MSI Motherboard Error?

[IntellectualHT]

Hi everyone, I've always been more of a lurker but decided to finally register and get help!

First here's my build:
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/b/MxM[1]

This is my power supply: http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_442&item_id=039398[2]

I recently replaced an Asus motherboard and an i5-2500k. After installing the new stuff, it was all good for a week, but then I decided to order the Noctua fan and replaced the HAF i/o panel (one of the usb ports had broken on the old one). Ever since then I've had the following issues:

1. Mobo gets A2 error on boot and hangs. To fix this, I have to unplug the graphics card completely and run onboard graphics instead
2. Mobo hangs if I click the hardware profile button (which tells me fan speeds and allows me to adjust them).
3. Mobo also hangs if I try to update bios (its already on latest version though, but still it won't even let me try).
4. Yesterday it was going past the A2 error (with graphics plugged in), but it would then give a boot error "Reboot and select proper Boot device."
5. Mobo lists bootable media in order at the top, but has a '??' under it, as if it is not sure what each media is? Not sure if thats normal or not.

I'm using it right now, but I have to do option 1 to get into win 8, and it doesn't remove the other mobo errors.

By the way I didn't re-install windows 8 after changing mobo and processor, not sure if that is part of the problem.

Thanks guys!

 

[feelingtheblanks]

What's your storage device?

A2 means IDE detect so it might be something related to one of your sata devices. Change sata ports, try different sata cables etc. to begin with.

Also try clearing c-mos.

On the other hand a clean windows recommended after changing the chipset.

 

[IntellectualHT]

What's your storage device?

A2 means IDE detect so it might be something related to one of your sata devices. Change sata ports, try different sata cables etc. to begin with.

Also try clearing c-mos.

On the other hand a clean windows recommended after changing the chipset.

Thanks for the reply!

Ok so I actually have 3 hard drives: an 128 SSd, a 7200 rpm HDD, and a 5400 rpm HDD. The SSD has the OS.

Now right now I can generally boot into my OS. But sometimes I can't it just hangs on A2. Does this mean the SSD is failing?

But what about all the Mobo issues? I mean why can't I access the hardware profile? Why will it hang when I try to update the bios? sometimes I go into the bios, and the text is randomly chinese or won't even show certain options anymore.

It's just very confusing, you thinking re-installing the OS would help?

I've removed the CMOs battery, and even gone as far as powering the mobo without the cmos to clear everything.

 

[feelingtheblanks]

Well powering mobo without the cmos battery won't help with booting. Check the manual for cmos clearing. It's either an onboard jumper or a button on back pannel (can't remember what g45 has).

Hanging at A2 code and having ??? under one of your devices at BIOS is pointing out a sata device problem. So basically try to find out which device has ???. Check the connected devices first. It must be somewhere easy to find. Switch ports, change cables like I said before...

If you fail to find anything, then try running PC just with the cpu and 1 stick of ram and see how it posts.

Then add your ssd and see what happens.

 

[IntellectualHT]

Well powering mobo without the cmos battery won't help with booting. Check the manual for cmos clearing. It's either an onboard jumper or a button on back pannel (can't remember what g45 has).

Hanging at A2 code and having ??? under one of your devices at BIOS is pointing out a sata device problem. So basically try to find out which device has ???. Check the connected devices first. It must be somewhere easy to find. Switch ports, change cables like I said before...

If you fail to find anything, then try running PC just with the cpu and 1 stick of ram and see how it posts.

Then add your ssd and see what happens.

Ok so I did as you suggested.

This motherboard has a button on the back panel.

What I did is disconnect all power to mobo, then I pressed the button a few times for good measure then reconnected everything. Now it hangs on boot on A2 like usual, even if I disconnect the graphics card it still hangs =S.

So I tried disconnecting all the SATA cables, and it would hang on boot but this time on 99 or 90.

So I disconnected 3 RAM slots, the sata cables, the video card, and the network card, and it still hangs.

Basically I can't get it to even boot into the bios to configure. Every time I pres [del] to access bios it just hangs. If I don't press [del] it still hangs. It won't show the mobo boot screen =/.

Thoughts?

 

[feelingtheblanks]

90 and 99 error codes are about input devices. Keyboard and mouse respectively. Also try disconnecting them.

 

[IntellectualHT]

Ok interesting.

