Defective 4870 killed motherboard

[ddarko]

Originally posted by: Engraver
I've had this problem before, on two separate computers. It turned out to be a problem with certain motherboards and higher voltage memory, namely any that required 2.3V. I put in my lower voltage memory and everything worked fine in both cases.

Hi Engraver, thanks for the suggestion. The memory I was using with the Maximus Formula was a Corsair DDR2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5. It's spec'ed at 1.9V and I wasn't overclocking it at all and I was using it at its default 5-5-5-18 timing.

The A8N-SLI Deluxe had 4x512mb of Corsair DDR CMX512-3200XL. This was extremely low latency memory, Corsair certified it with 2-2-2-5 at 2.75V. I wasn't running it at quite that low timing but the voltage was definitely above 2.3.

 

[shangshang]

hmm sounds like a defective 4870.

Here's my story.

My 4850's fan would not spin up beyond it's "quite" level (after 3 weeks of usage). As a result, the temp would go to 103-105C in gaming, and only then, would the fan kick in to full 100% for a bried second and then back to quite level. So I decided to take the 4850 back to Best Buy and exchange it.

The brand new replacement 4850 out the box had physical damage! The plastic heatsink cover was cracked, and the mounting metal bracket was bent. Bad quality control! I didn't bother putting the damge card in my PC fearing that the card could sustain electrical damage and it might burn up my mobo.

Back to BB for another exchange, and this time it's much better.

My point is that is VERY possible that your 4870 was bad.

 

[Mr Fox]

Originally posted by: ddarko

Originally posted by: Mr Fox

Originally posted by: Azn
Sounds like a short problem. Something made a contact with something that's not supposed to

The guy has at least two other threads out there...

He has not yet accepted that either he ESD'ed Something, or has a header or something connected wrong.

or as you have said.. he will not strip it down, and root cause correctly one at a time.. it seems to be the Shotgun Approach... asking for help but ignoring advice.

Mr. Fox,

Your post is insulting and uncalled for. I am not "ignoring advice"; I'm grateful for all the advice I've gotten, tried them and so far, they haven't been successful. A "Shotgun Approach"? Let see what I've done:

1. Cleared and reset CMOS
2. Bought and swapped out a new CPU
3. Swapped out the PSU
4. Removed memory, installed gradually
5. Tried 2 other video cards - 8800GT, 1900XT - in both PCI-E slots
6. Tried to install 4870 in second computer, which ended up disabled
7. Repeated steps 1-5 on newly disabled second motherboard
8. Ordered and installed new BIOS chip on second motherboard
9. RMA'ed first motherboard

How much more systematic and methodical do I have to be to satisfy you? Go to engineering school and get a degree? Start heating up sand so I can make my own silicon chips?

I had started two threads b/c I wasn't sure what was causing my problem: a CPU failure or a motherboard problem. I didn't even think it was my video card at first, not until I put it into a second mobo and that mobo got disabled too. I don't update the thread in the mobo forum anymore precisely b/c I don't want to duplicate threads and I get criticized for that? I asked the mods to move this thread, which started in the CPU forum, into the video card forum b/c I had pretty much ruled out the CPU as the cause. The mods graciously did so. All of this is clear if you had actually read this entire thread - I have a post from a couple days ago where I even say I'm going to ask the mods to move this thread from CPU to video. Instead, you pop in at the end of this thread, make incorrect assumptions and then sneer "oh look he started another thread." WRONG.

I provide updates b/c it seems like at least a couple ppl out there - not everyone but enough - with the combo of 4870/4850 and Maximus/Rampage Formula seem to have had similar problems. Already since the thread was moved to the video card forum, at least one new person has posted who had a similar experience. Do I think I'm infallible and couldn't have accidentally shorted out my boards? No. Do I think it's likely? No. Why? Because several people with similar setups have posted similar experiences, not just here on Anandtech but also in Asus's own support forums.

The Maximus Formula has been sent into Asus for RMA so I'm waiting on that, there's nothing more I can do. The A8N-SLI Deluxe is 3+ years old and isn't worth the cost of repair so while I wait for a new/repaired Maximus, I'm trying to restore the A8N on my own. What the frak is your problem with any of this? No one is forcing you to read this. Geez, you don't want to read about my trouble, then don't read this thread!

And if I sound pissed, that's b/c I am, to wake up and read your ill-informed condescension. I have two dead computers and you come along and cop a smug and arrogant "this guy isn't listening" attitude, which is hilarious b/c the only guy I see who isn't listening/reading is you. While a ton of other forum members have offered encouragement, suggestions and advice, you choose to take a cheap shot at me. Thanks for your valuable contribution to this thread. You da man, aren't ya?

I told you to strip it down in a prior thread that you basically ignored.. now we are close to a week and a half later, and you are no closer...

