Asus M2NPV-VM, corrupt or not?

[Larry Larsson]

Hello,
I have an ASUS M2NPV-VM mobo, which I bought recently to build a custom rig. Unfortunately, OS sometimes loads, sometimes not. The same stands for BIOS, sometimes everything seems alright, sometimes just freezes when I press 'Delete' on my keyboard and there's only black screen.
I tried everything I could: different OS's (Windows 7 and XP), different cables and CD/DVD drives, disconnecting all unnecessary hardware, testing RAM and HDD, upgrading BIOS, changing battery. Nothing helped.
Should I suppose the mobo is corrupt, or there's something else I could try?
Thanks,
Larry

 

[clutchc]

You seem to have checked just about everything you could. But you don't mention the PSU. What is the make/model? And how old is it? It may be failing. In fact, I would suggest it before the board (which is quite old itself).

 

[Larry Larsson]

PSU is 250W only, because it's a slim mATX case. I have only 1 DVD drive and 1 2.5” HDD, no extra PCI cards, and the graphics is integrated. According to PSU calculators, 250W should be enough. I don't really know about the condition of the PSU, nor how old it is. But when Windows starts properly (which is like 1 out of 3 times), computer works for hours and I didn't notice anything strange.

 

[clutchc]

That could still be a failing PSU component like a capacitor. Sometimes it holds it starting charge, sometimes it won't.

It could also be a failing stick of memory (RAM). Can you boot to DVD OK? If so, download Memtest and burn the ISO to a CD. Boot to the CD and let it run for at least 1 ful pass on each stick of RAM individually.
http://www.memtest.org/

If that tests out good, You could try breadboarding the system. Lay the MB on an insulated surface and connect just the CPU/cooler, 1 stk of RAM. Connect the PSU, Video, keyboard and try to boot to BIOS. You can short the 2 pins the case's power button would have connected to for starting. (or you can drag the case close enough for the PWR button cable to reach.)

 

[Larry Larsson]

I've already tested RAM with MemTest86+. Two sticks were tested together and there were no errors reported. That seems to be fine.
I don't have another PSU at the moment, but I have some old MB and CPU from my earlier computer. Maybe I could try to put them together and then attach this 250W PSU to see what happens. Thanks for your help.

 

[clutchc]

OK. Btw, what CPU(s) are you using?

 

[Larry Larsson]

Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.3GHz Brisbane, 65W.

A few minutes ago I checked this problematic configuration, and found out that Windows got frozen. Seems like it hangs anytime, not at startup only.

 

[clutchc]

Hmmm, that freezing issue sure sounds RAM related. But if Memtest passed the sticks after running for at least 1 FULL pass, you should be OK there. Still could be PSU related though.

Is your system kept relatively software clean? Run CCleaner and do the Clean and Registry portions both. It could be Registry corruption causing those issues too. That will also clean up resource wasting crap on your system.
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

Also check to see what all is running at start up. Look at System Configuration/Startup and see how many boxes are checked.

 

[Larry Larsson]

At the moment there's only a fresh XP installation, no any other software at all.
Yes, it was one full pass with MemTest, took about 2 hours.
Maybe I could open the PSU to check out if there's any leaking capacitor? Anyway, I don't have the appropriate CPU cooler for the old disassembled machine (it's a Socket A), so I can't test the PSU right now.

 

[clutchc]

I forgot you had XP. In that case you'd want to type MSCONFIG to see the pgms running at startup.

 

[Larry Larsson]

I don't think the problem is Windows-related, because I have tried both Windows 7 and XP. Besides, sometimes the computer freezes when entering BIOS or Boot Menu (F8).
Anyway, I tested it with another PSU which I took out of my other computer. It didn't help.

 

[clutchc]

It sounds like you have it narrowed down to the motherboard or CPU. More likely the MB. Did you buy the MB and/or CPU used?

 

[Larry Larsson]

MB was used. I bought it from a seller who works with used hardware. He claimed everything was tested and even showed me Windows installed (PSU and other parts were his, not mine).

CPU was bought new, back in 2008.