So I went one by one, disconnecting things and keeping the rest plugged in.

One particular cable's removal allows it to boot.

Now I'm not sure if its the hard drive, the port, or the cable.

What would be the best way to test it? Should I just cycle cables and ports?

 

[feelingtheblanks]

Yes just cycle them. I suggested you to do that way earlier though. 😛

 

[IntellectualHT]

Yes just cycle them. I suggested you to do that way earlier though. 😛

Ok so I cycled them and this is what I found. I have 6 SATA ports, all used, 3 for hard drives, 1 blu ray drive, 1 DVD drive, and 1 for the I/O panel

If I disconnect one of the hard drives, generally it will boot up ok (doesn't seem to matter which one or which port).

If I connect all the drives and disconnect the rest, generally it will also boot up ok.

Now there is a sticker that says 'this port will disable if using M-SATA port.' But I'm not sure where this M-SATA port is (google seems to show an SSD, but I didn't really understand that).

Now I've only really tested the bottom two ports (the one that says it will disable if using M-SATA, and the one below it).

Could it be a faulty port? Maybe not enough power? Bad mobo? Something else?

It just all seems so random =/

 

[feelingtheblanks]

It shouldn't be related with the m-sata. The sticker is just saying that if you use one of those micro ssds on m-sata port then the 6th sata port will be disabled since they share the same port. So it's not the problem here. If the 6th port working alone, then it should work with others as well.

As I understand you are fine while using 5 sata ports but not 6, right?

Power might be a problem here especially if all the drives are on the same cable (even two different cables might cause a problem).

But i couldn't quite understand this part:

"If I connect all the drives and disconnect the rest, generally it will also boot up ok."

Which "rest" are you talking about here?

For a correct troubleshooting you just need to use every single drive on every port both single and together with some others. And also with different cables.

And also find out which drive has "???" in BIOS.

 

[Calvin7]

Using multiple kits of G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL isn't recommended.

From G. Skill FAQs:

Q:
I want to install more memory, in addition to my existing memory kit. What are my options?

A:
We do not recommend mixing memory kits, regardless of brand or model.

By mixing memory kits together, there may be compatibility issues such as unable to boot or unable to operate at rated specifications.

Each of our memory kit are thoroughly tested to ensure compatibility within each memory kit. And because we have not tested our memory kit with your existing memory kit, we cannot guarantee compatibility when multiple kits are used.

 

[feelingtheblanks]

He should have tested it with one stick of ram since it's one of the first things I've suggested.

 

[IntellectualHT]

Using multiple kits of G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL isn't recommended.

From G. Skill FAQs:

Q:
I want to install more memory, in addition to my existing memory kit. What are my options?

A:
We do not recommend mixing memory kits, regardless of brand or model.

By mixing memory kits together, there may be compatibility issues such as unable to boot or unable to operate at rated specifications.

Each of our memory kit are thoroughly tested to ensure compatibility within each memory kit. And because we have not tested our memory kit with your existing memory kit, we cannot guarantee compatibility when multiple kits are used.

He should have tested it with one stick of ram since it's one of the first things I've suggested.

First I wanted to thank you guys for helping, for someone who gets frustrated with this it's just awesome to have a community who's willing to help!

So here's the thing, this RAM was working just fine on the old board, so I wouldn't expect it to have an issue here. I did try running it with just 1 stick or RAM though and the issue remained.

Now I moved the SATA cables around a bunch of times to isolate the issue, and it seems to be random-ish.

At the moment, I have everything plugged in, and its been a bit random.

For example today in the morning I booted it and the first time it booted past the mobo screen and when it went to boot the drive (on the black screen) it came back with "Boot failure. Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device."

I rebooted and the second time it stopped before the mobo screen with an A2 error.

I rebooted a third time and it booted all the way and I've been using it all day no problem, copying stuff from hard drives, put on a high intensity game, etc and its all good.

Why is it so random? I figured the problem should at least be consistent so I can narrow the problem down.

By the way, remember that '??' I mentioned it shows when I'm actually in bios? Well when it does happen, it shows all bootable media as '??' including the CD/DVD drives, and even the nonexistent floppy drive. And when this happens I also can't select the 'hardware monitor' button (which controls the fans) as it freezes the computer.

Considering this new information what do you guys think?

