Computer shutsdown and beeps. 4

[unborn]

Ok I just built a computer with brand new parts. Mother board is a Gigabyte K7 Triton (GA-7N400-L), AMD Athlon XP 3200 CPU, and 2x Mushkin 512 PC3200 ram. Now I read the manual to see what the beep was but I really didnt see it in there so i just assumed it is a 1 Long and 1 Short, but it really sounds like 8 long beeps that are like 1 High Beep, 1 Low Beep, (rinse wash and repeat). Which says DRAM, or MOBO.

I ran the memory test on

http://www.memtest86.com/#download0

and it does the shutdown thing on Step 7 (Random Number Sequence). Here is what the site says about it..

Test 7 [Random number sequence]

This test writes a series of random numbers into memory. By resetting the seed for the random number the same sequence of number can be created for a reference. The initial pattern is checked and then complemented and checked again on the next pass. However, unlike the moving inversions test writing and checking can only be done in the forward direction.


So makes me think could be the memory but i doubt it because it gave no actual error, and I tried each stick alone and they both shutdown and i tried them together and it still shutdown. So I went searchign and i found Microsofts memory test here..

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

and tried this one, i did standard and exteneded testing and i had no crash with this one so this leads me to believe that it is maybe my CPU or my MOBO. I was wondering what your thoughts are and maybe a possible fix? I need to know what pieces i need to send back and dont wanna send the wrong thing back.

Thanks for all the help!
Tony Rose

in the begining man created code.
in the end code will create man.
clones are coming only matter of time.
examples?

http://planetsourcecode.com

 

[ski]

Your MB uses and Award BIOS, and a repeating high-low beep is caused by a CPU problem:

http://www.bioscentral.com/beepcodes/awardbeep.htm

Make sure that the CPU's fan is running.

If that's ok and the CPU's heatsink came with a thermal pad, then make sure the plastic covering on the pad was removed.

If the heatsink did not come with a pad, then make sure that thermal compound was applied.
And do not apply too much, as that can cause the CPU to run hot.

If those are ok, then make sure that the heatsink was properly installed, i.e., the hold down clamps are secure, and there are no gaps between the bottom of the heatsink and the CPU die(The bottom of the heatsink is designed with a registered fit that installs only one way.).

If ok, then check the CPU for any chips or cracks.

If it looks ok, then check the CPU's temperature in BIOS.
If it's around 50-55 deg C or lower, then make sure that the CPU 'High Temperature' alarm in BIOS is set higher than that.

If that's ok, then the CPU may be defective.

 

[ski]

Also, make sure that the CPU's design fan speed is higher than its 'Low Speed' alarm setting in BIOS.

 

[ski]

Very forgetful tonight.

Make sure that the CPU's fan has a 3 wire connector, and it's connected to the correct MB terminal.

 

[unborn]

dude... i so dont think i removed the platic cover (if there is one) on the heatsink fan... and i also added a GLOB of the thermal glue to "keep it cool" but that may be the problem as well.. my cpu runs at 55-56 i feel that is high but i dont know what is high or low for cpus, case runs at 30-32 thanks let me check it out tomorrow and ill report back.. i soooo hope this helps it and thanks for info!! ill be back!

in the begining man created code.
in the end code will create man.
clones are coming only matter of time.
examples?

http://planetsourcecode.com

 

[unborn]

Thanks ski! Im not sure if it has worked but it passed the Step 7 on the memory tester...

