Biostar A320MH / AMD X4 950 compatibility?

[greatscott1981]

Hello! Long-time reader, first time poster.

I'm building an ultra-inexpensive storage server and chose the Biostar A320MH Pro (on sale $30 @ newegg) and the AMD X4 950 CPU.

I verified that the CPU and motherboard were compatible at the Biostar website:
http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=881#cpusupport

But I'm getting 8 error beeps during POST which implies "display memory error". I reseated EVERYTHING, tried different RAM, reset the CMOS, but it won't post.

I'm trying to figure out what direction to take:

1) Replace the motherboard assuming it's defective.
2) Return the CPU assuming it's not actually compatible and the Biostar website is wrong.
3) Return both and switch to an Intel/i3 solution for an extra $200.

Any tips?

-Scott

Rosewill RSV-L4500 case
Thermaltake Toughpower TPD-0750M
Biostar A320MH Pro motherboard
AMD X4 950 CPU
Crucial 4GB 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2133 (PC4 17000)

 

[DSzymborski]

That's an error referring to a system video adapter. You don't have either integrated graphics or a discrete GPU so the BIOS couldn't write anything to the frame buffer memory, which is what holds a video image that's displayed on the screen. You'll need to either buy a GPU or returns the CPU and get an AM4-compatible APU which has integrated graphics.

 

[greatscott1981]

You'll need to either buy a GPU or returns the CPU and get an AM4-compatible APU which has integrated graphics.

I'm starting to suspect that now. DANGIT. I did try an old video card and the error beeps went away but it still didn't output any video to the screen. I had a feeling I needed a different CPU but I just needed someone else to confirm that. Thanks!

 

[DSzymborski]

You'll need to either buy a GPU or returns the CPU and get an AM4-compatible APU which has integrated graphics.

I'm starting to suspect that now. DANGIT. I did try an old video card and the error beeps went away but it still didn't output any video to the screen. I had a feeling I needed a different CPU but I just needed someone else to confirm that. Thanks!

When you put in an old GPU, did you make sure the move the monitor connection to the GPU from the motherboard?

 

[greatscott1981]

When you put in an old GPU, did you make sure the move the monitor connection to the GPU from the motherboard?

lol yes of course but it was an old, old video card (like pci-express 1.0). I assumed that too had a compatibility issue but maybe I should try that again...

 

[DSzymborski]

When you put in an old GPU, did you make sure the move the monitor connection to the GPU from the motherboard?

lol yes of course but it was an old, old video card (like pci-express 1.0). I assumed that too had a compatibility issue but maybe I should try that again...

People sometimes don't! You'd be surprised how often that happens here.

 

[greatscott1981]

That's an error referring to a system video adapter. You don't have either integrated graphics or a discrete GPU so the BIOS couldn't write anything to the frame buffer memory, which is what holds a video image that's displayed on the screen. You'll need to either buy a GPU or returns the CPU and get an AM4-compatible APU which has integrated graphics.

Confirmed! Not sure what I did wrong the first time but I tried my old, old video card again and now I'm getting a successful POST. So I'm going to replace the CPU.

Thanks so much for your attention.

 

[popatim]

I would just borrow someones spare/old GPU for a few days.

There is a setting for the Video ion the bios to switch between Legacy, UEFI, and Do Not Launch. If you set it to Do not launch after you get the server setup you can remove the GPU and boot up fine without it.

At least this is what works in my slightly older Biostar motherbd. I set it up up using my 'test gpu', a gt520, several yrs ago and its been running without one ever since.