Reseting In 15 Seconds." I tried removing all USB dongles and cables, and rebooted with no better result. Then, I removed the new DIMM, and everything worked fine...back to normal.

My vendor says I need to install four matched 1GB chips. I can't even find a set of four matching out there. Two and two, but that's all. Is ValueSelect a good match for this MB or is there something from Corsair that's better, and will buying two matched 2GB sets get the job done? Oh, I upgraded my Windows to XP Pro SP3, so it'll support 3.5GB. I use dual boot with XP 64 Pro too.

Just need the straight skinny on matched sets. Would be soooo much easier if I could find consistent answers for this issue. Some say the CMOS on the MB has to be cleared. Help, anybody!

Thanks,
Arion

​

#2

02-26-2010, 01:25 AM
tsberry901

Registered User
tsberry901's PC Specs

Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1
POST ID # = 441298

Reputation: 10

ASUS A8V Deluxe Over Current Problem Fix
Here are 3 different solutions to this problem:

1. Overcurrent detection was initiated with BIOS revision 1017. Downgrade to version 1015 or earlier to eliminate this feature. If you can't boot into the BIOS see solution 2.

or

2. If you just added memory to your system, shut down and temporarily remove the new sticks (so you have less than 4 GB of RAM) and reboot into the BIOS. Then change your AGP aperture to 256 MB. Save and shut down. Replace the memory (max 4 gb) and boot normally. (Keep the AGP setting or you will get the problem again.)

or


3. Limit your RAM to 3 Gigs if you want DDR. (Yes, you can have 4 sticks-ie: 1G/512M/1G/512M) (Use matching pairs in the same colored slots)

or

Note: IF you downgrade to BIOS version 1015, you will NOT have USB overcurrent warning protection.

Regarding the 4 Gig RAM problem-Asus has indicated in the past that the BIOS on the A8V Deluxe BIOS will NOT recognize the full 4 Gigs, it's only going to recognize around 3.5 gigs max regardless of the operating system. (This is due to a hardware limitation of the VIA 8237 Southbridge chipset. In addition, the more PCI devices you have installed in your system, the less total memory will be available, as these devices will use up memory within the BIOS.) Windows will only see 3.5 gigs minus the memory used for AGP + PCI devices. Expect somewhere between 3 to 3.5 gigs of memory. On THIS motherboard, the total memory WILL be affected by this limitation whether it's 32 or 64 bit. Be sure to use matching pairs of DIMMS for best performance. As a final note, there is one more problem whenever you insert 4 gigs of memory. The sleep feature of Windows will NOT work, as apparently (in my opinion) the "bug" is that USB is inadvertently (negatively) affected by the amount of RAM in the system. When trying to wake from sleep, the USB is NOT waking properly WITH 4 GIGS OF RAM-(3 or less, it's fine!) My speculation seems to be validated by the fact that the "overcurrent" warning and shutdown only occurs with 4 gigs of RAM.
Last edited by tsberry901; 02-28-2010 at 06:37 AM.