[gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Matt Harrison]

Hi all,

A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when 
running 3d applications.

Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago) until 
I got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the power 
cables away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of interference.

Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a 
couple of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I 
can't produce now.

I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an hdd 
cable a bit too hard or something.

Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus 
Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the 
back panel.

As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU 
INIT" which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine 
yields absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.

I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also 
reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.

I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by 
moving a cable an inch to one side.

If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to have 
to return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(

Thanks

Matt

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Neil Bothwick]

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On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:32:15 +0000, Matt Harrison wrote:

> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by 
> moving a cable an inch to one side.

Did you touch a grounded object before putting your hand inside the case.
A static discharge could kill the motherboard.


-- 
Neil Bothwick

Top Oxymorons Number 40: Same difference

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Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Matt Harrison]

Neil Bothwick wrote:
> On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:32:15 +0000, Matt Harrison wrote:
> 
>> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by 
>> moving a cable an inch to one side.
> 
> Did you touch a grounded object before putting your hand inside the case.
> A static discharge could kill the motherboard.
>

Thanks for the reply,

Ashamed to say no I didn't consciously do that, however the only thing I 
touched inside the case was insulated cables. If i had zapped it, would 
it even get as far as it does? I know zapping it can be unpredictable, 
but up to a point, it works perfectly if you see what I mean.


Matt

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Dale]

Matt Harrison wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when
> running 3d applications.
>
> Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago)
> until I got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the
> power cables away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of
> interference.
>
> Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a
> couple of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I
> can't produce now.
>
> I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an
> hdd cable a bit too hard or something.
>
> Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus
> Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the
> back panel.
>
> As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU
> INIT" which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine
> yields absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.
>
> I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also
> reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.
>
> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by
> moving a cable an inch to one side.
>
> If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to
> have to return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(
>
> Thanks
>
> Matt
>
>

Is it possible that a wire come a loose when you moved it?  Maybe a
power wire or something?  Also, I don't think this could be it but could
it be that the CPU fan isn't turning?  It doesn't sound like it gets
that far so that may not matter.

Dale

:-)  :-) 

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Matt Harrison]

Dale wrote:
> Matt Harrison wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when
>> running 3d applications.
>>
>> Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago)
>> until I got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the
>> power cables away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of
>> interference.
>>
>> Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a
>> couple of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I
>> can't produce now.
>>
>> I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an
>> hdd cable a bit too hard or something.
>>
>> Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus
>> Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the
>> back panel.
>>
>> As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU
>> INIT" which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine
>> yields absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.
>>
>> I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also
>> reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.
>>
>> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by
>> moving a cable an inch to one side.
>>
>> If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to
>> have to return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Matt
>>
>>
> 
> Is it possible that a wire come a loose when you moved it?  Maybe a
> power wire or something?  Also, I don't think this could be it but could
> it be that the CPU fan isn't turning?  It doesn't sound like it gets
> that far so that may not matter.
> 
> Dale
> 
> :-)  :-) 
> 

I think I have reseated all the cables but I am happy to try again for 
luck :P

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Dale]

Matt Harrison wrote:
> Dale wrote:
>> Matt Harrison wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when
>>> running 3d applications.
>>>
>>> Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago)
>>> until I got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the
>>> power cables away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of
>>> interference.
>>>
>>> Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a
>>> couple of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I
>>> can't produce now.
>>>
>>> I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an
>>> hdd cable a bit too hard or something.
>>>
>>> Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus
>>> Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the
>>> back panel.
>>>
>>> As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU
>>> INIT" which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine
>>> yields absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.
>>>
>>> I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also
>>> reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.
>>>
>>> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by
>>> moving a cable an inch to one side.
>>>
>>> If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to
>>> have to return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> Matt
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Is it possible that a wire come a loose when you moved it?  Maybe a
>> power wire or something?  Also, I don't think this could be it but could
>> it be that the CPU fan isn't turning?  It doesn't sound like it gets
>> that far so that may not matter.
>>
>> Dale
>>
>> :-)  :-)
>
> I think I have reseated all the cables but I am happy to try again for
> luck :P
>
>
>
>


I was thinking maybe a wire came loose inside the connector itself. 
Reseating the cables may not work.  Maybe unplug them and look inside to
see if they have come loose.  I ran into this a while back with my
central heater.  It came loose where it was crimped inside the connector
and I had to solder it back on.  May be a long shot tho.

