ERAD Caz

"System failed CPU test"
"System failed CPU test"
"System failed CPU test"
and so on... forever

I've learned to fear this Vocal POST message.

Since January 2004, my ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe has been running perfectly fine with a P4 2.8C processor. Until I left the computer idling about a week ago and come back to no video display and that annoying vocal POST. Well, for testing purposes (and the fact that I didn't have any other parts to test) I put in a CPU that I knew was dead, disconnected everything but power and left one stick of RAM and the video card in;

same message

So it's gotta be my 2.8C, what else? I even put in a PCI Voodoo 2, and it gave me a "System failed VGA test" message. Well, that actually didn't prove anything, so I went and ordered a brand new processor... thinking this would solve it for sure. Well, you can imagine the shock I felt when I heard "System failed CPU test"

So it's the mobo, aint it? That good ol' reliable ASUS that's survived all those screwdriver pokes and reseatments. Sorry if it's an obvious question, but this time, I just want to make sure I'm not assuming things and wasting $120.

Thanks for your time everybody.

RBIEZE

Reset your bios,and try some different memory.

I get the same message when I overclock the mem too much.

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ERAD Caz

I forgot to mention that I cleared CMOS before ordering the new processor.... I had to make sure my hard-earned money was going to good use.

I still get the same error when I:

- clear CMOS again (shorting pins), with the new processor in
- clear CMOS by taking out the battery cell
- take all RAM out of the board
- switch RAM sticks, put them in different slots

Feels like I tried everything. Even having the CD/floppy in their drives (to recover BIOS). Unfortunately, I can't get past the "System failure" and even get BIOS to load.

Any more suggestions or recommendations... or telling me to put it to its grave are greatly appreciated.

Thanks, all.

Red02

I had this same problem, same board just a 2.4c Turns out the proc was dead.

When I heard it for the first time I almost crapped my pants it was freaky.

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THRiLL KiLL

rma the motherboard... if the new mb has same issue rma the processor...

that way you are only out the cost of shipping

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say10(666)

Could be the mobo itself and not the componentes. Maybe the N. Bridge went Ka-Put?? RMA it to assus im sure they can fix it.

ERAD Caz

I'm back!

After registering my mobo at asus.com, and filling out a rather extensive technical sheet of computer specs, I sent ASUS tech support a technical inquiry. I got this in return:

The system has received your query. We will process your query ASAP. However, due to vast number of queries waiting to be processed each day, we may not be able to respond your query immediately. If your query is not replied within 48 hours, please connect to the following URL and search. Thank you.

Oh great, it'll be a day and a half... but I got a response only a few hours later. ASUS technical support is alright in my book!!

Their response was to basically take everything out of the motherboard, including the CMOS battery, and clear CMOS settings... then put the battery in, power up, hear a "No CPU installed" voice POST (check). Then put in the CPU and hear a "System failed memory test" (well, I got a long case speaker beep followed by two short, good enough). Then put the memory in, get "... failed VGA" (check). Then put the video card in and see what happens...

"System failed CPU test"

Looks like this board's surfin to Cali for a replacement. Alright, corny. But thanks for readin!

say10(666)

I dout it'll get sent to cali. Its prolly gonna be shipped here to tha 'vill. The repair cented is about 5 miles from my apartment. I also know some of the tech support fellows. Too bad i left asus on bad terms... or i coulda helped you out some.

ERAD Caz

Quote: Originally Posted by say10(666) I dout it'll get sent to cali. Its prolly gonna be shipped here to tha 'vill. The repair cented is about 5 miles from my apartment. I also know some of the tech support fellows. Too bad i left asus on bad terms... or i coulda helped you out some.

You're probably right. In fact, the rep from Louisville,KY is the one who wrote me how to RMA it in the last tech inquiry email.

And sorry to hear that your relation with ASUS had to end that way, but thanks for that offer anyway

ERAD Caz

Update: A week after being sent the RMA #, I finally had time to unplug, unscrew, and pack the motherboard to be shipped to ASUS. But before I did, I was curious to see what would happen if I put in an old GeForce2 MX 400, knowing this would just yeild another error.

To my suprise, when I hit the power, everything worked as it should!

Moral of the story is... no matter how advanced, even a voice POST won't tell you exactly what's wrong with your computer... and don't buy stuff before you've tested your rig with every spare part in a 10 mile radius!

joecoin

Quote: Originally Posted by ERAD Caz Update: A week after being sent the RMA #, I finally had time to unplug, unscrew, and pack the motherboard to be shipped to ASUS. But before I did, I was curious to see what would happen if I put in an old GeForce2 MX 400, knowing this would just yeild another error. To my suprise, when I hit the power, everything worked as it should! Moral of the story is... no matter how advanced, even a voice POST won't tell you exactly what's wrong with your computer... and don't buy stuff before you've tested your rig with every spare part in a 10 mile radius!

You might want to hang on to that RMA number...

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