Is this 3 beeps (repeating) or 6 beeps?

mrcheez

A guy on YouTube has a video showing the same error I am getting with my motherboard

https://youtu.be/zJHUeR00zmg

Is that 3 or 6 beeps? It sounds to me like 2 groups of 3.

If it's 6 beeps then its a "keyboard error" whatever that means.

mrcheez

If I drop this in for repair can I remove the HDDs with my private data?

TerrorFirmer

You can google codes for your motherboard/bios. It is two groups of 3 repeating.

mrcheez

So it's 3 beeps?

The ASRock B85 Pro4 motherboard spec doesn't specify "2 sets of 3 beeps"

Its either 3 or 6 beeps

http://ddr4motherboard.com/beepcodes/ASROCK-B85M-PRO4

jhud

If you look at comments of the video the guy replaced motherboard and all was good.

mrcheez

jhud wrote: »

If you look at comments of the video the guy replaced motherboard and all was good.

That's not really a solution. Of course replacing the motherboard is an option, just as buying a new car is an option when the car won't start.

I'm trying to FIX what I have.

jhud

mrcheez wrote: »

That's not really a solution. Of course replacing the motherboard is an option, just as buying a new car is an option when the car won't start.

I'm trying to FIX what I have.

Well please list what you have tried in fixing this. Have you ever built a computer? Are you able to remove a components and motherboard from case?

Have you removed all hardware except processor to test?

Has the computer ever worked?

The guys here will need your full specs and all to help with fixing if possible.

mrcheez

Yes I built this machine. It's been working fine for 3 years. Recently the beeping started but after a reset the machine would proceed to boot as normal after.

2 days ago it stopped booting. No BIOS showing up on monitor.

I suspected it might be the GSkill RAM modules, so I bought a new 4GB ddr3 yesterday and tried it in all 4 slots. Same beeping on start.

The motherboard has dual channel, does this mean I need to always install 2 ram modules rather than the one I bought yesterday or can I still just use one module?

TerrorFirmer

Still sounds like 2 groups of 3 to me, but there you go. I assume you've tried resetting your bios settings back to default values? If there's any overclock or manual settings applied it could be affecting the ram.

No, you don't need two sticks in dual channel, it'll still work fine with a single stick.

mrcheez

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Still sounds like 2 groups of 3 to me, but there you go. I assume you've tried resetting your bios settings back to default values? If there's any overclock or manual settings applied it could be affecting the ram.

No, you don't need two sticks in dual channel, it'll still work fine with a single stick.

2 groups of 3 would mean 2 groups of "Basic memory 64K address check error" according to the site I posted earlier, so must be RAM right?

Strange then that the new module had no effect. Also wouldn't it be strange for BOTH of my GSkill ddr3s to die at the same time?


I did the CMOS shorting if that's what you mean.

Perhaps I didn't do it correctly here's what I did...

- Unplugged pc from AC adaptor
- Moved the plug from pins 2+3 to 1+2 (according to the mb manual)
- Waited 1 minute (all while PC still unplugged)
- Removed CMOS battery for good measure
- Waited another 3 minutes
- Put CMOS battery back in
- Moved plug from pins 1+2 to 2+3
- Plugged pc back into wall
- Restarted machine
- Same 2 * 3 beeps


Are you supposed to turn on the machine in order to register the CMOS reset?

mrcheez

so when in doubt buy a new motherboard??

Lu Tze

mrcheez wrote: »

so when in doubt buy a new motherboard??

Have you tried booting with the minimal requirements ie no disks etc connected?

If trying all the three ram sticks individually in each of the slots is producing the same error, then that points to the motherboard being the problem. Typically its easier to replace the motherboard than try and diagnose what is wrong with it. You could have a close look to see if there are any swelled or leaking capacitors on the motherboard.

I'm not sure what else you could do? Replace the bios chip in the hopes that is the problem? But it would be a stab in the dark.

ED E

This the build you went with?

marco_polo wrote: »

Tough enough budget, few compromises to be made here and there to get the 250 SSD, 2TB HDD in so the graphics card is a little lighter that I would normally have in a €800 build.