Dale

:-)  :-) 

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Matt Harrison]

Dale wrote:
> Matt Harrison wrote:
>> Dale wrote:
>>> Matt Harrison wrote:
>>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when
>>>> running 3d applications.
>>>>
>>>> Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago)
>>>> until I got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the
>>>> power cables away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of
>>>> interference.
>>>>
>>>> Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a
>>>> couple of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I
>>>> can't produce now.
>>>>
>>>> I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an
>>>> hdd cable a bit too hard or something.
>>>>
>>>> Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus
>>>> Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the
>>>> back panel.
>>>>
>>>> As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU
>>>> INIT" which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine
>>>> yields absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.
>>>>
>>>> I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also
>>>> reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.
>>>>
>>>> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by
>>>> moving a cable an inch to one side.
>>>>
>>>> If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to
>>>> have to return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>>
>>>> Matt
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Is it possible that a wire come a loose when you moved it?  Maybe a
>>> power wire or something?  Also, I don't think this could be it but could
>>> it be that the CPU fan isn't turning?  It doesn't sound like it gets
>>> that far so that may not matter.
>>>
>>> Dale
>>>
>>> :-)  :-)
>> I think I have reseated all the cables but I am happy to try again for
>> luck :P
>>
>>
>>
>>
> 
> 
> I was thinking maybe a wire came loose inside the connector itself. 
> Reseating the cables may not work.  Maybe unplug them and look inside to
> see if they have come loose.  I ran into this a while back with my
> central heater.  It came loose where it was crimped inside the connector
> and I had to solder it back on.  May be a long shot tho.
> 
> Dale
> 
> :-)  :-) 
> 

Ah I see what you're saying. Yea it will be hard to spot so it'll take a 
while. I guess that's something to keep me busy. I've contacted Asus as 
well, so at least I've got some history if I really do have to RMA it.


Thanks

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Dan Cowsill]

On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 4:32 AM, Matt Harrison
<iwasinnamuknow@genestate.com> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when running
> 3d applications.
>
> Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago) until I
> got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the power cables
> away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of interference.
>
> Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a couple
> of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I can't produce
> now.
>
> I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an hdd
> cable a bit too hard or something.
>
> Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus
> Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the back
> panel.
>
> As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU INIT"
> which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine yields
> absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.
>
> I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also
> reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.
>
> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by moving a
> cable an inch to one side.
>
> If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to have to
> return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(
>
> Thanks
>
> Matt
>
>

Hi Matt,

My first guess would be that the audio interference would be a symptom
of a bigger problem with the hardware.  It is possible that static
discharge or a loose connection could manifest these symptoms as well.
 I would start by verifying that everything is properly and securely
plugged into the motherboard.  After that, make a complete visual
inspection of the board looking for capacitors that are bubbling or
distorting outwards on the top (capacitors are the cylindrical
components on the board, usually with two leads anchoring it to the
PCB).  From there, you should find some way of testing your power
supply.  Either find another machine into which you can plug the PSU
to see if it posts the board, or take it to your local computer repair
shop, as they should have a device to test it.  If your power supply
tests alright, begin removing components from the board to see if you
can get it to post.  Remove PCI cards, sticks of RAM, IDE/SATA
connectors, front panel and USB connectors.  Everything.

If you reach the end of this diagnostic process without a single post,
chances are your board is FUBAR and you should replace it.

Cheers,
D

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Matt Harrison]

Dan Cowsill wrote:
> On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 4:32 AM, Matt Harrison
> <iwasinnamuknow@genestate.com> wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when running
>> 3d applications.
>>
>> Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago) until I
>> got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the power cables
>> away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of interference.
>>
>> Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a couple
>> of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I can't produce
>> now.
>>
>> I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an hdd
>> cable a bit too hard or something.
>>
>> Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus
>> Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the back
>> panel.
>>
>> As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU INIT"
>> which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine yields
>> absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.
>>
>> I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also
>> reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.
>>
>> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by moving a
>> cable an inch to one side.
>>
>> If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to have to
>> return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Matt
>>
>>
> 
> Hi Matt,
> 
> My first guess would be that the audio interference would be a symptom
> of a bigger problem with the hardware.  It is possible that static
> discharge or a loose connection could manifest these symptoms as well.
>  I would start by verifying that everything is properly and securely
> plugged into the motherboard.  After that, make a complete visual
> inspection of the board looking for capacitors that are bubbling or
> distorting outwards on the top (capacitors are the cylindrical
> components on the board, usually with two leads anchoring it to the
> PCB).  From there, you should find some way of testing your power
> supply.  Either find another machine into which you can plug the PSU
> to see if it posts the board, or take it to your local computer repair
> shop, as they should have a device to test it.  If your power supply
> tests alright, begin removing components from the board to see if you
> can get it to post.  Remove PCI cards, sticks of RAM, IDE/SATA
> connectors, front panel and USB connectors.  Everything.
> 
> If you reach the end of this diagnostic process without a single post,
> chances are your board is FUBAR and you should replace it.
> 
> Cheers,
> D
> 

