Is my mobo dead?

[Jakub1904]

Hi folks, yesterday I tried to boot up my PC, and suddenly I get three beeps and an post code 27. My mobo is Intel DZ68ZV, so the code should mean something is wrong with the RAM, if I am not wrong. I have two sticks of 4GB DDR3 RAM installed, I tried using both of the sticks separately in all slots and I had no success. I even tried my old 2GB sticks, nothing changed. I am pretty confident, that my mobo is dead, but I just wanted to ask, is there any possibility that this issue is related with my CPU (i7 2600)? It would not hurt that much to buy a new mobo, but I dont want to get a new one just to find out that the issue is elsewhere. Thanks for help in advance.

 

[Sasqui]

Welcome aboard.

3 Beeps and Code 27 indeed point to a memory problem. But it may be a controller problem, which is a headscratcher, since the controller is in the CPU.

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-025434.htm

Memory speed?

Perhaps take the CPU out and check pins...

 

[Jakub1904]

Welcome aboard.

3 Beeps and Code 27 indeed point to a memory problem. But it may be a controller problem.

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-025434.htm

I will try using sticks from my friends computer, but I really don´t think anything is wrong with RAM. So, what do you suggest? Do I need a new mobo?

 

[rtwjunkie]

I was going to say if you aren't overclocking, the chance of a cpu dying these days is miniscule. But Sasqui's post reminded me that the memory controller is actually on the cpu since Sandy Bridge I believe, so it very well could be the problem.

I'm not sure how to test further other than trying a different SB cpu in there to test. If it works, then your RAM and MB aren't the problem. does anyone have one you could borrow?

 

[Jakub1904]

I was going to say if you aren't overclocking, the chance of a cpu dying these days is miniscule. But Sasqui's post reminded me that the memory controller is actually on the cpu since Sandy Bridge I believe, so it very well could be the problem.

I'm not sure how to test further other than trying a different SB cpu in there to test. If it works, then your RAM and MB aren't the problem. does anyone have one you could borrow?

No, I am afraid. Guess I will have to take it to someone specialised then. Or I can buy a new mobo, see if it works, if it doesn´t I can buy a new CPU and have a spare mobo Oh, I am not sure about the memory speed right now, but I guess it didn´t just change randomly.

 

[rtwjunkie]

No, I am afraid. Guess I will have to take it to someone specialised then. Or I can buy a new mobo, see if it works, if it doesn´t I can buy a new CPU and have a spare mobo

Well, problem is, you're not going to find any "new" Z68's. You'd have to probably buy a refurb or a used one at this point. so, before you invest in old(er) hardware, I might suggest having a pro look at it. They at least ought to have another CPU they can try in there to determine if your cpu is toast or not. No sense in buying anything if you don't have to.

Just making an assumption, your PC has been working fine until now, right? Just trying to determine if it's a RAM brand incompatibility problem.

 

[Jakub1904]

Well, problem is, you're not going to find any "new" Z68's. You'd have to probably buy a refurb or a used one at this point. so, before you invest in old(er) hardware, I might suggest having a pro look at it. They at least ought to have another CPU they can try in there to determine if your cpu is toast or not. No sense in buying anything if you don't have to.

Just making an assumption, your PC has been working fine until now, right? Just trying to determine if it's a RAM brand incompatibility problem.

Yeah, but for example B75 is 1155 and supports both Ivy Bridge and Sandy Bridge, doesn´t it? There were no problems with the PC until yesterday. Was working for 2 years with absolutely the same hardware that I have right now.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Yes, the 7-series backwards support Sandy Bridge.

 

[Jakub1904]

OK, thanks for your help, much appreciated, I think I will check the CPU pins and see what I can do.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

Don't Intel motherboards and CPU's come with a three year warranty? Check the warranty status at Intel's web site.

Edit: What are the rest of your system specs?

Edit II: When I hear of a system that's been running for 2 years without problems, but then suddenly has problems, I think PSU, not CPU pins.

