[Blacqwolf]

Hi all,

I've recently built a computer with the Gigabyte GA-7VM400M (revision 2, I believe) motherboard, an AMD Athlon XP 2500+ processor and Kingston 1GB DDR memory, as a usable filling to the void in my desk until I can build a more high-end rig.

I bought them used (from highly rated sellers on Ebay, though the memory is from an old, retired PC) and assembled them out of the case of an old, custom-built PC. I have none but the essentials (motherboard, CPU, and memory installed) yet the system fails to boot, giving an unrecognized beep code. I'm thinking it's the memory, but I got my doubts as I individually tried multiple cards, each being tested in different slots.

I've tried everything, from the multiple memory cards as stated above, trying multiple dedicated video cards, and reseating the CPU, and shorting the "clear CMOS" and "100MHz FSB" jumper pins.. However, it still gives the beep code.

The thing about the beep code is that it's not similar to anything listed on the motherboard's manual, and there's a BIOS tag on it for the Phoenix D686 BIOS, while the manual only mentions that the motherboard comes with the AMI and Award BIOS.

An audio file with the beep code can be found here.

Thanks in advance.

[dustyjay]

That sounds like a dial up modem trying to dial. Do you have one installed?

[Blacqwolf]

Originally Posted by dustyjay

That sounds like a dial up modem trying to dial. Do you have one installed?

Thanks for the reply. However, I do not have a dialup modem installed. The only optional components installed are the ones with that come on the motherboard, and that doesn't include a dialup modem.

[crjdriver]

First of all, have you read and followed all steps in the guide for problem builds? If you follow ALL steps of the guide, you will find the cause of your problem.

Next with parts that old [at least 5 generations] I would give the mb a VERY close inspection with a bright light. Look for any leaking capacitors.

[Blacqwolf]

Originally Posted by crjdriver

First of all, have you read and followed all steps in the guide for problem builds? If you follow ALL steps of the guide, you will find the cause of your problem.

Next with parts that old [at least 5 generations] I would give the mb a VERY close inspection with a bright light. Look for any leaking capacitors.

Thanks, I'll do this tonight or tomorrow when I have time.

[Blacqwolf]

After spending some time following the instructions in the guide, I have concluded the suspects are:

1: bad memory

2: bad motherboard (though I believe this to be highly unlikely)

I'll be buying some memory from Crucial that they've specifically listed as compatible with the motherboard, and I'll post back when I get it.

[Blacqwolf]

(here's to keeping the threat from expiring while it ships)

[Blacqwolf]

Well, the memory came and it still didn't work. I'm just going to say the board is DOA. No biggie, I got it used for $20.