Topic: FF Code on MSI 990fxa-gd80 (Read 1722 times)

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **on:** 28-July-12, 16:17:26 »

just built this machine, it has never posted and i am getting a FF code on motherboard.

System Specs

MSI 990fxa-gd80 v2 mainboard

amd fx 8150 8 core processor / Socket am3+

Thermaltake tp-575ah3cc 575 Watt Power Supply

120 GB Kingston HyperX SSD

8GB AMD (2x4GB) pc3 1333

MSI R5450-MD1GD3H/LP Radeon HD 5450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card

To save some time i will list steps i have tried:

1. Tested power supply with a Thermaltake power supply tester, all voltages are within range, including the cpu power connector, which i did double check to be plugged in.

2. Tried the video card in another pc, working fine, also tried it in each pci express slot (four of them) on the 990fxa-gd80 board.

3. Tried resetting the bios and have also tried booting with just one memory stick in Dimm slot 1

4. Tried powering up the board out of the case with just the power supply, video and memory connected.

5. Decided that i had a bad board, rma'd it and received replacement. same problem again.

6. Tried booting with different keyboards and with no keyboard.

7. Discovered that one of the system fan power plugs doesn't work, think it was #4, not sure what this means.

8. Tried a different brand and speed of memory, also put 2 sets of kingston hyperx ddr3 1600, to use both memory channels.

9. Have uninstalled, inspected, cleaned and re-installed the cpu and cpu cooler which is the stock amd cooler that came with the cpu.

Thinking that maybe a bios update would solve all my problems, but can't boot into bios to update it, get the ff code immediately on power up.

i'm open to any and all suggestions and i am out of ideas.

Additional info. The north bridge leds are lit up to phase 2, the cpu phase lights are lit all the way to 8, the ddr phase led is lit on phase 1.

xmad · « **Reply #1 on:** 28-July-12, 16:25:45 »

The V2 means that the board already has the nessesary Bios for most FX Cpu's.

Quote

FX-Series Zambezi FD8100WMW8KGU FX-8100 200 2.80 8M 8M B2 95 7640vB5.zip

Did you take the VGA out and listen for the no vga post beep?

Is that psu the single rail tpx-575? I can't find it online?
Needs 22 amps on a single rail.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #2 on:** 28-July-12, 16:41:05 »

Tried to boot with no video card, checked to make sure i had the speaker in (i forgot that before one time), not beeps at all.

going to try to attach a pic of the spec markings on the cpu.

trying to find out how to post the picture here now, don't see an upload option.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #3 on:** 28-July-12, 16:46:08 »

https://www.dropbox.com/s/27ts8si3257f1sb/DSC00260.JPG

hope this picture gives you the info you need on PSU

Svet · « **Reply #4 on:** 28-July-12, 16:46:58 »

can you check what's board shipped bios version over the bios chip's green sticker?

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #5 on:** 28-July-12, 16:51:04 »

working on getting the bios info, have to find a way to magnify it.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #6 on:** 28-July-12, 16:58:15 »

my sony camera did the trick, here is the info i could read on the chip

MXIC MX
25L6406E
M2I-12G
3J834800

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #7 on:** 28-July-12, 16:59:17 »

forgot to note that i had no green sticker, took info off of what i think i s the bios chip, had a red dot on it.

Svet · « **Reply #8 on:** 28-July-12, 17:02:36 »

hmms, that's chip specs., so there is any sticker over it?
are you looking at right place?
see: http://www.msi.com/pic/product/five_pictures1_2400_20110531112742.jpg
in lower down corner, near to blue port [on left side]

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #9 on:** 28-July-12, 17:09:09 »

i'm pretty sure i am, i will post the picture for you to be sure.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pyoxn02yawgzaly/DSC00266.JPG

Svet · « **Reply #10 on:** 28-July-12, 17:13:42 »

ok, then we dunno what version is inside..

have you connected all power cables, include for the CPU?
have you tried to boot with board out of PC case over a wooden table?