 

[feelingtheblanks]

Does the problem happen while using 5 or less sata ports? Or is it random again? Does it keep happening while you are using integrated gpu and the discreet one is disconnected?

1- If it's not happening at all then it's either a power problem or an issue with motherboard's sata controller. But first you need to make sure that it's not a power problem. Try using different power cables etc...

2- If the problem keep happening randomly. Then you need to further test the drives to narrow the problem down until it's running stable for hours.

I'm sure you have your OS on the SSD but you also have to disconnect your SSD since it might the problem too.

It'd also be better if you could borrow a drive from a friend to increase your rotation.

Also does the "hardware monitor" still hang the system while only 1 drive is connected?

 

[K7z]

Hello everyone,

I just join in IntellectualHT his problem.
I apologize in advance for my english ( it is a google translation ) .

I recently bought a motherboard MSI H81M -P33 on which I put a I5- 4440 8GB of ram and a 128GB SSD and a DVD burner.

A very simple config , purified to a friend.
Only I have the same problems as him. I tested all of the SATA ports.

At first , I thought it vener my SSD . So I tested other SSD that I had with an OS disk with a normal OS . And always the same worries. I also changed the cables , I took them directly into the towers that used to work for a while.

Then I tried to reset the BIOS . Always the same message A2.

So, I turned to see the memories , if another message appears , then yes so it beeped normal . I handed the memories always A2 problem. So, I changed the memory , always the same.

Finally, I noticed that my CPU fan (the original Intel fan ) was loose. May be due to the fact that I had changed quite a component.
I reattached miracle and the tower is restarting .

Except that two weeks later, and the problem becomes very apparently is fixed. So I'm lost. I start from scratch.

If someone let me know the solution. After you say, must return the motherboard repair unless I see it will work for them as a miracle and come back down ... : (

If it can help you at the same time on the problem. Because then I can not see. The only thing I have yet to try is to change the power supply.
I'll do it as soon as my friend brings me round.

Good evening to all

 

[IntellectualHT]

Does the problem happen while using 5 or less sata ports? Or is it random again? Does it keep happening while you are using integrated gpu and the discreet one is disconnected?

1- If it's not happening at all then it's either a power problem or an issue with motherboard's sata controller. But first you need to make sure that it's not a power problem. Try using different power cables etc...

2- If the problem keep happening randomly. Then you need to further test the drives to narrow the problem down until it's running stable for hours.

I'm sure you have your OS on the SSD but you also have to disconnect your SSD since it might the problem too.

It'd also be better if you could borrow a drive from a friend to increase your rotation.

Also does the "hardware monitor" still hang the system while only 1 drive is connected?

Well I ran some tests to answer your question.

So the problem is actually quite random.

I booted my computer today, and it kept hanging on A2. Fine. So I start disconnecting the hard drives one by one. When I remove the third hard drive, then it hangs on some other error. I actually disconnected all SATA cables, and it would still hang.

What I've done is I just bought a power supply (A Corsair HX850) and this way I can at least rule out a power supply issue. It will arrive in a few days I think so I will at least be able to deal with that.

I also (finally) somehow managed to get it to reinstall the bios (I got into the bios somehow) and updated.

I've replaced cables, tried different SATA ports, removed all drives (including SSD) and yet it still had issues in the morning, so like you I'm either thinking power supply or motherboard itself. It's just strange that before I installed the Noctua FAN and the new I/O panel that everything was working just fine. What exactly changed?

 

[Jgleave9]

Does the problem happen while using 5 or less sata ports? Or is it random again? Does it keep happening while you are using integrated gpu and the discreet one is disconnected?

1- If it's not happening at all then it's either a power problem or an issue with motherboard's sata controller. But first you need to make sure that it's not a power problem. Try using different power cables etc...

2- If the problem keep happening randomly. Then you need to further test the drives to narrow the problem down until it's running stable for hours.

I'm sure you have your OS on the SSD but you also have to disconnect your SSD since it might the problem too.

It'd also be better if you could borrow a drive from a friend to increase your rotation.

Also does the "hardware monitor" still hang the system while only 1 drive is connected?

Well I ran some tests to answer your question.

So the problem is actually quite random.

I booted my computer today, and it kept hanging on A2. Fine. So I start disconnecting the hard drives one by one. When I remove the third hard drive, then it hangs on some other error. I actually disconnected all SATA cables, and it would still hang.

