MS-7211 v4.0 (PM8M3-V H)

[JEWilson]

Off topic question perhaps

This mobo has possible start up problems

I am testing this with;
CPU - Intel PIV 3000MHz Prescott 650 2MB cache FSB 800MHz;
HSF - Intel stock Alu HSF rated to PIV 3000MHz, silver artic compound;
RAM - 1 x Elixir PC3200 200MHz 512MB DDR-I Unbuffered SDRAM;
On-board VGA - Integrated Graphics VGA Port
AGP Port - Asus V9520/TD/256M AGP 8X 256MB TV-Out DVI VGA
PSU - WinPower 700W Dual Fan
http://www.bossecomputers.com/Produc...N-700WDUAL.htm

As I am simply jumpering the front panel header, I have the following
issue(s);
1. Sometimes the PSU fails to start.
The PSU fan appears to start to spin up but when
my screwdriver is across the postive and gnd. pins of the
FP pwr. switch but when lifted from the jumper - the PSU stops
2. On other occasions, it will start but the BIOS will not load.

I removed the batt. (which is ok) and left the mobo overnight.
Started it again today and hey BIOS loads andt the
POST diag. card reports 24 1C!

From the AMIBIOS8™ (it's an AMI BIOS) Check Point
and Beep Code List, 24 details;
Uncompress and initialize any platform specific BIOS modules. GPNV is
initialized at this checkpoint. No problem there

Why am I having this problem, is it the PSU?
Does the FP pwr. switch need to latch the PSU within a specific
amount of time? Come to think of it, I have seen this problem
with another s775 mobo, an Intel 915PBL. However, with that mobo,
once installed in a case the issue disappeared

Any suggestions?

[Solder Boy]

Re: MS-7211 v4.0 (PM8M3-V H)

From your description, it could very well be your PSU, might wanna open her up and look for bulged caps.

If that checks okay, you either have some bad caps with horrible ESR on the motherboard or the voltage regulator(s) on the board have gone south.

[JEWilson]

Re: MS-7211 v4.0 (PM8M3-V H)

PSU is brand new

Still to check the ESR of the caps

Thx

[kikkoman]

Re: MS-7211 v4.0 (PM8M3-V H)

The PSU fan appears to start to spin up but when
my screwdriver is across the postive and gnd. pins of the
FP pwr. switch but when lifted from the jumper - the PSU stops

...

not quite clear here...

make sure none of the PWR ON leads is grounded (even if the mobo says +/-).
i've seen that cause massive problems with a few mobos in some metal cases with stupid front switch designs.

EDIT
sorry, didn't see this one.

As I am simply jumpering the front panel header,

[Wizard]

Re: MS-7211 v4.0 (PM8M3-V H)

That's sign board is either bad or dead CMOS battery.

Cheers, Wizard

[PCBONEZ]

Re: MS-7211 v4.0 (PM8M3-V H)

Make sure CMOS jumper was not left in "Clear CMOS" position.

[JEWilson]

Re: MS-7211 v4.0 (PM8M3-V H)

Y

CMOS jumpered correctly.

Checked the ESR of the caps of this board after having
run MemTest86+ v2.01 for 20 iterations of Tests 5 & 8.
They all report ok.

Well...
The battery got changed for a new one in any event.
I did think the batt. holder contacts for the negative side
didn't have any tension, so I did raise the contact
spring a little higher.

I have another of these mobos with a C1 checkpoint.
I have changed the batt. on this also
It does not get any further along the POST process.
As this again is an AMI BIOS, this details;
C1 - Set up boot strap processor Information

I am testing the latter mobo with the same kit.

At first, I thought it was a BIOS issue i.e. no uCode exists
for the installed processor, a PIV 630 Prescott.
But the MSI website details this CPU supported for all v3.x
BIOSes. The BIOS IC label details the following;
1. W7211 VMS 300.
This is the same as the former and first mobo referred to.

However, it does not discount the point the BIOS with
the latter either is bad or has been flashed incorrectly
(with the wrong BIOS) or has been tampered with, such
as uCode being added or removed.
This is something at this point I do not know.
The BIOS IC is also soldered, not socketed.

I don't believe at that point in the BIOS checkpoint process i.e.
C1, it will allow a recovery BIOS flash with a diskette.
I may be wrong here, I do not recall this exactly.
Perhaps, a forum member can advise.

Thanks

[JEWilson]

Re: MS-7211 v4.0 (PM8M3-V H)

Thanks for the input

However, I need to issue an apology over a mistake re - BIOS
This particular mobo has, in fact, an Award BIOS
I guess I have been working on two many mobo today!

As a result.

The 24 check is;
Enable Slots (4) Size extended memory

The C1 check refers to a bad SIMM.
I'll change the memory for something else.
Alternatively, it may be a memory controller issue
as the SIMM previously used was known good

Again, apologies

Thanks