Motherboard alarm

[dæmon]

System Specs:

Abit NF-8 motherboard
AMD Athlon 64 3400+
1024GB DDR RAM (2x512)
Radeon 9800 Pro

Also a SATA hard drive and 480W PSU but I don't think these parts are causing the problem


Problem:

A few days ago, about 5-10 seconds after switching on I got a two tone alarm from the motherboard which apparently continues indefinitely, although I haven't left it on for too long in case the CPU is damaged. The RAM boot beep doesn't sound either. With the case open I can see that all the fans are working as they should be.

I checked the motherboard manual but there wasn't anything about alarms, so assumed it was an overheating alarm. The problem is that I've been unable to reach BIOS to check the temperature because just before the alarm sounds, the monitor goes to standby mode and won't turn on again until I turn off the mains. Today I installed a new heatsink hoping this would end the problem but it still goes off, in exactly the same way.

I next tried using each RAM stick alone to see if this was causing the problem, but again with either in this alarm goes off. I now suspect that the graphics card is to blame because the monitor switches off, but before I start looking to order a new one I'm posting the problem here to see if anyone knows what else could be causing it. Unfortunately I don't have a second computer compatible with the graphics card to test it in so I'm stuck for the time being.

 

[$kelet0r]

doesnt the motherboard alarm go off when it cannot transmit information ie a broken transistor?
or do you have a temperature alarm as well

 

[the_lone_wolf]

What BIOS manufacturer is it?

if it's going continuously then it sounds like a RAM or memory controller problem, the solution to which would be new memory or a new motherboard, but wait until we know the BIOS manufacturer before buying a new GFX card since you may well not need it, video card problems are usually reported with one long beep followed by two short ones i think

 

[dæmon]

The BIOS is Phoenix - AwardBios, and from looking at their beep codes it seems I have a RAM or motherboard problem.

However, when I powered it up with no RAM in, I got a different code, which was a slower repeating beep. I'm hoping it's the RAM though because the new heatsink I put in is a good one and I'm pretty certain it's seated correctly.

 

[$kelet0r]

when you boot with bad ram you will eventually start hitting the bluescreen of death - so its more than likely not that - if you're not convinved run memtest86 on the sticks if you can boot up for long enough or in another computer
i'd power off your computer and look for physical damage on your motherboard - i'm convinced that it is a physical problem related to data transfer
look for scorch or blackened transistors or dust build up
check that the pins are not bent out of position

 

[dæmon]

Thanks for the suggestions, but I was reminded I still had my old GeForce 4 tucked safely away in an anti-static bag. When I put that in the computer booted and is now working as normal. I just hope the warranty on the 9800 is still valid