I was using some expensive thermal glue it was copper based and i added and removed it 3 times i was so affraid my system wouldnt start up so i thought i really messed something up. Well i had some thermal glue that came with my mobo/cpu and i tried that it started up and passed step 7 so hopefully this will be the end of it! Only bad thing is now my cpu runs at 57 degrees (idle) hope thats not to bad :/ so ill come back and let ya know if it does the shutting down anymore! until then heres you one of those helpful stars!! thanks again!

in the begining man created code.
in the end code will create man.
clones are coming only matter of time.
examples?

http://planetsourcecode.com

 

[paparazi]

The XP3200 is a hot CPU but it depends on ambients (room temperature) as to how warm it will run but generally 57C is on the high side especially as you have stated this is just idling imagine what that is rising to under load.
It is generally considered for stable running, max's need under 60C, although they can go into the mid 60's before you experience stability issues (obviously you don't want to run it that close to it's stable running threshold)
In my experience, in our temperate climate (UK) most XP3200's idle around 50C with max's in the mid 50's (54/57C) as I said, depending on room temps.
When you build a high end XP, it definately needs additional case cooling to keep case internals as close to outside case temps as possible (to get cool air in and warm air out)
Continuous long beeps and shutting down could be the CPU hitting it's max shutdown temp in the bios.

One last thing, I don't think this is your problem but users have to be aware when mounting the heatsink on a socket A CPU (Athlon/Duron/Sempron) that the recess in the base of the heatsink must be positioned so that it is over the raised part of the CPU socket (otherwise the heatsink does not sit squarely on the CPU core and overheats) THIS IS A VERY COMMON MISTAKE so if you didn't realise CHECK!

Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[garebo]

If you scraped off the pad and the plastic cover and applied thermal paste (not thermal glue), then you likely shouldnt have temps that high.
I have to ask, how did you scrape this off? If you scratched the surface of the heatsink badly enough then that could have something to do with high temps.
If that is the case then get some sandpaper and sand the heatsink area where it sits on the cpu until the scratches or gouges are out. I cant remember the gauge of sandpaper but in the end you should be using a fine sandpaper, so maybe something like a medium to begin with, just dont use sandpaper with a real heavy grit as aluminum is a soft metal to begin with.
Once sanded smoother you can apply thermal paste, and you only need a small amount to cover the cpu, then you should have lower temperature. When i install thermal paste i put a very very thin layer on the heatsink and just where the cpu meets the heatsink, and then a very thin layer on the cpu. Thermal paste is only used to fill in minute gaps in the metal of the heatsink and cpu and these gaps are usually so small we cant see them, so that gives you an idea of how much thermal paste needed.
Sanding should be done in a circular motion and only if you scratched or gouged the surface of the heatsink. I dont think others do, but I would never sand a cpu, only the heatsink.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[unborn]

I didnt scrape it :/ i used a paper towel to wipe off the copper thrermal glue, it didnt have plastic on it i checked. i added a thin layer of the paste to the tiny metal piece that was on top of the cpu and then hooked my fan up. i have 7 fans in my computer but my cpu still runs hot, i even paid $46 for the heatsink and fan. Hoping it would make it run cooler, is there any suggestions on what to do to make it run cooler? i tried the more expesive paste and it didnt work, i tried the big expensive fan and it didnt work. right now all im doing is typing in this webpage and its running at 53c degrees.

Thanks for the help!

in the begining man created code.
in the end code will create man.
clones are coming only matter of time.
examples?

http://planetsourcecode.com

 

[garebo]

Had to ask about that since you are having the temp issue and mentioned possibly not removing the plastic.

I take it you are not getting the beeps any longer, you now only have the temp problem?
I wonder if there is some setting in bios that might help you out.
I imagine you have the correct FSB settings and the cpu is identified correctly by your bios?


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[ski]

If the computer room's ambient temp is 70-75 F, then 53 C is not abnormally high for your CPU.
However, if you're a gamer and the CPU temp exceeds 60 C when playing, then that may have to be addressed.

Also, suggest that you wipe off all thermal compound on both the heatsink and the CPU die using 91% pure(or higher) alcohol and a lint free soft cloth, and reapply a very thin layer.

