Epox 8RDA3+ no POST, going for recap

[TheReaper]

Hi all,
I have an Epox 8RDA3+, which doesn't post. Fans power up and the LED indicator displays "FF" and that's all. Every other piece of hardware I use with it is tested and working. Have tried many hardware combination and CMOS erasing methods with no positive results. Now I'm thinking about recapping it.

I have studied thoroughly this forum the last 2 days and I am now pretty sure that the caps should be the problem. There are 3 1500uF @ 16 Volts KZGs and every other cap on the board is TEAPO. Also there are no visible signs on them, no bulging, leaking or swelling, but have read here that it's typical for TEAPOs to fail without any visible signs.
So I'm making a list of what caps I'll need and go shopping through local stores this weekend.
If you have any ideas and/or suggestions I'll greatly appreciate them. Thanks.

Dimiter
Sofia, Bulgaria

[Rainbow]

Re: Epox 8RDA3+ no POST, going for recap

I doubt that recap will fix it. Maybe the BIOS is corrupted. Also check for PCB damage around CPU socket.

[TheReaper]

Re: Epox 8RDA3+ no POST, going for recap

It had some trouble to POST before, but after some attempts and unplugging and plugging back the power cord of the PSU fixed it until now. That's why I don't think it's the BIOS. Maybe I'll try to reflash it on another board, if I find one with similar EEPROM, until I find the needed capacitors. Also couldn't find any sign of physical damage on the board, around the socket and the connectors inside it. Wish me luck. And thanks for the reply.

[TheReaper]

Re: Epox 8RDA3+ no POST, going for recap

Did some research and found that the bios chip on the Epox is compatible with the chips my other board (Asus A7V880) has and may try to "Hot-Swap" flash it if the recap doesn't work. But I'm still pretty sure the problem is not the BIOS.
Anyone with a 8RDA3+ had a similar experience?

[gonzo0815]

Re: Epox 8RDA3+ no POST, going for recap

If you got it to boot up once, than i would say recapping can fix it.

[Big Pope]

Re: Epox 8RDA3+ no POST, going for recap

I doubt that recap will fix it. Maybe the BIOS is corrupted. Also check for PCB damage around CPU socket.

I am agree with your point. I think it is the caps problem. I have repaired the same mothbaord 8RDA3+ (PCB Made in China) last 2 weeks in my side.

In my case, the baord is problem is SMART I/O fail, got a lot heat there, on board debug "FF".

My suggestion, check the northern, southern birdge chipsets and SMART I/O, heat is normal or not.

[bgavin]

Re: Epox 8RDA3+ no POST, going for recap

I bought (4) EpoX 8K7A used from an eBay seller. All four do the same thing. They hang at FF.

All have TEAPO caps, many showing very obvious signs of failure. Leaking and swelling.