Please help! Installed new CPU and now computer won't post!

[DeepRed]

Hi all,

I just bought an AMD Phenom II X4 940, which shows here as compatible with my GA-M68SM-S2 board:
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=2640#anchor_os

I installed the CPU and now my computer won't post. I upgraded the BIOS using @BIOS, as described in the board's manual and then rebooted, went into the bios and selected "Load Optimized Settings" or whatever, but it still won't work. When my old CPU is in, no issues; as soon as I put in the new CPU, the computer won't post. Any suggestions or do I assume something is wrong with this CPU?

Thanks!

 

[kenkickr]

When you put the new proc in have you tried clearing CMOS? If you haven't that would be my first recommendation.

If your not sure how here is my recommended way:
1. Turn off system and unplug power cord from PSU
2. Set jumper to clear CMOS, usually pins 2 and 3
3. Remove CMOS battery and count to 7 sec
4. Replace CMOS battery
5. Set CMOS jumper back to Normal, usually pins 1 and 2
6. Plug her back in and give it some power.

Update: Looking a the CPU Support list more closely and that board does not support the 940 according to Gigabyte. At the beginning of the CPU Support list the legend states N/A means No Support which the 940 is labeled as.

 

[DeepRed]

Ok...I'll give that a try and post results!

 

[DeepRed]

Well then why do they bother listing it in their compatibility list? I'll be getting ahold of them since they just cost me over $200!

 

[Kenshai]

Well then why do they bother listing it in their compatibility list? I'll be getting ahold of them since they just cost me over $200!

They show it in their compatibility list as not compatible, there's a legend at the top. You can't blame a company on money that you spent because you didn't read the legend.

 

[Chicken Patty]

deepred, sorry but the peeps are right. It shows as not supported. At this point I would put your old CPU back in. enjoy the rig. and get a new motherboard. You can find mobos that support Phenom II 940 for cheap man. Whether its online used, or new. If you dont care about overclocking, there are great boards well below $100.

 

[DeepRed]

Totally Chicken Patty...I'm not stupid (I swear! lol) I'm just frustrated. I realize now looking at it that it shows as not compatible. I'm not arguing that or being ignorant. I still think the way it's listed is a little less clear than it could be (perhaps for those like me who are not used to looking into this kind of stuff, anyways.) I really did do my best to research the hardware as to not run into this exact situation. As it stands, yup, time to buy a new board.

Does anyone know if a new board will cause any issues with my current hard drives? Someone told me that I may have to format/reinstall windows and I'd love to avoid having to do that at this point. If it's just a matter of unplugging everything, swapping out the board, etc. then it's not such a big deal. Any recommendations for good boards under $100 that would support this CPU?

Thanks again to all who have taken time to try to help!

 

[Chicken Patty]

Totally Chicken Patty...I'm not stupid (I swear! lol) I'm just frustrated. I realize now looking at it that it shows as not compatible. I'm not arguing that or being ignorant. I still think the way it's listed is a little less clear than it could be (perhaps for those like me who are not used to looking into this kind of stuff, anyways.) I really did do my best to research the hardware as to not run into this exact situation. As it stands, yup, time to buy a new board.

Does anyone know if a new board will cause any issues with my current hard drives? Someone told me that I may have to format/reinstall windows and I'd love to avoid having to do that at this point. If it's just a matter of unplugging everything, swapping out the board, etc. then it's not such a big deal. Any recommendations for good boards under $100 that would support this CPU?

Thanks again to all who have taken time to try to help!

I do agree, they should just do a list with what is compatible only, im sure you wouldn't have had this problem. But hey, somethings can be overlooked with ease, like it happened here. I completely understand you dude, dont worry


For boards here is a good board under $100, want cheaper?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157157


when you install a new board, i dont think you need to reinsall OS. I didnt when i went to my i7 rig. neither did I went I swapped boards on my Phenom 9850 rig back then. But it is recommended. You can back up your stuff and thats it, install new OS and put your data back in, no big deal

 

[kenkickr]

I sent you a PM DeepRed. I might have a wonderful DDR2 board for ya

 

[Chicken Patty]

I sent you a PM DeepRed. I might have a wonderful DDR2 board for ya

deepred, aren't you glad you joined these forums



Big Ken to the rescue

 

[kenkickr]

Even though I get frustrated on here sometimes with certain people, I always wanna show the new users there are some of us good guys(and girls) on here. Chicken Patty, your a good guy too

 

[Chicken Patty]

Even though I get frustrated on here sometimes with certain people, I always wanna show the new users there are some of us good guys(and girls) on here. Chicken Patty, your a good guy too

yea, but hey there are bad apples in every bunch dude, thats everywhere.

and thanks you are a good guy too! known you here for a while now, never dissapointed me

 

[DeepRed]

Yea, thanks guys. I was just telling my gf that, about how you don't often see complete strangers genuinely helping each other for no personal gain, but that in the online community, specifically these types of forums, it happens all the time.

 

[Chicken Patty]

Yea, thanks guys. I was just telling my gf that, about how you don't often see complete strangers genuinely helping each other for no personal gain, but that in the online community, specifically these types of forums, it happens all the time.

thats what these places are for man, if we don't help each other out what good are we in one place.