Item|Price
Thermaltake V4 Black Edition ohne Netzteil|€37.72
XFX PRO550W Core Edition Full Wired Power Supply|€53.43
ASRock B85 Pro4, Sockel 1150, ATX|€62.41
Shipping|€18.99
2 x 4GB G.Skill RipJaws PC3-12800U CL9|€72.16
Intel Core i5-4440 Box, LGA1150|€157.16
MSI R9 270 GAMING 2G, AMD Radeon R9 270, 2GB DDR5|€159.43
Samsung SSD 840 EVO Basic 250GB SATA 6Gb/s|€139.99
Seagate SV35 2TB SATA 6Gb's|€83.04
LG GH24NS bare schwarz|€16.11
ASUS PCE-N15|€14.90
Akasa AK-ICR-07 Interner 6-Port Card Reader 8,89cm (3,5") , schwarz|€9.99
Total|€825.33

Memory controller is onboard with Haswell yeah?

mrcheez

ED E wrote: »

This the build you went with?

I think that's the one... this is the hardware versand order... looks like the same?




Name: 8GB-Kit G-Skill RipJaws PC3-12800U CL9

Name: Akasa AK-ICR-07 Interner 6-Port Card Reader 8,89cm (3,5") , schwarz

Name: ASRock B85 Pro4, Sockel 1150, ATX

Name: ASUS PCE-N15

Name: Corsair CS Series Modular CS550M 550W ATX 2.3

Name: Intel Core i5-4440 Box, LGA1150

Name: Samsung SH-224DB schwarz

Name: Samsung SSD 840 EVO Basic 250GB SATA 6Gb/s

Name: Sapphire R9 270X Dual-X OC Boost Lite Retail, AMD Radeon R9 270X, 2GB DDR5

Name: Seagate SV35 2TB SATA 6Gb's

Name: Thermaltake V4 Black Edition ohne Netzteil

ED E wrote: »

Memory controller is onboard with Haswell yeah?

sorry don't know what you mean?

mrcheez

Lu Tze wrote: »

Have you tried booting with the minimal requirements ie no disks etc connected?

If trying all the three ram sticks individually in each of the slots is producing the same error, then that points to the motherboard being the problem. Typically its easier to replace the motherboard than try and diagnose what is wrong with it. You could have a close look to see if there are any swelled or leaking capacitors on the motherboard.

I'm not sure what else you could do? Replace the bios chip in the hopes that is the problem? But it would be a stab in the dark.

Right, well if I have to buy a motherboard from a B&M store where do you recommend I get one? I'm in Dublin.

I can't wait for delivery as I need the motherboard asap for work.

ED E

mrcheez wrote: »

sorry don't know what you mean?

The CPU could theoretically be the cause of memory failures.

mrcheez

Reckon I try reseating it? Do I need to purchase some thermal paste if I do this?

mrcheez

So do I need to get thermal paste if reseating the CPU??

I haven't built a computer since this one so can't recall.

I do remember when I bought this machine, the CPU had thermal paste layer sort of "built in" to the mount, so not sure if I can stick more paste there.

mrcheez

ED E wrote: »

The CPU could theoretically be the cause of memory failures.

So suggestion here is get new CPU or new motherboard or reseat the CPU?

TerrorFirmer

mrcheez wrote: »

So suggestion here is get new CPU or new motherboard or reseat the CPU?

I don't think it's the suggestion, more that it's just a potential cause although unlikely.

I think Elara in Dublin allow collection and their prices would be better than the likes of Maplin for a motherboard.

Just get a basic H81M board if needs be. You won't loose any real functionality or any performance over a B85 unless you had use for the extra expansion options.

I'm sure there are H81/B85/Z97 boards for sale on adverts in Dublin as well.

mrcheez

Cool, also can you confirm that the steps i took to reset the cmos were correct pls?

I find it odd that you dont need to power on the machine to register the updated jumper settings.

Lu Tze

mrcheez wrote: »

Cool, also can you confirm that the steps i took to reset the cmos were correct pls?

I find it odd that you dont need to power on the machine to register the updated jumper settings.

Removing the cmos battery would have done it regardless.

mrcheez

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

I don't think it's the suggestion, more that it's just a potential cause although unlikely.

I think Elara in Dublin allow collection and their prices would be better than the likes of Maplin for a motherboard.

Just get a basic H81M board if needs be. You won't loose any real functionality or any performance over a B85 unless you had use for the extra expansion options.

I'm sure there are H81/B85/Z97 boards for sale on adverts in Dublin as well.

I have the 3 ram modules now so I guess I need something with 4 ram slots.

I'll pop into town tomorrow on the bike. Elara would be a bit of a trek but I guess I could try them, they are near the Phoenix Park right?

Any links to a suitable motherboard sold on Elara that will match what I have?