 

[paparazi]

I agree, 53C isn't too bad for a XP3.2+ at idle, how warm is it where you are?
Besides it's those max's that are more important, if after a hard slog it's still under 60C you have nothing to worry about.
You didn't mention case cooling? you may have room to improve.
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[unborn]

Hello,

I live in florida and in my room it is probably closer to 80/85c degrees. i have 7 fans in my case, 1 external coming from the powersupply, 2 in the back of the case, 1 on the CPU, 1 on the case side panel, 2 on my hard drive. I was burning a CD this morning (which i believe uses alot of cpu) and i think it when up to 57c degrees so i think the temp has actually dropped a degree or two. I will get some alcohol and wipe off both and try reapplying it because I am a gamer and a developer and would like my system running as smooth as possible. No beeping yet though! I figured it may have been getting to hot, Doom 3 is intensive, but i play a MMORPG that prob takes a bit to render the amount of landscape it must with no loading(visible). Is there something like an icepack for the computer i can place on the outside so it sucks in cold air? i cant afford a water cooler at the moment. BTW i dont have it over clocked either.

my motherboard says it can have up to 400 FSB but the bios only has it up to 200FSB but then it says "resulting in 400 FSB" so maybe its correct? Plus i have 400 FSB ram as well. Ok back to work!

Thanks yall! Ill be back!

in the begining man created code.
in the end code will create man.
clones are coming only matter of time.
examples?

http://planetsourcecode.com

 

[micker377]

I have a window air conditioner in my computer room for summer use. At $59.95 (USD), I figure it's worth the safety.

 

[paparazi]

unborn
Now you have described the enviroment, I would say your 57C max isn't too bad at all (remember you said 57C idle at first, which wouldn't have allowed for much heat up)
As we have said, under 60C is fine, infact the burn up temp for this CPU I believe is somewhere around 80/85C
Even low 60's would be OK but approaching possible flakey territory.
If you can appreciate, air coolers can only be as good as the temperature of air they are using to cool with so the cooler the air supply to the CPU fan the cooler the CPU.
In your case this air supply is already quite warm because of your enviroment, so 57C is warm but nothing to get steamed up about lol

A setting of 200fsb is correct as the double data rate ram takes this to the 400fsb setting required by the CPU (as reported)

Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[garebo]

What you could do is leave the one side of the case off and have a small table fan blowing on the cpu. That would bring the cpu temp down for those times you are gaming at least.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[micker377]

1 on the case side panel"

Have you checked on the direction of air flow on the side fan? Most cases are shipped with the fan blowing out. AMD CPU fans blow down on the CPU. You must make sure that the side fan is blowing down on the CPU fan (use a small piece of tissue to see which way the air is blowing). If the fan blows out, it will create a "dead" space with no air flow on the CPU. I fought this for a while, and now my case flow is so good that I get a 2 degree rise of temp with the side panel open!

 

[unborn]

Ok what about getting a miniture fan to blow into the fans that are in the back? it will still be the same warm air but there will be more of it? thinking about maybe mounting a holder for an ice packet on the wall behind my cpu so the coldness will be near the back fans and make sure there is no condensation... will the moist from the ice pack kill my pc?

in the begining man created code.
in the end code will create man.
clones are coming only matter of time.
examples?

http://planetsourcecode.com

 

[unborn]

oooohhh actually i found out the 2 fans on the back of my case are blowing outward.. very strongly... should i turn them around so they blow in strongly? or will that be to much of no escape air? i could turn the 2 back fans inward and the side one outward to suck some air out?

heres my case.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-156-140&depa=1

BTW thanks for all the help!

in the begining man created code.
in the end code will create man.
clones are coming only matter of time.
examples?

http://planetsourcecode.com

 

[micker377]

No, you want in from the front (bottom), and out from the back. This creates an air-flow pattern that moves over all the boards and hard drive. Another thing is to check the power supply fan: do you have one fan on the bottom of the PSU, and another to blow the air out the back? AMD recommends a power supply with a fan right above the CPU to draw the hot air off the CPU, and out the power supply exaust fan.