Computer won't post after 3-beep error on AMI-based BIOS

[Onslaught2k3]

My thread title may seem a bit odd, but read further to understand my issue.

I now use a MSI 890FXA-GD70 motherboard alongside a amd phenom ii x2 555 processor. After I tried to unllock two hidden cores on the CPU, my computer would no longer POST. I tried almost everything you could imagine to get it posting properly, but to no avail. Tried clearing CMOS, reseating, removing CPU, I even purified the DIMM and CPU sockets with rubbing alcohol and canned air to ensure the sockets were dry. Still the same issue.. 3 long beeps from PC speaker when computer tries to post. According to AMI Bios beep codes, 3 beeps means the bios has trouble reading the first 64KB of physical memory and to check memory modules. I checked my F3-14400CL7D (2 sticks, 2GB each - 4GB kit) sticks and nothing seemed off about them... the sticks didn't smell as if they burned (I would hope they didn't because I was running them at spec 1.65V and no higher!). I reseated the sticks on the first and second DIMM slots on the motherboard (the two furthest away, blue slots from the CPU wouldn't even give beep errors) and the issue still persists. I've never had to do an RMA with g.skill before. Is there a link or a phone number for me to call or refer to ensure I get an RMA request done properly for replacement units? Thanks to all who assist!

[mrcmtl]

It could be that one of the cores are defective, try disable the unlock.

[Onslaught2k3]

computer does NOT POST as said in opening post. I put the processor in my older AM2+ motherboard and it works fine. It's a <SB750 chipset so it doesn't have the unlock feature. The CPU isn't in question. It's the RAM in which is. when I put either stick in the slot the computer won't post as if no RAM sticks were put on the motherboard at all. Perhaps I may be able to get a stick off someone in which to test with it with to make sure that the RAM modules aren't faulty (that would lay blame to the motherboard itself).

[wevsspot]

When you cleared the CMOS, did you remove the CMOS battery and unplug power supply from AC power source?

If not you might give that a try.

Unplug pc from power source
Remove CMOS battery
Move CMOS jumper to clear position
Wait 5-10 minutes

Reverse above procedure

If that doesn't work, you may have to re-do the procedure and use a different stick of RAM to get a boot to BIOS. Any stick of DDR3 1066 or DDR3 1333 might work.

[Onslaught2k3]

too bad i don't have access to a spare module of RAM. I mean, at that price point I get diminishing returns on attempting to do an RMA. I don't have anyone in which I could test these modules with (I'm NOT going to pay a local shop to test the sticks largely because at that point I might as well buy a new kit) or am not too willing to pay for a stick to test with. I'm more than sure it's the RAM but I guess I'd have to test with a working stick because of chances it being the motherboard.

[wevsspot]

My best bet is that it's the cpu and not the motherboard or the ram.....................

[mrcmtl]

I have the same feeling...

[Onslaught2k3]

It's not the CPu because they work perfectly in an older AM2+ motherboard. I'm using the "what I previously thought was faulty" CPU in this machine as I reply. So no, it's not the CPU in the slightest. I'll see if I can get a friend to test the modules but AFAIK I'm out of luck on that front.

[mrcmtl]

Yes but your CPU in the AM2+ board doesn't have its core unlocked. Once you put it back on the MSI, it might unlock since you previously had them unlocked. As wevsspot said, did you remove the battery?

[GSKILL TECH]

I doubt both modules are defective, so don't RMA them until you are sure. Reset the BIOS, test each module individually, it should POST without a problem. The motherboard may be defective too, so if you have another computer that takes DDR3, you may want to try the memory on that computer.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

[Onslaught2k3]

I doubt both modules are defective, so don't RMA them until you are sure. Reset the BIOS, test each module individually, it should POST without a problem. The motherboard may be defective too, so if you have another computer that takes DDR3, you may want to try the memory on that computer.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

I agree with you there. I was already contacted by MSI and was told to RMA the board. I'm sure they know about faulty dimm slots but are keeping
Tight-lipped and dealing with it case by case. I'll just RMA the motherboard since it's the fastest route for me now. Thanks for the advice!

[wevsspot]

I forgot all about the faulty DIMM slot issue with some of the MSI Big Bang X58 boards.

I hope I got lucky. I've got a brand new one directly from MSI (courtesy of a contest and feedback about the board pre-release).

Surely they checked it before they shipped it out to me Still sitting in the box as of now.

[Onslaught2k3]

gskill

I doubt both modules are defective, so don't RMA them until you are sure. Reset the BIOS, test each module individually, it should POST without a problem. The motherboard may be defective too, so if you have another computer that takes DDR3, you may want to try the memory on that computer.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

I thought both units wouldn't become defective either... I'm having alot of money troubles at this time and unable to afford a stick of elcheapo memory to test with in my current board which could also be at fault. I know alot of people asked in this thread what steps i've taken directly with regards to my issue but rest assured I did all you asked, and more:

after the computer didn't post:
removed all power connectors, reseated, no post.
removed AC plug from back of PSU, removed CMOS batt for 5 minutes, reseated, no POST.
inspected troubled sticks, no signs of burning on any of the circuits.

I just went to a friend's house where he has a different AM3-based motherboard (asus crosshair 4) and his computer didn't post with either of my modules in his machine. We also did the same steps as above to ensure it's not the motherboard being finnicky. The only thing I've left to do is test my "possibly troubled" motherboard with fresh sticks of working RAM. If the motherboard posts, I will RMA both modules back to g.skill for replacement. it's alot easier to ship a tiny box of RAM instead of having to ship a motherboard box. Thanks for the help and insight regarding my issue.

[wevsspot]

Did you ever test the kit of G.Skill ram before you attempted to unlock the locked core? Did it work before?

Maybe this is just a coincidence and you really do have a bad stick of memory. If you have any doubt you can RMA the RAM and ask G.Skill to test the new kit before they ship it out to you.

[Onslaught2k3]

Did you ever test the kit of G.Skill ram before you attempted to unlock the locked core? Did it work before?

Maybe this is just a coincidence and you really do have a bad stick of memory. If you have any doubt you can RMA the RAM and ask G.Skill to test the new kit before they ship it out to you.

The Kit in question was working in DIMM slots 3/4 on the MSI 890FXA-GD70 for 2.5 months before I had this issue. There's still the chance it could be the motherboard too. Unfortunately I didnt' have the energy to bring my motherboard to his place because that would have really nailed the problem to the root cause. I can't blame the CPU on this because I may have stated that both an amd phenom x2 555 and x3 720 both work in my old AM2+ motherboard perfectly. I'll probably RMA the motherboard and the RAM to eliminate any issues. The cost of RMA versus the cost of buying elcheapo RAM to test is in favour of RMA (I'm only about 20~ minutes away from the RMA address).