GA-965P-DS3 will not POST - Motherboard issue?

[Disconnect]

My system fell over while it was on (oops!) and now will not POST. The fans and drives spin up and the power light comes on, but there are no beeps whatsoever. I have done everything I can to fix it with no luck whatsoever.It looks like the motherboard is the only possible problem.

Specs:
GA-965P-DS3 rev 1.0
E6600 @3.33GHz w/ Tuniq Tower 120
2x1GB SuperTalent DDR2 800
8800 GTS 320
Corsair 620HX
Centurion 5 case

After my system fell over, I took it apart and then re-assembled it. The power LED, fans, and drives worked when I turned it on, but nothing showed on the monitor and there were no beeps. Something smelled like it was burning, so I shut it off.

I then assembled only the basics: PSU, CPU, motherboard, 1 stick of memory, and video card outside of the case with only the case speaker plugged in. After several tries, it finally it POSTed. Temperatures and voltages were normal in the BIOS, but after I shut this off, it only POSTed once more and then never again. I tried clearing the CMOS many times and also tried booting without memory hoping for a post code.

Since then, I have replaced the motherboard (same model and rev from ebay) and bought a new CPU (Q6600) and PSU. I also tested the memory and video card (and later the CPUs) on my work computer with no problems whatsoever. Nothing has helped.

I have replaced or tested everything necessary to POST, but it still won't work. Perhaps the old motherboard was damaged in the fall, and the replacement from ebay was also bad. Or maybe the first PSU was damaged and fried the new motherboard without touching the other components. That's all I can think of.

Any suggestions?

Otherwise I'll order a brand new GA-EP45-UD3R. I'd prefer not to since I don't want to reformat, but it looks like there's no other choice.

Thanks

[profJim]

Re: GA-965P-DS3 will not POST - Motherboard issue?

Two obvious things bother me; the burning smell and the possible internal damage to the psu. In your situation I'd replace your psu before trying any further testing.

With another psu, try the following sequence of steps:
1) Turn off the psu using its on/off switch.
2) Unplug the external psu cable.
3) Press and hold the computer's front on/off switch for 5 seconds.
4) Leave your system in this state for at least 10 minutes.
5) Try to start your computer.

Others might suggest removing your mobo battery for 5 minutes up to 24 hours. Some might suggest first removing the battery and then clearing the cmos.

Good luck, let us know how you make out.

[Disconnect]

Re: GA-965P-DS3 will not POST - Motherboard issue?

Well.. I just gave those steps a try with no luck. I also have tried leaving the battery out for a long time.. at least 20 hours and have cleared cmos with the battery out.

The motherboard, CPU, and PSU were replaced in that order, so it's possible the old PSU damaged the new motherboard. But now I have a new one.

[NimrodAUS]

Re: GA-965P-DS3 will not POST - Motherboard issue?

Dang. The Burning Smell Most likely was your PSU. It is Possible that when you plugged your new MB into the old PSU it has dammage it but I think this would be seriously unlucky. The thing that troubles me is that after smelling burning you are still able to get fans and lights working. Does your new MB do exactly the same thing as your old one when it tries to POST? Ie fans and lights and drives spin up. Do you have another Video card to try. Even though you have tested it in another computer doesnt always mean its good. The fact that you have replaced everything that could have really been the problem (although i think the CPU was a waste of money, you can give it to me if you like) and it still doesnt work is a bit of a worry. Id be looking for a different video card to try.

[Disconnect]

Re: GA-965P-DS3 will not POST - Motherboard issue?

Yeah.. it's exactly the same with both motherboards and both PSUs.

Should I get a POST beep with the video card removed? I tried without it, but it still didn't beep. The only video card I have lying around is AGP, but I may be able to grab a PCI one from an old computer at work.

I know the CPU was a waste, but I was trying to avoid taking any risks with my work computer. Besides, it was a good excuse to upgrade to quad core :)

[NimrodAUS]

Re: GA-965P-DS3 will not POST - Motherboard issue?

Oh I didnt notice the E6600 I jsut saw 6600 well then the Q6600 wasnt a waste at all. Its a good upgrade. I Find it very hard to believe that both MB's are dead. Try turning it on with no ram in it. I will beep like that, and it should beep with no GPU in also. IDK about the video card. its wierd. It should have beeped like crazy with no Video card in. Just jerk it out and all the ram and see if it beeps. Make sure ur speaker is hooked up right and that it indeed does work. Maybe the burning smell came from your speaker. lol. Sorry thats not funny is it.