Also should I also just buy a new CPU/heatsink and kill two birds with one stone?

mrcheez

this one?

http://www.elara.ie/productdetail.aspx?productcode=ECE2775652

mrcheez

also is there any chance the PSU could be at fault and not supplying enough power?

ED E

Shouldnt be as its the mobo that converts 5v to 1.2-1.6v for DRAM. If the PSU wasnt pushing the juice the board would also be starved.

savemejebus

just checking as you said you needed this quickly for work, but you know that you will more than likely need to reinstall your OS with a new motherboard, right?

mrcheez

savemejebus wrote: »

just checking as you said you needed this quickly for work, but you know that you will more than likely need to reinstall your OS with a new motherboard, right?

Really? Nice.

mrcheez

Quick one, if I drop it into a repair shop can I remove the HDDs?

Lord PuppyMcSnuggle of Cuddleshire

mrcheez wrote: »

Quick one, if I drop it into a repair shop can I remove the HDDs?

It should still POST (ie. get past the beeps) without a harddrive present, so yeah, go right ahead IMO.

I'd remove all expansion cards to see if it boots. I know on my current PC, if it's beeping at me instead of booting, it's my soundcard or gfx card not sitting in its slot at quite the right angle (I might have to shift it 10 different ways before it's happy). Though if you've replaced the ram, and unplugged as much as you can, I'd probably just try replacing the motherboard rather than paying someone to look at it... it'd probably be cheaper... they might end up recommending that anyway. Maybe the RAM slots themselves are bolloxed, who knows.

mrcheez

I've removed the only two things that were plugged into the expansion slots: video card and WiFi adaptor.

Should I unplug the coloured cables that control things on the motherboard like the LEDs etc? Obviously I don't want to remove the wire for the beeper that's plugged in.

If I order the exact same motherboard again do I need to reinstall windows?

mrcheez

Can I get the same chipset in a different mobo, or do I need to buy an ASRock mobo to avoid the windows reinstall?

mrcheez

I can only seem to find this on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asrock-B85M-PRO4-Motherboard-Graphics/dp/B00KL9HCAG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1508767339&sr=8-3&keywords=ASRock+B85+Pro4

I assume that's the same as the one I got from Hardware Versand... so installing this I shouldn't need a reinstall of Windows right?

Cordell

savemejebus wrote: »

just checking as you said you needed this quickly for work, but you know that you will more than likely need to reinstall your OS with a new motherboard, right?

You don't need if you take the necessary precautions: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

I changed the motherboard and CPU and I've kept my installation with no issues (apart from some cleaning of leftover drivers that was not really needed, but I like it so).

mrcheez

Cordell wrote: »

You don't need if you take the necessary precautions: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

I changed the motherboard and CPU and I've kept my installation with no issues (apart from some cleaning of leftover drivers that was not really needed, but I like it so).

It's Windows 7 so same deal?

Cordell

I can't say for sure, but it should be the same. In my case I have a retail W10 licence (that is, not OEM) linked to my Microsoft account, so reactivation was instant.
For 7 you may need to pull the activation key (see the link) or contact customer support.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-recovery-the-windows-7-product-key/713e40f8-b736-4e6b-b7c8-c2eb70e950a9?auth=1

mrcheez

Cordell wrote: »

I can't say for sure, but it should be the same. In my case I have a retail W10 licence (that is, not OEM) linked to my Microsoft account, so reactivation was instant.
For 7 you may need to pull the activation key (see the link) or contact customer support.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-recovery-the-windows-7-product-key/713e40f8-b736-4e6b-b7c8-c2eb70e950a9?auth=1

I'll just order the identical mobo, less chance of any issues.

I have a backup laptop I can use in the meantime.

Cordell

Even with an identical motherboard it's very likely that Windows will have to be reactivated, but it should not be a problem. Either use the old activation key (retrieve it using a tool if you don't have it) or call customer support.

But it will boot, and complain about activation - so you will know it the hardware problem was solved. And that makes me think about the advice above, you won't be able to retrieve the key if your computer does not start...

mrcheez

mrcheez wrote: »

I can only seem to find this on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asrock-B85M-PRO4-Motherboard-Graphics/dp/B00KL9HCAG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1508767339&sr=8-3&keywords=ASRock+B85+Pro4

I assume that's the same as the one I got from Hardware Versand... so installing this I shouldn't need a reinstall of Windows right?

actually I think that's a micro ATX motherboard

this is the one I have a B85, not B85M

https://www.amazon.com/ASRock-B85-CrossFireX-Motherboard-PRO4/dp/B00D3IKLLO

mrcheez

So, yeah looks like I'll need to get a new type mobo after all as the full ATX version isn't available (only the US).

