ASRock G41C-VS - Swapping CPU issues

[jmseedat]

Hi all. I have an ASRock G41C-VS mobo. It originally came with a single core Pentium CPU and 2GB of ddr2 ram spread across two slots. When I booted it up the first time, everything worked perfectly fine.

Next, I tried to swap out the Pentium Single Core in there (I'm not sure on the specs it is) for my E2200 core. I have checked the specs and compatibility and everything checks out fine. However when I power on the PC, everything lights up, but I noticed that my hard drive now gets power but does not spin or boot up. I do not even see the BIOS screen with the E2200 core in the mobo. Can someone please help me out?

 

[jay32267]

Did you upgrade the BIOS to the proper BIOS (if that was necessary) before you installed the E2200?

 

[jmseedat]

Did you upgrade the BIOS to the proper BIOS (if that was necessary) before you installed the E2200?

Hi Jay.

It's still on the stock BIOS I believe. When I get a chance after work today, I'm going to try and reset the CMOS and force the stock BIOS onto the mobo again to see if that brings me any results.

 

[jay32267]

I just checked. You don't need to upgrade the BIOS.

So....with the CPU installed.....AND the correct BIOS....you can't even get to the BIOS?

I think there's something else going on.

 

[jmseedat]

I just checked. You don't need to upgrade the BIOS.

So....with the CPU installed.....AND the correct BIOS....you can't even get to the BIOS?

I think there's something else going on.

That's exactly what I was thinking. When I put in the original Pentium core that was in the mobo, and the stock fan, I get it to boot, no problem. I hear my hard drive ticking away andeverything is good.

Yet, when I put in the E2200, with its stock cooler - nothing. I changed the cooler to the Pentiums cooler on the E2200, still nothing.

The main difference I can hear is when the stock Pentium is in the slot, I can hear the hard drive kick in. With the E2200 I hear nothing on the hard drive. This is one of the most oddest of issues I have ever experienced.

 

[jay32267]

I'm thinking it's pointing to a problem with the processor. I'd maybe look at the processor contacts and socket real close to see if I saw anything odd.

 

[jmseedat]

I'm thinking it's pointing to a problem with the processor. I'd maybe look at the processor contacts and socket real close to see if I saw anything odd.

Ah, I see what you are saying. But the E2200 works perfectly on its old mobo, and that's the reason I'm actually switching it over. The ASRock G41C-VS support DDR3 and the E2200's old mobo only supports DDR2 memory.

I must say however, I really appreciate your assisstance here. I'm on a really low budget and I just need to get this rig up and running asap. If all fails, I'll just run it on the Pentium, but the E2200's performance as a dual core is so much better than the Pentiums as its a single core Pentium.

 

[jay32267]

Ah......I didn't know it worked in another machine. That makes it even more puzzling.
Which would make me focus even more on the contacts.....because I can't think of much else.

 

[jmseedat]

Ah......I didn't know it worked in another machine. That makes it even more puzzling.
Which would make me focus even more on the contacts.....because I can't think of much else.

On your advice on this, if it is the contacts, should I even attempt to fix them? I relly don't want to fudge up the mobo or the CPU as it's all I have left. Should I just take the punch and use the Pentium for the time being? Is there anything else I could possibly do?

 

[jay32267]

Well....I was just thinking if maybe there was some debris or some gunk on the contacts that you could remove or clean off.

Or look at the pins and see if you see any that are bent (you might try and straighten them).

Or perhaps there is something wrong with the CPU retainer/bracket.

But obviously whatever you do...try not to do anything you can't undo.

 

[jmseedat]

Well....I was just thinking if maybe there was some debris or some gunk on the contacts that you could remove or clean off.

Or look at the pins and see if you see any that are bent (you might try and straighten them).

Or perhaps there is something wrong with the CPU retainer/bracket.

But obviously whatever you do...try not to do anything you can't undo.

Thanks buddy. I'll update this again sometime over the weekend when I come to some sort of conclusion on this whole situation. Thanks again for all your help