It took me to say something to get you to list what you have done. rather than having to read thru your endless run-on's. They are difficult to read, and follow.

It becomes obvious that you need to RMA it.. instead of wasting your time, and everyone else here...

When you say "Disabled" again it sounds like you ESD'ed Something.. It is very easy to do, especially if your wiring in your home is not right.


There is a deeper root cause to this issue.

 

[Quiksilver]

Originally posted by: Mr Fox

<snipped>

I told you to strip it down in a prior thread that you basically ignored.. now we are close to a week and a half later, and you are no closer...

It took me to say something to get you to list what you have done. rather than having to read thru your endless run-on's. They are difficult to read, and follow.

It becomes obvious that you need to RMA it.. instead of wasting your time, and everyone else here...

When you say "Disabled" again it sounds like you ESD'ed Something.. It is very easy to do, especially if your wiring in your home is not right.


There is a deeper root cause to this issue.

Now your just clutching at straws here, did you even read what he had tried? It's already stripped everything down the a BIOS chip and got same results.

2 Separate Computers, with different parts in each is now no longer functioning after trying determine the cause of his troubles.

So what does this mean?

He's already tried 2 of everything already; the only two remaining constants is the 4870 and his house wiring. Now considering that everything was functioning properly before the 4870; the problem is not the house wiring.

The fact OP knows how to properly change out motherboard BIOS chips and has the proper tools to do so, suggests he knows what he is doing and their would less than a 1% chance that he ESD's two full computers on two separate occasions.

The bottom line is you need to step off his nuts as he has already done all he could do except RMA the defective 4870.

 

[Mr Fox]

Originally posted by: Quiksilver

Originally posted by: Mr Fox

<snipped>

I told you to strip it down in a prior thread that you basically ignored.. now we are close to a week and a half later, and you are no closer...

It took me to say something to get you to list what you have done. rather than having to read thru your endless run-on's. They are difficult to read, and follow.

It becomes obvious that you need to RMA it.. instead of wasting your time, and everyone else here...

When you say "Disabled" again it sounds like you ESD'ed Something.. It is very easy to do, especially if your wiring in your home is not right.


There is a deeper root cause to this issue.

Now your just clutching at straws here, did you even read what he had tried? It's already stripped everything down the a BIOS chip and got same results.

2 Separate Computers, with different parts in each is now no longer functioning after trying determine the cause of his troubles.

So what does this mean?

He's already tried 2 of everything already; the only two remaining constants is the 4870 and his house wiring. Now considering that everything was functioning properly before the 4870; the problem is not the house wiring.

The fact OP knows how to properly change out motherboard BIOS chips and has the proper tools to do so, suggests he knows what he is doing and their would less than a 1% chance that he ESD's two full computers on two separate occasions.

The bottom line is you need to step off his nuts as he has already done all he could do except RMA the defective 4870.

If your electrical system is not properly grounded/phased you will get anomalous behavior, and it is easier to ESD something you would be surprised at the number of homes that have this issue.

 

[ddarko]

Originally posted by: Mr Fox
It becomes obvious that you need to RMA it.. instead of wasting your time, and everyone else here...

Unbelievable. Again you post without reading. I already wrote that I did RMA the Maximus Formula in two separate posts. Un-freakin' believable. And I did get a new 4870 but I can't test it b/c I don't have a working motherboard.

YOU choose to come into this thread, YOU choose to post in it and then you accuse ME of wasting YOUR time?! Unbelievable. Talk about self-absorbed.

I'd certainly prefer that you go away since you've got NOTHING to say. I don't know what's wrong with you but I've emailed the mods about your abusive and irrational conduct and posts here. If you can't keep yourself away or stop berating and insulting another forum member, maybe the mods will.

 

[Jessica69]

Oh noooeeeeeesssss.............teh modz!!!!!!

 

[Mr Fox]

Originally posted by: ddarko

Originally posted by: Mr Fox
It becomes obvious that you need to RMA it.. instead of wasting your time, and everyone else here...

Unbelievable. Again you post without reading. I already wrote that I did RMA the Maximus Formula in two separate posts. Un-freakin' believable. And I did get a new 4870 but I can't test it b/c I don't have a working motherboard.

YOU choose to come into this thread, YOU choose to post in it and then you accuse ME of wasting YOUR time?! Unbelievable. Talk about self-absorbed.

I'd certainly prefer that you go away since you've got NOTHING to say. I don't know what's wrong with you but I've emailed the mods about your abusive and irrational conduct and posts here. If you can't keep yourself away or stop berating and insulting another forum member, maybe the mods will.

If in fact you RMA'd the Board, and the card why do you not have a working MOBO ?

I'm not going to read the poorly formatted endless run-on to decipher this... I help people all the time.

If you are having this kind of failures, I stick by that there is something else wrong.


Edit: By the way there was no personal attack.. so chill out.... nor was it "abusive"

 

[ddarko]

Originally posted by: Mr FoxIf in fact you RMA'd the Board, and the card why do you not have a working MOBO ?

Um, because Asus hasn't returned it yet? And because the second one hasn't been RMA'ed b/c it's too old and no longer warranty? And like I wrote already?

I'm not going to read the poorly formatted endless run-on to decipher this... I help people all the time.

Oh I see. You say you refuse to read this thread b/c it's too hard for you yet you continue to post in it to trash me. And those posters who don't meet your editing standards, you post in their threads to attack them for "wasting your time, and everyone else here"? Yes, I can see how you help people all the time.:roll:

I told you to strip it down in a prior thread that you basically ignored..

Is that it? You're throwing this hissy fit because I apparently didn't reply to your post? OMFG.

It took me to say something to get you to list what you have done.

I listed all the steps I've taken - all steps that I had already described in my posts that you refuse to read - because you falsely accused me of ignoring advice and you somehow think you deserve credit?! OMFGx2.

Edit: By the way there was no personal attack.. so chill out.... nor was it "abusive"

Not personal attacks?

1. You wrote I was "wasting your time, and everyone else here" - that's not a personal attack?

2. You wrongly accused me of thread polluting this forum by starting a third thread when in fact I had asked the mods to move this thread over from the CPU thread. You have yet to apologize or acknowledge your mistake.

3. You said I was "asking for help but ignoring advice" - I've outlined all the steps I've taken to restore my mobos. I defy anyone except you to characterize what I've done as "ignoring" anything.

4. You characterize my posts as "poorly formatted endless run-on" - that's not a personal attack?

5. "If in fact you RMA'ed the Board..." - so now you question my honesty? You imply that I'm lying about returning the board and then you tell me to chill...wow, just wow. I'm simply stunned at your nastiness.

So yes, I DO think you've been very personally insulting and abusive. I've already told you that if you don't like this thread, stop posting in it. But for some bizarre inexplicable reason, you won't stop. So we'll let the mods decide to make you stop.

 

[kattattak]

Board newbie here -

In the OP's defense, I installed a brand-spanking new Asus-branded 4870 into my system last night (with Maximus Formula mb), and I am encountering a similar problem. I will be going through the painstaking process of trying to isolate the problem as well, so I am following this thread and the one on the Asus forums very carefully . . l

 

[PieIsAwesome]

Would it be possible to get a bad card shorting the board?

 

[shangshang]

Originally posted by: PieIsAwesome
Would it be possible to get a bad card shorting the board?

Yes. I've had an AGP card blowing my board way back. I've also had bad RAM burning my board too. And finally, I've had a bad power supply blowing up the board, along with the CDROM too!

 

[unr3al]

You should have returned the video card by now. Unless you somehow managed to void the warranty? Because you seem to have proven beyond all reasonable doubt that the HD4870 is at fault. You have done some reasonably thorough troubleshooting and if your problem started after adding a new component; the PSU is still fine; CPU replaced; another board dead; I think you are safe to assume the culprit is the card.

 

[MrStryker]

I read the entire thread. I'm shocked and I feel bad for you, and have you figured out where the faint burning smell came from? Have you sniffed the card the RAM or behind the power supply?

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: shangshang
hmm sounds like a defective 4870.

Here's my story.

My 4850's fan would not spin up beyond it's "quite" level (after 3 weeks of usage). As a result, the temp would go to 103-105C in gaming, and only then, would the fan kick in to full 100% for a bried second and then back to quite level. So I decided to take the 4850 back to Best Buy and exchange it.

No, here's your story.

You purchased a 4850 and immediately ripped the cooler off and replaced the stock TIM with your own thermal paste before even testing the card first to make sure it worked in its stock configuration. Then you flashed the BIOS with a modded one from another company and edited the fan profile in the XML file. Then the modded BIOS and XML file started conflicting with each other so you brought it back to Best Buy and exchanged it for another card and blamed the issues on ATI quality control.

 

[ddarko]

Well, my long national nightmare is over

I finally got a replacement Maximus Formula back from Asus last night. It came installed with the 1102 BIOS, which is the latest official BIOS for this board. Installed my new second 4870 and praise Jesus, my computer booted! Yay!

I never did figure out the source of the burning smell and Asus tech support hasn't told me anything. I assume that the first defective 4870 burned out a circuit or something on board, which is why the board(s) didn't function with any video card afterwards. Not everyone who got a defective 4870 had such extensive problems. Ssome people who got bad 4870s were still able to use other video cards in their boards. But there do seem to be a couple people like me whose board was pretty much killed by a bad 4870.

BTW, my first Visiontek 4870 didn't have the monster sticker on it but simply said "Radeon" on the front of the card. My second Visiontek 4870 doesn't even have that; it's just red plastic. The only logo is on the fan.