Lucky I remembered about the micro atx stuff... all this PC building malarky has to come back to me

Lu Tze

mrcheez wrote: »

So, yeah looks like I'll need to get a new type mobo after all as the full ATX version isn't available (only the US).

Lucky I remembered about the micro atx stuff... all this PC building malarky has to come back to me

What's the alternative though? Would you still be under warranty if shop bought?

Unless you need all the PCI express slots, you could still go with the m-atx version. It will likely be very similar, and more likely to boot your current install than another manufacturer/chipset.

mrcheez

Lu Tze wrote: »

What's the alternative though? Would you still be under warranty if shop bought?

Not sure what your point is... I was merely complaining that I have to remember all this PC building crap that I normally would expect to have to do once every 6+ years or so. Kind of ridiculous for a motherboard to die after 3 years.

Yes shop bought is preferable as I have little interest in re-building a machine again, but now that I've gone down the path and wasted a week testing various things out and *possibly* changing the motherboard might solve it, I might as well continue this way.

Lu Tze wrote: »

Unless you need all the PCI express slots, you could still go with the m-atx version. It will likely be very similar, and more likely to boot your current install than another manufacturer/chipset.

Nope I need all the expansion slots and 4 DDR3 slots... basically I want exactly the same as I have so I don't need to go around re-learning all this **** again

.

TerrorFirmer

In fairness these days re-installing Win10 from USB takes literally 20 minutes. I do it often enough, it's really not an issue at all. Just get whatever board is cheapest and re-install using the Win10 creation tool on USB.

mrcheez

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

In fairness these days re-installing Win10 from USB takes literally 20 minutes. I do it often enough, it's really not an issue at all. Just get whatever board is cheapest and re-install using the Win10 creation tool on USB.

Does that keep all software and custom settings I've got on my Windows 7 install or I have to install it all again? Additionally I don't have access to some of the MS software keys I was gifted before.

Bit more than 20 minutes I reckon to get back to the same state my machine was in.

Anyway I can rant all I like, but it's not going to help matters much, so I just have grin and bear it. grrrr

mrcheez

Cordell wrote: »

Even with an identical motherboard it's very likely that Windows will have to be reactivated, but it should not be a problem. Either use the old activation key (retrieve it using a tool if you don't have it) or call customer support.

But it will boot, and complain about activation - so you will know it the hardware problem was solved. And that makes me think about the advice above, you won't be able to retrieve the key if your computer does not start...

I've just returned from abroad and getting around to doing this now.

I've managed to source an exact version of the motherboard I have which is faulty.

So, apart from re-activating Windows 7, are there likely to be no other issues and no need to reinstall windows/drivers considering the mobo is the same?

I'll make sure to put everything in the same sockets as previous etc.

Cordell

No, it should be easy, just reactivate Windows if needed. But I guess there's only one way to find out for sure

mrcheez

Cordell wrote: »

No, it should be easy, just reactivate Windows if needed. But I guess there's only one way to find out for sure

And more chances of conflicts if I get a different motherboard right?

Cordell

Could be, I don't really know about win 7. With 10 I've had no issues changing the motherboard and CPU from AMD to Intel.
So just try and see what happens, you won't break anything anyway.

mrcheez

I have to wait over a month for the identical replacement motherboard to arrive from China or I can get a different one delivered next week from Amazon.

I'll do a little bit more research into Win7 issues if replacing motherboard, before ordering.

Basically I don't want to have to reinstall anything as i don't have the keys.

mrcheez

OK, so my replacement board arrived there last week and I installed it today.

Whaddya know it works, and Windows loads none-the-wiser as the motherboard is exactly the same as the original model!
So now at least I can get access to all my old data once again! Cost me flipping €80 though to get the same model


Now I did encounter a strange issue... I tried booting with my 2 external HDDs plugged into 2 x USB3 slots.

This then triggered the familiar beeps once again, although this time I got the following error:

The following channel memory did not pass the CPU memory test.
Please remove the memory the plug in again.

Channel A

When I unplugged the 2 external HDDs from USB3 it boots fine.

Do you think the external HDDs broke my old motherboard?!?

mrcheez

Any ideas?

Is my psu underpowered as i'm running it off a multi adaptor plug perhaps and this might cause problems running usb3 devices?

Perhaps i should upgrade mobo to latest firmware first.