 

[Jakub1904]

Don't Intel motherboards and CPU's come with a three year warranty? Check the warranty status at Intel's web site.

Edit: What are the rest of your system specs?

That is indeed possible, however, the cpu and mobo are older than 3 years, I just changed my ram 2 years ago.

Seasonic Energy Knight 650W
560Ti Twin Frozr 2
2x4GB Kingston RAM


EDIT: Yeah, I also thought about the PSU, fortunately I have a 600W Corsair in a computer that definitely does work, so I could try swapping the PSU and see what I get. Although, all the fans are spinning like nothing is wrong, I thought the fans behaving not normally is a sign of a dead PSU, or?

 

[thebluebumblebee]

At this point, EVERYTHING is suspect. You need to eliminate one item at a time. I'd stat by pulling the GPU to see if that makes a difference. Then simple things, like shorted USB ports (happened to me). Check for defective items plugged into the system, like mice and keyboards. (I had a bad keyboard follow me through 2 upgrades before I figured it out - well - actually it figured it out when it finally quit working)

 

[Jakub1904]

At this point, EVERYTHING is suspect. You need to eliminate one item at a time. I'd stat by pulling the GPU to see if that makes a difference. Then simple things, like shorted USB ports (happened to me). Check for defective items plugged into the system, like mice and keyboards. (I had a bad keyboard follow me through 2 upgrades before I figured it out - well - actually it figured it out when it finally quit working)

Ok, guess I will have to. The GPU should not be a problem, already tried pulling it out. Gonna try everything tommorow, need some rest now

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

You could try one of these motherboard testers like this they are cheap t o buy and they work too.



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PC-PCI-Di...ther_Computing_Networking&hash=item51a80caf58


You can get pci and other COM adapters.
You can probably get better more expensive ones

EDIT heres my one with a COM port rather than PCI

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

Sorry couldnt edit the pic into the last post.

Heres my one with a com port, useful for older mobos

 

[stinger608]

Also, if your going to test your friends ram, see if you can borrow the power supply as well. Test the ram sticks first, just one at a time, and then if nothing happens use the other power supply and test it.

 

[Caring1]

EDIT: Yeah, I also thought about the PSU, fortunately I have a 600W Corsair in a computer that definitely does work, so I could try swapping the PSU and see what I get. Although, all the fans are spinning like nothing is wrong, I thought the fans behaving not normally is a sign of a dead PSU, or?

Fans spinning isn't an indication there is enough clean power to supply the system, the only way would be testing the outputs or replacing the PSU to determine if it is at fault, as mentioned it may be the CPU, it's not common but wouldn't be the first I have heard of.

 

[Arjai]

Edit II: When I hear of a system that's been running for 2 years without problems, but then suddenly has problems, I think PSU, not CPU pins.

+1

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

Have a look at The Very Useful Gadget thread.

You will find an example of a PSU tester.

 

[Jakub1904]

Sorry for not hanging around for a pretty long time, I had no time. In case someone is wondering, the motherboard was faulty. I got a new one and everything works like a charm.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Thanks for closing the loop! It's always good for the future when people can read through problems that are like theirs, and see it resolved.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

, the motherboard was faulty

How did you come to this conclusion. ?

Im glad you ahve resolved the problem but .....

It's always good for the future when people can read through problems that are like theirs, and see it resolved.

I agree with with rtwjunkie says but can you clue me up a bit please.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Just meaning that it's one thing to go to a thread and see suggestions, which the OP tries, but someone would be hesitant to try them if it didn't appear to solve anything. At least this one has a resolution, although you are correct, we don't know how he came to that conclusion.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

Just meaning that it's one thing to go to a thread and see suggestions, which the OP tries, but someone would be hesitant to try them if it didn't appear to solve anything. At least this one has a resolution, although you are correct, we don't know how he came to that conclusion.

Couldnt agree more mate.

 

[Jakub1904]

I tried every part that could have been tried with another computer. Everything worked fine. So I swapped the motherboard. The only thing that I changed from the not-working PC is the motherboard and now it works. That leads me to the conclussion that it was the motherboard