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #11 on:** 28-July-12, 17:16:14 »

yes i set the board up on my desk (which is wooden) and just hooked up the psu, video, keyboard, and the cpu power is plugged in.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #12 on:** 28-July-12, 17:17:57 »

want to say thanks for all your time, hope we figure this out

had to save for over a year to get my new system.

Svet · « **Reply #13 on:** 28-July-12, 17:24:02 »

well send the board back to reseller then, and ask him to update BIOS for your board to the latest version.
think all you need is a bios update.

i was have dealing with the same board 990fxa-gd80 few weeks ago,
and was having the same problems brand new board unable to post with FF error.

all other working parts was comming from 790FX-GD70
CPU was 965BE and 2x2GB Corsair memory [Corsair's Kit CM3X2048-1333C9DHX ver. 3.2]

BIOS version was some early version, think B4 and it unable to boot.
From 15 boot attempts it boots one time by luck when was left with just one memory stick in 1st DIMM.

Then i flashed the board to the latest BIOS [with programmer],
and its start booting all the time without problems,
but was still unstable until i set memory voltage manually to 1.7V
Since then it works fine without troubles.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #14 on:** 28-July-12, 17:26:36 »

i got the board from newegg, do you think they would update the bios?

another question i had - i would purchase a low end cpu just to boot on so i could flash the bios, do you think that would be a remedy?

Svet · « **Reply #15 on:** 28-July-12, 17:34:07 »

Quote from: blAteNt iNsAnity on 28-July-12, 17:26:36

i got the board from newegg, do you think they would update the bios?

another question i had - i would purchase a low end cpu just to boot on so i could flash the bios, do you think that would be a remedy?

Quote from: blAteNt iNsAnity on 28-July-12, 17:26:36

i got the board from newegg, do you think they would update the bios?

Dunno about newegg, but since you are in USA you can sent it to MSI directly and to tell them to update the BIOS for you.

Quote from: blAteNt iNsAnity on 28-July-12, 17:26:36

another question i had - i would purchase a low end cpu just to boot on so i could flash the bios, do you think that would be a remedy?

Yes, that's the normal way, but i have another doubts that it may refuse to boots because of memory...
Because when i have this FF error, with shipped BIOS version my CPU was suppose to be supported,
but was still unable to boot.
So even you place such supported CPU, it may still refused to boot because of memory compatibility problems.

http://www.msi.com/product/mb/990FXA-GD80.html#/?div=BIOS
There are 5 times memory related updates mention, from mine shipped B4 to the latest one BB
- Improved memory compatibility.

Other ideas is:
prepare an usb key for flashing to the latest BIOS BB

then start trying to boot with just one memory sticks,
say make 20 attempts, maybe you can have a luck to boot,
if that's hapends, use this lucky boot to flash it to the latest version.
if you able to do this, the problem will be solved.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #16 on:** 28-July-12, 17:36:01 »

ok, thank you for all your advice

Svet · « **Reply #17 on:** 28-July-12, 17:42:51 »

here is msi usa tech phone [available in regular business days and hours] if you need to contact them.
+1.626.271.1004 with option x1

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #18 on:** 29-July-12, 07:05:42 »

i was doing some looking on newegg where i bought the motherboard and processor,
and there are numerous people running this combination, most of which left excellent comments.

if cpu and motherboard work for them, how did they get there?

there must be a solution. gonna try to see if i can contact some of the users from newegg.

any ideas to correct this problem are appreciated.

badboy2k · « **Reply #19 on:** 29-July-12, 07:46:51 »

ok 2 questions

1: have you tryed to get it to boot without the ssd attached to the board?
2: did you use any antistatic measures while assembling the computer?

