CMOS trouble.. and more!

[ExplodinPenguin]

I've been having the weirdest issue with my motherboard lately.

Okay. I've got a SOYO CK8 Dragon Plus motherboard. Just built the computer yesterday.

So-

Check out what happened.

Yesterday afternoon. I go to boot up the computer. It won't boot. The mobo light turns on, the fans TRY to spin, but then stop. No beep code. So, after trying a few other things, I mess with the CMOS jumper. Now, the manual must have a typo, because it reports different pin numbers on different pages. So it's unclear which pins are the correct pins to clear the CMOS memory.

So I fiddle with the jumper, and end up set on two pins after some trial and error. The computer finally boots, I'm able to get it all up and running nice and install WinXP on it.

I am now pretty sure that I was somehow, bizzarely, running the computer with the CMOS jumper incorrectly set. Since it wouldn't even boot with the CMOS jumper in the allegedly correct position.

So it runs for about five hours like that, while I'm setting it up and stuff. After which, I shut it down and unplug it so I can move it. About an hour later, I plug it back in, and I have not reopened the case once in this time. I flip the power supply switch (which typically boots it on its own without pressing the power button.)

Nothing happens.

I press the power button.

Nothing happens.

I open up the case. Mobo light's on. I flip off the power supply switch, then flip it back on. This time, the fans don't even TRY to spin.

I fiddle with the CMOS jumper in every conceivable position. Nothing.

I switch the power and reset connectors on the mobo. Nothing. Switch them back. Nothing.

On a whim, I plug my logitech keyboard into the computer. When I turn the power supply switch on, it lights up the keyboard lights quickly, as though the keyboard thinks the computer is booting. Now, what's even stranger.. when I fiddle with the F-key toggle on the keyboard (which has its own light) that light toggles just fine.

The keyboard was definately drawing power from the mobo.

So it's like parts of the mobo are trying to boot, and other parts have no clue.

BUT THEN.

Even more weirdness.

A few hours later, I halfheartedly fiddle with the power switch again.

AND IT BOOTS. All the fans spin, all the LED lights go on.

But there's no video.

I switch vidcards.

Still nothing.

I try clearing the CMOS memory.

And suddenly the computer won't boot again.

I leave it plugged in for awhile, and an hour and a half later, it again boots, but still no video.

DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON?

Summary of facts:

-Computer was probably run for several hours with improperly set CMOS jumper.

-Computer ran fine before, then stopped working after being shut down and unplugged, then replugged, WITHOUT the case being opened.

-When CMOS jumper adjusted, won't boot unless left plugged in for an hour or so, as though it needs to recharge.

-When the mobo DOES boot, there is no video.

Yeah, it's probably haunted.

[Paleo Pete]

Sounds like it's time to start over from scratch. Pull it out of the case and test the motherboard with only CPU/heatsink/fan, RAM, video and keyboard. Either take the power supply out so the wires will reach, or sometimes you can stand the case on its side and they will reach. Use a tabletop with some cardboard to avoid grounding the board. Make sure the CPU is set to the correct speed, you don't want overclocking to complicate matters, whether it's intentional or otherwise. If you're using 2 RAM chips, use one at a time to test it, then both once you know each does work.

If you get video, go into BIOS and check temperatures. If I suspect heat problems I'll let it sit for an hour or more in BIOS, watch it for 10-15 minutes or so until it levels out then check it every 5 minutes or so. If it goes over about 130-135F idling in BIOS, check or replace the thermal compound, or the heatsink/fan may not be adequate.
If you don't get video with a bare bones boot out of the case (which eliminates ground problems from touching the chassis) try another video card, RAM and another CPU if you have one. (One at a time) If you don't have a spare compatible CPU have a computer shop check it. I often test a board with all known good parts, then switch to the parts I intend to use, one at a time.

If you do get video and POST, shut down and add ONE ITEM at a time, still on the tabletop, starting with floppy. Then hard drive, then CD ROM etc until you have all the hardware plugged in and it still runs. No need to boot into Windows or try to install, you just want to boot the machine and see that it identifies hard drive(s), CD ROM drive(s) etc and makes it through POST.

Then put the motherboard in the case and go through the whole process again, one thing at a time. If at any point in either procedure the machine fails to boot, you know the last component you installed is causing problems.

Notice I kept pointing out ONE THING AT A TIME...that can make a world of difference. If only one component changes, you know exactly what caused any problem that pops up. Swapping out several things at once leaves you scratching your head wondering what happened...With the strange problems you're describing, a detailed methodical troubleshooting session is in order. Also check for Bad Capacitors (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25482).

[HippyWarlock]

You wrote:
...So it's unclear which pins are the correct pins to clear the CMOS memory....

Pull the battery on the mobo, get a cup of tea then put it back in - Voila CMOS RAM clears and the default factory settings in ROM take over.

Whilst we're on the CMOS trail - get a replacement battery - I know it's new, but it can happen.

Get the latest manual for your mobo from the manfrs site, it may help.


Doubly double check all your jumpers, leads etc and try booting in a 'barbones ' config.

PS Your PSU is adequate innit?