5 beep "process failure" POST, is CPU or MOBO dead?

[ghostfire231]

I've just built my second computer and I keep getting the "process failure" code when I boot. When I boot without RAM, I only get the 3 beep code. These are all new parts and compatible according to pcpartpicker.

I have gone through many checklists, double checked all cords are connected, unscrewed the standoffs and pulled the MOBO out to test.. I've tried booting with nothing but the RAM, 24pin mobo plug and cpu connected, but still the same 5 beep code. I've pulled the CPU out bc I was kinda rough putting the stock cooler on, but no pins are bent or broken. It looks fine. The cpu fan is plugged in and working.

I'm convinced I must have been too rough with the mobo or perhaps either the mobo/CPU was dead on arrival, however unlikely that sounds. How can I diagnose this? I'd hate to have to unnecessarily buy a new part that isn't actually the problem. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[androbourne]

Please provide your system specs.

 

[dark_lord69]

I keep getting the "process failure" code when I boot.
That's a post code. The number of beeps tells you what's wrong.

You need to lookup the number of beeps in your motherboard manual. That will tell you what it really means (bad cpu for example).

"When I boot without RAM, I only get the 3 beep code."
And that's the code for a RAM issue.

 

[androbourne]

^ aka why I asked for system specs. Every manufacture has different beep indicators.

 

[ghostfire231]

I keep getting the "process failure" code when I boot.
That's a post code. The number of beeps tells you what's wrong.

You need to lookup the number of beeps in your motherboard manual. That will tell you what it really means (bad cpu for example).

"When I boot without RAM, I only get the 3 beep code."
And that's the code for a RAM issue.

I already know what the post code is. I'm asking if it's possible that that the mobo is at fault bc the CPU looks fine. the 3 beep POST means its not a RAM issue. either the CPU was broken in the factory, the problem is internal, or the mobo is busted. I'm asking how to verify which answer is correct.

ASRock FM2A68M-DG3+
kingston hyperx fury 8GB RAM DDR3
the CPU is a AMD - Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor

 

[androbourne]

Anything is possible... we can't give advise if we don't know what the post code means for ourselves.

Ive also seen a mobo do 3 beeps which to that manufacture meant a mobo issue. However, it was due to an aging PSU and a new GPU that was just barely putting it over it's limits. It would beep but boot fine and show display without issues. Stopped beeping with GPU removed, stopped beeping with a new PSU of the exact same wattage installed etc...

So while the post code helps. It's not 100% accurate... so that goes back to yes. Anything can happen.

But we need to start somewhere. Knowing what your manufacture says about the post code, could be helpful, we want to verify straight from manufacture.

 

[ghostfire231]

Anything is possible... we can't give advise if we don't know what the post code means for ourselves.

Ive also seen a mobo do 3 beeps which to that manufacture meant a mobo issue. However, it was due to an aging PSU and a new GPU that was just barely putting it over it's limits. It would beep but boot fine and show display without issues. Stopped beeping with GPU removed, stopped beeping with a new PSU of the exact same wattage installed etc...

So while the post code helps. It's not 100% accurate... so that goes back to yes. Anything can happen.

But we need to start somewhere. Knowing what your manufacture says about the post code, could be helpful, we want to verify straight from manufacture.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/FM2A78M-HD+/?cat=Specifications As I've said in the OP , 5 short beeps is a processor error, which means CPU failure. All I want to know is if theres some DIY diagnostic test to see if the CPU is actually broken before having to send it back, or if its not even the CPU in the first place, but the mobo, bc as I understand they test CPUs before shipping, and there are instances where mobos are DOA.

I've reseated and reconnected everything multiple times, yet I still get the 5 short beep error. I can't find any of the pins on the AMD Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor to be busted. This is why I'm hesitant to believe its the cpu.

 

[androbourne]

No, not really other then putting the CPU in another system to test it.

 

[ghostfire231]

No, not really other then putting the CPU in another system to test it.

I don't have an extra pc lying around.

But now, after plugging in the cpu, 24pin connector, RAM, hard drive, GPU and CD ROM drive, I don't get any beeps at all. Fans and drives run, but no boot, no beeps, no display. But when I take the GPU out, I get the same 5 short beeps once more.


EDIT:: Fixed the problem. Was plugging the VGA into the mobo itself, assuming my cpu had an igpu. plugging directly into the GPU solved my problem.