Motherboard problems

[Guest]

Hi,

I'm having trouble with my computer and can't figure out where the problem lies. When I start my system, I often get a "Bios checksum error". It seems my FSB:RAM😛CI setting keeps resetting to some nonsensical values. I've a 133Mhz fsb mother board (asus 815). Recently, my computer started to hang more and more often Sometimes, it doesn't even do a POST when I start. What I want to know is whether the problem lies with my motherboard, CPU or power supply. I took it to a PC repair shop. The guy charged me 10 bucks and told it may be the motherboard. Since he couldn't say for sure I didn't get a new motherboard. Anyone else experience a bios checksum error before? Can I solve it my upgrading my bios or something? I'll appreciate any help on this. Thanks.

 

[Toejam31]

A BIOS checksum error usually means that the CMOS has been cleared and was not properly set up again. A checksum is generated when CMOS values are saved for error checking on subsequent startups. This error message will appear if the checksum is different from one boot-up to the next.

I'd remove the CMOS battery, wait about an hour, install it again, and once back in the BIOS, load the default settings. If this corrects the problem, refer to your mainboard manual about how to set up the CMOS settings for higher performance, and enable them one at a time. If you see the error message again after you've changed a value ... you'll have found the source of the problem.

A second option, if the first suggestion doesn't work, is to flash the BIOS with a newer version. If you are not familiar with the flashing procedure, it might be best to have a technician do it for you. You might also consider having the CMOS battery replaced at the time, just in case.

If <i>this</i> doesn't work, you may have a faulty BIOS chip, and this should either be replaced, or you may have to purchase a new mainboard.

Toejam31

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[Ncogneto]

You might also consider having the CMOS battery replaced at the time, just in case.

Actually this is THE FIRST THING HE SHOULD DO!

He is getting this error more than likely due to a weak battery that is not storing his bios data.

It's not what they tell you, its what they don't tell you!

 

[Guest]

"Actually this is THE FIRST THING HE SHOULD DO!"

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Actually I clear CMOS first....HOWEVER before I clear CMOS I look what time it is on the computer clock vs. actual time to see if any time loss is present..THEN while clearing CMOS via removing battery I pop in a new one. Typically there is no "first" thing by rule....it is instinct and some trial and error. With any mobo I sell in a system with more than 10 I order a spare Bios chip for $20 bucks because during the first year someone is bound to flash and reboot after it hangs....(another story in itself) I TELL them PLEASE let me do the flash...unless of course it is ASUS which I've had relatively good luck letting the instruction to flash go since the flash utility is so easy.....that is until the bios are not as good as the older and you try to flash back without backing it up...IMO

Bob