Thanks for the detailed information. I have some news, but it requires 
me to put on my embarrassed face. The machine wouldn't turn on 
because...wait for it....I'd pulled out the front panel connector block 
:P It was difficult to notice until I removed the graphics card because 
it completely hides it. I know I should have thought to check it.

Now, on the subject of the audio problem, I am talking with Asus staff 
who believe it's (wouldn't you believe it) interference. They're smart 
cookies.

Anyway, thanks for all the tips, I will be examining the board closely 
to find the source, but at least I can get my uni assignments in now :)

Cheers

Matt

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Dan Cowsill]

On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 8:01 AM, Matt Harrison
<iwasinnamuknow@genestate.com> wrote:
> Thanks for the detailed information. I have some news, but it requires me to
> put on my embarrassed face.

No need to be embarrassed!  I work in the repair industry and I can't
tell you how many times I've run into the same thing.  The worst is
when the button is stuck or there's a short in the block and you just
can't figure out why it'll only stay on for a half second.

I've given up trying to deal with Asus.  Every technical support
situation I've been in with them makes me want to visit unreasonable
harm on cute fuzzy things.  However, I've gotta say they do make some
decent hardware.

Good luck,
D

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[David Relson]

On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:24:55 -0500
Dan Cowsill wrote:

> On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 8:01 AM, Matt Harrison
> <iwasinnamuknow@genestate.com> wrote:
> > Thanks for the detailed information. I have some news, but it
> > requires me to put on my embarrassed face.
> 
> No need to be embarrassed!  I work in the repair industry and I can't
> tell you how many times I've run into the same thing.  The worst is
> when the button is stuck or there's a short in the block and you just
> can't figure out why it'll only stay on for a half second.
> 
> I've given up trying to deal with Asus.  Every technical support
> situation I've been in with them makes me want to visit unreasonable
> harm on cute fuzzy things.  However, I've gotta say they do make some
> decent hardware.
> 
> Good luck,
> D

Just a week or so ago I was switching from an IDE hard drive to SATA, a
task which entailed adding SATA port to my kernel, tweaking grub, etc.
At one point, when selecting a drive (by switching cables), the mobo
end of the SATA cable got detached.  Since I was experimenting with
software settings I assumed a mistake was why the SATA drive was no
longer visible.  It was a while before I thought to check the cable.
Sigh :-<

Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Paul Hartman]

On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 4:30 PM, David Relson <relson@osagesoftware.com> wrote:
> On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:24:55 -0500
> Dan Cowsill wrote:
>
>> On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 8:01 AM, Matt Harrison
>> <iwasinnamuknow@genestate.com> wrote:
>> > Thanks for the detailed information. I have some news, but it
>> > requires me to put on my embarrassed face.
>>
>> No need to be embarrassed!  I work in the repair industry and I can't
>> tell you how many times I've run into the same thing.  The worst is
>> when the button is stuck or there's a short in the block and you just
>> can't figure out why it'll only stay on for a half second.
>>
>> I've given up trying to deal with Asus.  Every technical support
>> situation I've been in with them makes me want to visit unreasonable
>> harm on cute fuzzy things.  However, I've gotta say they do make some
>> decent hardware.
>>
>> Good luck,
>> D
>
> Just a week or so ago I was switching from an IDE hard drive to SATA, a
> task which entailed adding SATA port to my kernel, tweaking grub, etc.
> At one point, when selecting a drive (by switching cables), the mobo
> end of the SATA cable got detached.  Since I was experimenting with
> software settings I assumed a mistake was why the SATA drive was no
> longer visible.  It was a while before I thought to check the cable.
> Sigh :-<

I did the same thing when building my PC and thought I was doing
something wrong. The aftermarket SATA cables I bought were VERY loose
(with no locking mechanism), and the drives are packed in very tightly
so the slightest bit of a touch on the cables causes them to dislodge.