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #20 on:** 29-July-12, 07:56:47 »

yes i tried without the SSD drive.

i always wear a wrist strap to ground off for static

badboy2k · « **Reply #21 on:** 29-July-12, 08:06:54 »

an FF code is meaningless as its a reserved for later use code!

id suspect you have either:

faulty motherboard

or

Faulty CPU

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #22 on:** 29-July-12, 08:15:27 »

badboy2k

that is my fear as well. i rma'd the first board, this one is the replacement, and with shipping time i am out of my 30 day return window for the cpu.

i want to do everything i can to make sure that i have not missed something.

i also have a feeling that if the bios was updated it would post, but how to flash the bios when mainboard won't post?

i'm still thinking on that one.

badboy2k · « **Reply #23 on:** 29-July-12, 08:34:22 »

Quote from: blAteNt iNsAnity on 29-July-12, 08:15:27

badboy2k

that is my fear as well. i rma'd the first board, this one is the replacement, and with shipping time i am out of my 30 day return window for the cpu.

i want to do everything i can to make sure that i have not missed something.

i also have a feeling that if the bios was updated it would post, but how to flash the bios when mainboard won't post?

i'm still thinking on that one.

only thing you can really do is either go to a computer shop that has a spi flash programmer device for programming bios chips or buy the cheapest supported CPU possible to hopefully at least get it working enougth (posting) to flash the bios to a version that supports the cpu!

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #24 on:** 29-July-12, 08:38:50 »

wish i knew for sure what bios version was on the board, that way i could check to see if the cpu is already supported, but there is no green sticker on the bios chip

badboy2k · « **Reply #25 on:** 29-July-12, 08:43:49 »

Quote from: blAteNt iNsAnity on 29-July-12, 08:38:50

wish i knew for sure what bios version was on the board, that way i could check to see if the cpu is already supported, but there is no green sticker on the bios chip

you could always contact msi with your boards serial number and ask what version of bios it was shipped with as they will have the records for that!

>>How to contact MSI.<<

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #26 on:** 29-July-12, 08:54:48 »

thanks, i plan to call msi first thing monday.

did anyone look at the picture link of my psu to see if it is adequate to power this board and cpu, was wondering if that might be the issue.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/27ts8si3257f1sb/DSC00260.JPG

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #27 on:** 29-July-12, 08:58:41 »

i appreciate everyone's help, will probably end up having to send the board in again.

just frustrated and it has become a matter of principle. never had a system i built not power up.

badboy2k · « **Reply #28 on:** 29-July-12, 08:59:36 »

yes that PSU should be more then adiquate! its got a 48A +12v rail and thats more then enougth your system at load shouldn't be pulling more then 35-40A at most so it perfectly good enougth!

Quote from: blAteNt iNsAnity on 29-July-12, 08:58:41

i appreciate everyone's help, will probably end up having to send the board in again.

just frustrated and it has become a matter of principle. never had a system i built not power up.

it will be because the CPU is so new and the bios may not be good enougth, it happens!

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #29 on:** 29-July-12, 09:06:13 »

thank you for verifying the psu, i assume my video card is compatible, it works fine in another system.

would the fact that the system fan 4 connection (lower right of mainboard) won't power up a fan mean anything to anyone.

badboy2k · « **Reply #30 on:** 29-July-12, 09:13:13 »

the HD5450 shouldn't be an issue! (the board is built around an AMD 990FXA chipset and should easily support that card as its alot of generations back)

the main things that will be a problem like i sead are the cpu or board itself!

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #31 on:** 29-July-12, 09:25:35 »

yes, i know the mainboard or cpu, just trying to make sure it's not something simple before i have to rma the board and cpu

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #32 on:** 29-July-12, 09:37:14 »

could anyone recommend a cheap cpu and memory stick for this board, that is known to be compatible. think i want to try that to see if board will post, then if not, it's back to msi again

xmad · « **Reply #33 on:** 29-July-12, 14:17:12 »

Any am3 socket athlon II should work I would think. One in a friends computer or something.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #34 on:** 29-July-12, 14:23:57 »

yea i thought of using a friends computer, however, none of them like the idea of me tearing apart their new machine, lol

i'll find one somewhere

xmad · « **Reply #35 on:** 29-July-12, 14:27:26 »

I would def try it out first, because the V2 after you model is supposed to mean this bios is already updated.

