BIOS setup utility locks up

kleefarr

I'm having a look at a Win XP Asus P5S800-VM computer for a friend which he said stopped working. He said it has power but nothing else, checked the
monitor was working by trying it on another PC.

I unplugged the HDD and the DVDRW. I entered BIOS setup and after about 30 seconds it locks up.

On starting I get Wrong date/time errors and also an error saying that the
CPU overclock failed. I have tried this a couple of times after clearing the
CMOS backup each time, but I still get a lock up on the BIOS setup screen,
normally while trying to correct the BIOS time/date.

Would this indicate a screwed Motherboard?

Tillotson

Check and clean connection between CMOS battery and motherboard.
If that doesn't work replace CMOS battery.

I might be wrong.

O'Coonassa

If it's saying the overclock failed every time I don't think you can be clearing it to defaults sounds like it's keeping settings and it's possible that they're what's causing the lockup. Or if the overclock has been done with jumpers then you need to sort them out. Maybe...

kleefarr

Had already checked the CMOs battery and connections. Voltage was 2.85v but changed for a new one anyway. 3.08v.

I had a look at the online manual about overclocking, but there was no indication of any specific jumper settings for enabling overclocking.

I have also checked the Intrusion/case open jumper and that seems fine.

kleefarr

I have removed everything, given the inside a good cleaning out and replaced the CPU/heatsink, RAM. I have entered BIOS setup and so far (for the last few minutes) it is still running, no locking up. I'll leave it running while I grab a bite to eat and see if it's still running when I've finished. Then I'll add the HDD and see what happens.

kleefarr

Nope. Locked up again after 4 minutes.

kleefarr

I have run a voltage test..

Purple - 5.02v
Green - 0.16v
Grey - 0.97v (low)
Orange - 3.28v
Red - 5.21v
Yellow - (When off 0.15v) Power on 11.15. (seems low)

I'll have to dig out another PSU tomorrow and see if it makes any difference.

O'Coonassa

I don't know that board but I don't understand why it's saying overclock failed, there should be no overclock happening with just the CMOS defaults loaded. If you get into the BIOS setup and load 'failsafe defaults' does it still lock? I'd maybe try reflashing the BIOS if possible they can sometimes get corrupted and cause buggy behaviour.

kleefarr

Managed to load defaults, but it still locks up. Don't think it'll run long enough to flash the bios.
Anyway, I'll try a few things tomorrow, had enough for now.

kleefarr

Have changed the PSU and voltage on the 12v rail seemed better, 11.97v.
The fan is working and is now reasonably clean.
I navigated to the 'monitor hardware' section in BIOS and watched for a few
minutes. Fan speed was on auto. CPU temperature climbed to 61.5 oC and the
motherboard temp stayed around the 27/28 oC mark. Then it locked up again.

Motherboard or CPU?

kleefarr

Removed CPU and it was caked in thermal paste and dust.
Cleaned it off using thermal paste remover then purified and renewed thermal paste. Seems to be running fine now. :rolleyes: