Obsolete system needs help

[Grownman]

Hello TPU community,

My PC has decided to stop working and is posting a 7F error code. When I hit the power button, the system hangs with the north-bridge fan running at 100% and a "No video" on the monitor. (Won't post + Long beep at startup) I know the long beep has to do with memory. I have verified my hardrives & ram work on a friends computer.

I have reset CMOS, dissembled my entire computer, swapped DVI & SATA cables. I also double checked connections while reassembling and tried booting using 1 stick of ram and only OS drive.

After all of this, the 7F error code remains.

My system specs:
Intel Q9550 @ Stock
EVGA 780i
Thermaltake Ultra 120E
4gb Corsair DDR2 8500 (2 x 2 GB)
BFG GTX 295
WD 1TB Black x2
Asus DVD-R/RW
Samsung T240HD
Antec 1200
Corsair 1000HX
Windows Vista Premium 64bit

At this point, I can't find/think of anymore solutions to fixing the computer. I believe the issue lies with the m/b and RMA is out of the question since I did not register it within 30 days of purchase I am thinking of finding a replacement for the current 780i; however as we all know LGA775 socket is old and trying to find a motherboard with DDR2 slots is near impossible.

I built this computer 4 years ago with the intention to play demanding games and Fraps game play. Now as a college student I only use Office 10' and edit videos from time to time. I have have noticed the ultrabooks are very thin/light and provide decent processing, would it be better to just part my current desktop and buy one?

Listed below are possible routes I may take. Please let me know what you think!


Route 1: Buy LGA 775 M/B with DDR 2 slot. (If possible still)

Route 2: Buy LGA 775 M/B DDR 3 + DDR3 ram?

Route 3: Buy latest motherboard for Corei5 + ddr3 ram? (If this will cost more than $3-400 then forget it)

Route 4: Part computer parts and purchase an ultrabook?

Thanks!

 

[Athlon2K15]

I was ultrabook all the way until i seen edit videos. how deep are you into editing videos? like windows movie maker stuff or full blown sony vegas?

 

[Grownman]

I was ultrabook all the way until i seen edit videos. how deep are you into editing videos? like windows movie maker stuff or full blown sony vegas?

Not serious at all, editing videos from my GoPro in movie maker/similar software.

I know ultrabooks won't come close to desktop editing power, but how about for simple stuff? I read there will be a new line of intel CPUs (Ivybridge) coming soon?
Additionally, I have actually thought about the macbook line since they provide great everyday functionality + pretty to use software such as Finalcut hehe... (Just a thought...)

 

[trickson]

Have you tried any other RAM? I mean it looks like you did a lot of stuff but the one thing that might just fix the system.

 

[Grownman]

Have you tried any other RAM? I mean it looks like you did a lot of stuff but the one thing that might just fix the system.

Hmm, no I haven't. I have though tried my ram sticks in my friends system separately and they worked fine. Would that be an issue?

 

[Bambooz]

My system specs:
[...]
EVGA 780i
[...]

There's your problem
All nvidia chipsets newer than Nforce 4 have solder/bump problems. Working in service (fixing/building PCs), I've seen so many dead or flaky nvidia chipset based boards that it really isn't funny anymore. Good thing they're basically gone now.
When these affected chipsets fail, it usually starts with seemingly random lockups and general instability. Sometimes some functions just stop working alltogether (LAN/Sound). If shit really hits the fan you can't even get it to run stable when underclocked with minimum hardware, or it just won't POST anymore (blackscreen, fans running).

It's basically the same story as the dying GF8400-8600 GPUs in laptops (and to a lesser extent (because of better cooling) also desktops)

If you just want to get this thing running again without spending too much (i.e. do a proper core-upgrade some time later), it's still possible to buy an OK 775 board w. DDR2. At least if you're not trying to overclock the CPU..

This one for example: Intel BOXDG43GT LGA 775 Intel G43 HDMI M...

Doesn't look flashy, but it'll get the job done.

 

[brandonwh64]

Maybe time for a 2500K/Z68? After your new system is built, you could sell your left over 775 to make up for the SB

 

[Sasqui]

If bambooz is right... then get a used ASUS Maximus or Rampage formula x38 or x48... I have both, each with 4GB DDR2.

Also, I thought two beeps was memory. Might try a different vid card. Good luck.

 

[Dent1]

Grownman, go on Ebay and look for the cheapest used socket 775 motherboard you can find. Sorted!

No point going i5, all you are doing is word processing and some casual video editing, your current rig is enough. Just fix it on the cheap.

 

[Bambooz]

@Sasqui: It basically doesn't really matter what board he gets as long as it has at least two DDR2 slots and supports the 95W of the Q9550. And doesn't have an nvidia chipset

In theory he could even use something like this or this, even though it would be quite ridiculous to run a Q9550 and a GTX295 on something this low-end..
(that's kinda like if you had a bazillion horsepower racing engine and ridiculously expensive tires sitting around and buy a prius to put it in..)

 

[Sasqui]

@Sasqui: It basically doesn't really matter what board he gets as long as it has at least two DDR2 slots and supports the 95W of the Q9550. And doesn't have an nvidia chipset

Yea, no NV Chipset is criteria #1. Criteria #2 is DDR2. Criteria #3 is support for Yorkfeild.

I inserted Criteria #4 for my choice of motherboard, and that would be... superb overclocking and quality, hence the ASUS ROG series. Could have the Q9550 at 3+ Ghz

Yes, I do understand that there are other options, lol.

 

[Arctucas]

Hello TPU community,

My PC has decided to stop working and is posting a 7F error code. When I hit the power button, the system hangs with the north-bridge fan running at 100% and a "No video" on the monitor. (Won't post + Long beep at startup) I know the long beep has to do with memory. I have verified my hardrives & ram work on a friends computer.

I have reset CMOS, dissembled my entire computer, swapped DVI & SATA cables. I also double checked connections while reassembling and tried booting using 1 stick of ram and only OS drive.

After all of this, the 7F error code remains.

My system specs:
Intel Q9550 @ Stock
EVGA 780i
Thermaltake Ultra 120E
4gb Corsair DDR2 8500 (2 x 2 GB)
BFG GTX 295
WD 1TB Black x2
Asus DVD-R/RW
Samsung T240HD
Antec 1200
Corsair 1000HX
Windows Vista Premium 64bit

At this point, I can't find/think of anymore solutions to fixing the computer. I believe the issue lies with the m/b and RMA is out of the question since I did not register it within 30 days of purchase I am thinking of finding a replacement for the current 780i; however as we all know LGA775 socket is old and trying to find a motherboard with DDR2 slots is near impossible.

I built this computer 4 years ago with the intention to play demanding games and Fraps game play. Now as a college student I only use Office 10' and edit videos from time to time. I have have noticed the ultrabooks are very thin/light and provide decent processing, would it be better to just part my current desktop and buy one?

Listed below are possible routes I may take. Please let me know what you think!


Route 1: Buy LGA 775 M/B with DDR 2 slot. (If possible still)

Route 2: Buy LGA 775 M/B DDR 3 + DDR3 ram?

Route 3: Buy latest motherboard for Corei5 + ddr3 ram? (If this will cost more than $3-400 then forget it)

Route 4: Part computer parts and purchase an ultrabook?

Thanks!

Where are you in Cali?

At the OC/Tustin Microcenter:


Shopping Cart
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Price Total Quantity
Intel Core i5 2500K LGA 1155 Boxed Processor Intel Core i5 2500K LGA 1155 Boxed Processor
SKU: 200121 $179.99 $179.99


2x Samsung 4GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL11 UDIMM Deskt... Samsung 4GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL11 UDIMM Deskt...
SKU: 119487 $23.00 $46.00


ASUS P8Z68-M PRO LGA 1155 Z68 mATX Intel Motherboa... ASUS P8Z68-M PRO LGA 1155 Z68 mATX Intel Motherboa...
SKU: 923029 $124.99 $124.99

Subtotal $350.98
Tax $27.20
Grand Total $378.18

 

[happita]

Grownman, go on Ebay and look for the cheapest used socket 775 motherboard you can find. Sorted!

No point going i5, all you are doing is word processing and some casual video editing, your current rig is enough. Just fix it on the cheap.

The hell with ebay. He's better off searching through the buy/sell forums here and get what he needs at a better price AND from a community member. MUCH more reliable and a better option than resorting to ebay.

But before anything, I would try using another video card to X out that possibility if indeed the card has gone bad.
Grownman. If you part out your system, just your CPU, MB (if it's actually the problem), and RAM it should cover more than 25% of the cost of a new i5, MB and DDR3 RAM. Even if it is a lower-end i5, it will be a whole lot faster than your current setup, trust me.

 

[Dent1]

The hell with ebay. He's better off searching through the buy/sell forums here and get what he needs at a better price AND from a community member. MUCH better option than resorting to ebay..

Whatever, it really doesnt matter where he sources the motherboard. Ebay, on a forum, who cares, the point is to get it used and cheap.

Grownman. If you part out your system, just your CPU, MB (if it's actually the problem), and RAM it should cover more than 25% of the cost of a new i5, MB and DDR3 RAM. Even if it is a lower-end i5, it will be a whole lot faster than your current setup, trust me.

Whats the point, all he is doing is word processing. I think Bambooz option is best. Only $43-49 to fix it with a new motherboard.

MSI G41M4-F LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Moth...
MSI G41M4-F LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Moth...

 

[happita]

Whatever, it really doesnt matter where he sources the motherboard. Ebay, on a forum, who cares, the point is to get it used and cheap.

That IS my point
Plus you have the added reliability factor if it's bought from a trusted member.

Whats the point, all he is doing is word processing. I think Bambooz option is best. Only $43-49 to fix it with a new motherboard.

I saw that he doesn't really game anymore. Ok, so I guess an i5 is out of the question He still has to figure out if it is the video card or the motherboard causing the problem he is having.

 

[Dent1]

That IS my point
Plus you have the added reliability factor if it's bought from a trusted member.

Sort of disagree here. Ebay is more secure, I would rather trust a guy on ebay with 1,000+ transactions at 99.5% feedback then a random forum guy that posts a lot. With Ebay, if the item arrives faulty or you change your mind there is proper mediation through the resolution centre and sellers are forced to refund or replace the item. PayPal has similar protection too.

But after seeing the Newegg's price, socket 775 is so cheap it makes sense to get it new.

I saw that he doesn't really game anymore. Ok, so I guess an i5 is out of the question He still has to figure out if it is the video card or the motherboard causing the problem he is having.

My recommendation is based on him being sure its the motherboard. By all means the OP needs to find out what the fault is first before we offer him a solution

 

[brandonwh64]

Sort of disagree here. Ebay is more secure, I would rather trust a guy on ebay with 1,000+ transactions at 99.5% feedback then a random forum guy that posts a lot. With Ebay, if the item arrives faulty or you change your mind there is proper mediation through the resolution centre and sellers are forced to refund or replace the item. PayPal has similar protection too.

Yes thats true but only issue is the higher prices / performance value. If you pay with paypal on the forums then you are covered under the buyer/seller policy and can file a claim if you get stiffed.

 

[jpierce55]

Hello TPU community,

My PC has decided to stop working and is posting a 7F error code. When I hit the power button, the system hangs with the north-bridge fan running at 100% and a "No video" on the monitor. (Won't post + Long beep at startup) I know the long beep has to do with memory. I have verified my hardrives & ram work on a friends computer.

I have reset CMOS, dissembled my entire computer, swapped DVI & SATA cables. I also double checked connections while reassembling and tried booting using 1 stick of ram and only OS drive.

After all of this, the 7F error code remains.

My system specs:
Intel Q9550 @ Stock
EVGA 780i
Thermaltake Ultra 120E
4gb Corsair DDR2 8500 (2 x 2 GB)
BFG GTX 295
WD 1TB Black x2
Asus DVD-R/RW
Samsung T240HD
Antec 1200
Corsair 1000HX
Windows Vista Premium 64bit

At this point, I can't find/think of anymore solutions to fixing the computer. I believe the issue lies with the m/b and RMA is out of the question since I did not register it within 30 days of purchase I am thinking of finding a replacement for the current 780i; however as we all know LGA775 socket is old and trying to find a motherboard with DDR2 slots is near impossible.

I built this computer 4 years ago with the intention to play demanding games and Fraps game play. Now as a college student I only use Office 10' and edit videos from time to time. I have have noticed the ultrabooks are very thin/light and provide decent processing, would it be better to just part my current desktop and buy one?

Listed below are possible routes I may take. Please let me know what you think!


Route 1: Buy LGA 775 M/B with DDR 2 slot. (If possible still)

Route 2: Buy LGA 775 M/B DDR 3 + DDR3 ram?

Route 3: Buy latest motherboard for Corei5 + ddr3 ram? (If this will cost more than $3-400 then forget it)

Route 4: Part computer parts and purchase an ultrabook?

Thanks!

Try to find a mobo with DDR3, and that can go onto your next system. If you decide to part with the cpu lmk. To be honest, as good as my C2D works I think if you can get a ddr3 board cheap it is worthwhile. If I could find a CHEAP 9550/9650 or equivalent Xeon I would upgrade! On benchmarks I picked up a considerable difference with ddr3. I don't know how fast you are trying to get it done, but you could check Neweggs refurb and open box deals for a couple of days.

 

[Grownman]

First off, thanks for the replies guys!

When I bought the 780i I had the intention to SLI it and just go "balls out" hence why I have a 1000w PSU. With age and maturity, I've learned there really is no point in doing so unless you have the money etc. I don't intend to overclock simply because of my experience with the 780i. I could never have the system stable for long periods of time. Then again it could be because I am a total novice at OC.

I would prefer not having to upgrade my CPU/MB/RAM. A cheap/simple fix would be best

There's your problem
All nvidia chipsets newer than Nforce 4 have solder/bump problems. Working in service (fixing/building PCs), I've seen so many dead or flaky nvidia chipset based boards that it really isn't funny anymore. Good thing they're basically gone now.
When these affected chipsets fail, it usually starts with seemingly random lockups and general instability. Sometimes some functions just stop working alltogether (LAN/Sound). If shit really hits the fan you can't even get it to run stable when underclocked with minimum hardware, or it just won't POST anymore (blackscreen, fans running).

It's basically the same story as the dying GF8400-8600 GPUs in laptops (and to a lesser extent (because of better cooling) also desktops)

If you just want to get this thing running again without spending too much (i.e. do a proper core-upgrade some time later), it's still possible to buy an OK 775 board w. DDR2. At least if you're not trying to overclock the CPU..

This one for example: Intel BOXDG43GT LGA 775 Intel G43 HDMI M...

Doesn't look flashy, but it'll get the job done.

Interesting, would this M/B bottleneck my CPU/GPU? (No OC)

Maybe time for a 2500K/Z68? After your new system is built, you could sell your left over 775 to make up for the SB

Sorry brandonwhy64, I have no idea what a 2500k/z68 is.

Thanks for the input and advice guys, looks like priority #1 is to find a working GPU and to check if my current one is dead. I'll try and borrow my friends this weekend.

 

[jpierce55]

Grownman, if you can get one cheap, do keep in mind you can get good ddr3 ram for $50 these days. Even if you want to stay ddr2 I would check out the Newegg open box/refurb deals.

 

[95Viper]

7F usually means that there is a message your bios is trying to get your attention to interact with...
such as a keypress.

One long beep (with no other short beeps) usually is an indicator of a power problem... whether to the ram, gpu, cpu, etc.. It could be from improper deliver of power, shorts, poor grounds, etc.

Check/re-seat all of your connections.
Clear all dust and, re-seat the CPU and re-TIM it.
Re-seat your GPU, Ram, and any other plug-in cards.
Make sure that no screws, parts, etc. are laying on the motherboard or ports.
Re-place the CMOS battery for the heck of it, since you are in there and need to clear the bios anyway.
Boot it up...

If the above does nothing; then...

Try booting with another keyboard and mouse.
Un-plug any USB or other devices not needed to boot.
If the problem still exists suspect the PSU or MB.

Goodluck, hope you get it fixed.

 

[Dent1]

Interesting, would this M/B bottleneck my CPU/GPU? (No OC).

A motherboard doesn't increase performance, so it's impossible for a board to bottleneck a CPU or GPU.

Sorry brandonwhy64, I have no idea what a 2500k/z68 is.

2500k is an i5 processor. z68 is a motherboard chipset.

 

[Jetster]

Sell it all and buy a i5 1156 p67 or z68 system.

 

[Grownman]

So it seems the hardware at fault is my GPU, (Not sure if Motherboard is actually broken)

Steps I took to check my GPU:
1: Placed my GPU into friends PC
2: No video signal to the monitor; however, there is a green light on my GPU itself (normal)
3: Placed friends own GPU back into his system and the computer booted up.

Are there any further steps I should take to check my GPU is in fact dead?
Any way to now verify my Motherboard is working?

Otherwise, I guess this means my GTX 295 has just become paper weight? Since BFG is out of business, I guess I will have to look into a used/new card.

Could you guys recommend a card that will serve the following options (Don't care if Nvidia or AMD):
- Run Team fortress 2 on High
- World of Warcrack on High
- Between $100-200

I only ask of the following requirements because I may have cousins who want to play games when they visit; otherwise, I could careless.

Also it seems like the next generation Nvidia GPU's might be coming soon? Would it be better to just wait for the new line and then buy a current generation card at a cheaper price since I don't care too much about performance.

 

[Grownman]

Preferably a card that has low temps... I recall through all 4 years, my 295 would idle at a stupid high 65C and max at 95C. Room temp was always around 60F