Computer question

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Mon 30 Apr, 2007 5:52 pm

Few days ago, I changed my old DVD-drive for a new one and added an extra block of RAM. Since then, when I turn on my computer, I get a few condensed, non-distinctive blips. It's not so much BIP BIP BIP, as it is BIIBIPPBIBIP, so I can't really look up the error code. Also, the computer starts fine, inspite of the blips.
The changes made by installing the new DVD drive, was that I'm using SATA port 1 or 2 instead of the old IDE (?) cables. Also, the powercord has of course changed. Regarding the RAM, which are loaded around the time of the blips, they count fine up to the new 2 gigs.

Any ideas?

Creac · Post by **Creac** » Mon 30 Apr, 2007 6:06 pm

SATA optical drives are currently getting a whole heap of bad and problematic reviews on the boards, so it's possibly an issue.

Did you adjust your BIOS for boot priority and appropriate settings for SATA devices (often show as SCSI, actually, in older SATA supporting BIOS).

The fast beeps should directly correspond to an error or warning if you check the documentation for the mobo. Also, try turning on Halt on All Errors and see if the system stops.

Try disconnecting the optical drive and see if it does the same thing. If not, it's part of the problem somehow. If it continues, try removing the extra RAM and see what happens. Same story there.

Also, check to make sure you don't have any cables interfering with any fans that might be causing low RPM or heat warning issues.

Failing all that, I need to know specifics of the hardware, complete setup etc to consider what else might be involved.

Verc · Post by **Verc** » Mon 30 Apr, 2007 8:50 pm

Is the RAM the same as the existing ram ??? if they are different it may just be a clock down of the ram on load up

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Tue 01 May, 2007 12:41 am

Vercette wrote:Is the RAM the same as the existing ram ??? if they are different it may just be a clock down of the ram on load up

Should be the exact same kind. Will check on Creac's suggestions first chance.

I haven't touched any settings in the BIOS (which is quite new, btw) say for altering boot-check order. So might be it. Seeing as it comes right before RAM-check (that is, a long time before boot check), thinking it might be the RAM? If it's the thing Vercette mentions, I'm gonna be pissed :p Exact same block I bought from them last time.

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Thu 07 Jun, 2007 8:26 pm

So, I haven't actually gotten around to trying to do something about this (apart from sporadicly looking for the Gigabyte motherboard beep-codes), but I've noticed that my new DVD drive has started to read slower and make noise, exactly like the old one I had did. I notice the noise for obvious reasons, but the reading slower part is seen, when I load in a DVD. When I first put in the new optical drive, it read the DVD in 15-20 pct steps. Now it's reading in 4 pct steps (a few days ago it was 5-8 pct steps). Which is basicly the same stepping, that the old drive had. Wtf?

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 5:33 pm

Okay, I've had my optical drive hooked off and error persisted. Just took out my new RAM and error disappeared.

Info

1) The two blocks I have are, according to the sticker on them (and the vendor, who has proven trustworthy for a good 5-7 years), exactly the same.

2) PC2-5300 (667) CL5 1gig

3) Motherboard is a GA-M51GM-S2G (Gigabyte), which should support up to 16 gig of RAM

4) The RAM works fine. It counts them all at start up and EQx5 runs forking smooth and uber.

Creac · Post by **Creac** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 5:38 pm

More RAM means more power needed and boot is a heavy power usage time. It's possible your power supply is borderline struggling and something like a fan isn't spinning fast enough and a fan slow/stop warning is sounding?

Random guess, really. Unless you can record and post a .wav of the sound I'm not sure your description is accurate enough to try to figure it from the manual for your main board

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 5:41 pm

Creac wrote:More RAM means more power needed and boot is a heavy power usage time. It's possible your power supply is borderline struggling and something like a fan isn't spinning fast enough and a fan slow/stop warning is sounding?

Random guess, really. Unless you can record and post a .wav of the sound I'm not sure your description is accurate enough to try to figure it from the manual for your main board

I was looking at it start up the other day and noticed that the CPU fan seemed to pause momentarily, when the sound came. I hoped it was a coincidence, since I've had my share of issues with PSUs :p

Don't suppose I can unhook the floppy drive and hope there's enough power? :p Goddamnit.

Creac · Post by **Creac** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 5:59 pm

Well, you can. Make sure you tell the BIOS not to expect a floppy drive or it'll error.

I have a floppy drive somewhere for emergency use, but none actually in any computer I use (there are 6 including my notebook) so I wouldn't think you'd miss it.

As to how much power it draws on boot, well, not a lot, but maybe enough. Also get a vacuum cleaner to everything (power off, disconnected!) and in particular fans etc to get all the dust out.

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 6:01 pm

Creac wrote:Well, you can. Make sure you tell the BIOS not to expect a floppy drive or it'll error.

I have a floppy drive somewhere for emergency use, but none actually in any computer I use (there are 6 including my notebook) so I wouldn't think you'd miss it.

As to how much power it draws on boot, well, not a lot, but maybe enough. Also get a vacuum cleaner to everything (power off, disconnected!) and in particular fans etc to get all the dust out.

Oh, cleaning helps? Might do that. Found the beeps codes:

1 short: System boots successfully
2 short: CMOS setting error
1 long 1 short: DRAM or M/B error
1 long 2 short: Monitor or display card
error
1 long 3 short: Keyboard error
1 long 9 short: BIOS ROM error
Continuous long beeps: DRAM error
Continuous short beeps: Power error

So, reason it sounds as a blur, is probably because it's one of the last two. The last, most likely.

Creac · Post by **Creac** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 6:04 pm

Do you run your monitor via the PSU in the computer? That's something to avoid in modern, power hungry PCs.

Also, good, clean power supply is the best thing - use a UPS if you're not already.

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 6:18 pm

Nah, using seperate cord for monitor.

I'm gonna start out updating BIOS, after raid. There's mention of a DDR2 compatibility fix a few months back, so hoping for the best. Then will look into cleaning it properly.

Creac · Post by **Creac** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 6:22 pm

Be sure to keep a copy of your current BIOS.

I updated mine the other day to "fix" a PCI-E issue (that hasn't caused me any problem) and EQ became unplayable. Reverted and all is good.

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 8:14 pm

Creac wrote:Be sure to keep a copy of your current BIOS.

Meh, that would require a floppy, wouldn't it?

Creac · Post by **Creac** » Tue 19 Jun, 2007 12:32 am

No, your Gigabyte board should allow update and backup from Windows. So just save the file on a HDD somewhere.

Not so much protecting against not being able to boot, more just if it screws something else.

You should have the usual Gigabyte dual bios on that board so you're reasonable safe against really nasty things happening.

Vexo · Post by **Vexo** » Tue 19 Jun, 2007 12:53 am

Haha, downloaded new BIOS and there's no Readme with it :p Tried hitting both .exe files (I was bored) and it gives a very omnious sound :p Doesn't seem to have broken anything though.

Odd that there's no "How to" included though.

Creac · Post by **Creac** » Tue 19 Jun, 2007 1:04 am

Go the the utilities for your motherboard and download the Windows update program

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