Lets also review.
1.) You have already rma'ed the board once, but as of now one of the fan ports is still not working.
2.) You have taken the board out of the case and after putting it on a non-conductive surface, attempted to boot.
3.) Tried different ram, 1 stick in different slots. (Both kinds were rated for amd?)
4.) Tried booting w/o the vga / tried the vga in a nother computer

You should probably ask your friend to bring his computer to your house and try the psu, cpu and ram. If none of those work, take the cpu to a computer shop or test in your friends comp if compatible. Then you KNOW the mobo is still bad.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #36 on:** 29-July-12, 14:29:23 »

that is what i thought also, but was it updated to handle the 6 core processor, then the 8 core came out? i can't remember the timing.

also there were more than one fx 8150 models, maybe i picked the one that needs an update, not sure.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #37 on:** 29-July-12, 14:32:04 »

or maybe the cpu is fine and it's my memory i should be worrying about. this is my second board and i suppose it's possible to get 2 bad in a row, but i wouldn't think that would happen

xmad · « **Reply #38 on:** 29-July-12, 14:35:21 »

Thats why I'm think you should have your friend bring his working computer over and try some working amd memory.
FX-Series Zambezi FD8150FRW8KGU FX-8150 200 3.60 8M 8M B2 125 7640vB5.zip
The 8150 only need B5 thats not even the highest of the fx series, I'm looking for the as shipped bios now moment.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #39 on:** 29-July-12, 14:37:05 »

yes both types of ram were rated for amd.

kingston hyper x and amd performance memory

xmad · « **Reply #40 on:** 29-July-12, 14:38:34 »

Quote

except v2 is preloaded with Bios 11.9

B9

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #41 on:** 29-July-12, 14:41:47 »

so my bios chip is up to date? or up to date enough to support my processor?

xmad · « **Reply #42 on:** 29-July-12, 14:44:47 »

That is what the V2 indicates, that the bios was shipped with version 11.9 (B9) that cpu needs B5 or better. So now you need get some known working ram and try with 1 stick on a non-conductive surface. Try a different psu and try the cpu in another comp. I suppose MSI could have sent you a V1 back by accident, so perhaps stay on course and test the older cpu as well.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #43 on:** 29-July-12, 14:49:11 »

i'm gonna keep at it, will have to order a cpu i think, but i can re sell the cpu, or use it in a build so will not be a waste.

the fan port not workin bugs me, msi getting a call on that one. though i suppose i could be turned off in the bios?

Thanks for all your help, i will update this post if i find anything.

xmad · « **Reply #44 on:** 29-July-12, 14:51:21 »

Well, call msi tommorow with the s/n and they can confirm the bios. Don't waste money, I would try the known working ram and psu first.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #45 on:** 30-July-12, 12:37:35 »

i have been building computers for 20+ years, and i have never had a great idea, i mean a heartstopping great idea. with the new AM3+ architecture all of the motherboard manufactures are having problems it's not just msi. processors and memory are advancing in technology so fast that by the time the stock they ship out hits the resellers, they already have a compatibility issue, which requires a bios update. but what about this situatiion, the one i am in where you are maxed out at the top and cannot flash the bios because of no post. anyone out there interested in developing a solution to this problem, that is fast, simple, effective and easy, contact me. i might me the little guy, but i seriously think this might become a standard on all motherboards from here on out. anyway, i doubt that i will get any interest, but i was excited that i had come up with such a brilliant soultion.

xmad · « **Reply #46 on:** 30-July-12, 13:34:34 »

Well in your case it may be a defective board, ram or psu. I am fairly confident yours shipped with the right bios because it is a V2. We just need to confirm msi that they didn't send you the wrong one back or something. (Or did you verify the s/n already)

Thats why I suggested trying the known working ram / psu and confirm the as shipped bios. Just to be 100% sure before an RMA.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #47 on:** 30-July-12, 13:51:38 »

yea it has the right bios on it, it's just plain dead

xmad · « **Reply #48 on:** 30-July-12, 14:22:11 »

Well let us know when all is well once the rma is returned.

blAteNt iNsAnity · « **Reply #49 on:** 30-July-12, 16:51:32 »

i will, i'm not giving up on msi though, seems as if all the big names are having alot of the same problems

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Author Topic: FF Code on MSI 990fxa-gd80 (Read 1722 times)