What I've done is I just bought a power supply (A Corsair HX850) and this way I can at least rule out a power supply issue. It will arrive in a few days I think so I will at least be able to deal with that.

I also (finally) somehow managed to get it to reinstall the bios (I got into the bios somehow) and updated.

I've replaced cables, tried different SATA ports, removed all drives (including SSD) and yet it still had issues in the morning, so like you I'm either thinking power supply or motherboard itself. It's just strange that before I installed the Noctua FAN and the new I/O panel that everything was working just fine. What exactly changed?

Hi i have msi H87M-G43 motherboard and im having the exact same issue!

Iv tried everything suggested in this feed and still at square 1.

It seems to be random to me also, it started working yesterday so i used the opportunity to download any updates available and on the reboot after the update BAM!!! A2 again....

IntellectualHT, did you have any luck with your new power source??

Im getting so frustrated with this, someone PLEASE help i dont know how much longer the whole unit will remain in one piece before my patience gets the better of me... haha

Thank you all

 

[aKaCerealKiller]

Does the problem happen while using 5 or less sata ports? Or is it random again? Does it keep happening while you are using integrated gpu and the discreet one is disconnected?

1- If it's not happening at all then it's either a power problem or an issue with motherboard's sata controller. But first you need to make sure that it's not a power problem. Try using different power cables etc...

2- If the problem keep happening randomly. Then you need to further test the drives to narrow the problem down until it's running stable for hours.

I'm sure you have your OS on the SSD but you also have to disconnect your SSD since it might the problem too.

It'd also be better if you could borrow a drive from a friend to increase your rotation.

Also does the "hardware monitor" still hang the system while only 1 drive is connected?

Well I ran some tests to answer your question.

So the problem is actually quite random.

I booted my computer today, and it kept hanging on A2. Fine. So I start disconnecting the hard drives one by one. When I remove the third hard drive, then it hangs on some other error. I actually disconnected all SATA cables, and it would still hang.

What I've done is I just bought a power supply (A Corsair HX850) and this way I can at least rule out a power supply issue. It will arrive in a few days I think so I will at least be able to deal with that.

I also (finally) somehow managed to get it to reinstall the bios (I got into the bios somehow) and updated.

I've replaced cables, tried different SATA ports, removed all drives (including SSD) and yet it still had issues in the morning, so like you I'm either thinking power supply or motherboard itself. It's just strange that before I installed the Noctua FAN and the new I/O panel that everything was working just fine. What exactly changed?

I am having the same problem though I've been running the same setup for over a year and a half wi th out changing a single component and I was gaming one night and woke up the next morning and got the A2 code...I unplugged the data cable for my DVD drive and it works....for now, I would like to know what's causing it before it gets worse though

 

[Guyusmaximus]

I have the same problem on a Z87-G45 Gaming - A2 Error at boot appears to be random despite unplugging/re-plugging everything and moving things around etc.

Finally upgraded the bios to the latest version using MSI Update program (during one of the rare times the PC did boot!) and it seems to have fixed the problem. A2 still appears but it gets past it and boots. If you cant boot I suggest that you download the Bios update to a usb stick and boot the mobo with no Sata devices attached and update the bios using the usb then clear the CMOS using the button on the back - disconnect power first and let capacitors drain and possibly remove cmos battery for a few mins.

let me know how you get on.

 

[VandalRG]

I've been running into this issue intermittently on my Z87-MPower Max MB and came across this thread today. I'm able to get past the A2 error by unplugging the USB 3.0 hub that's integrated into my monitor. Usually it boots fine even with it plugged in, but sometimes I get A2 and have to unplug it to reboot. I had this problem in the past with the USB 2.0 connection to my UPS. I've never needed to unplug any of my HDD's or reset the BIOS to get past it... it's just been a minor annoyance for me.

For reference I've got 8 Sata HDD's plugged into the MB, 2 of them are SSD's. Also 32GB of memory, so all 4 slots are in use.

Not sure if it will help anyone, but see if the system boots with your USB ports open. I'm going to try to update the BIOS as suggested by Guyusmaximus now...

 

[Ryan Fallon]

I ran into this same problem. I had just tried to Overclock and also changed the boot device (in the same time, horrible mistake changing two things at once without knowing what I'm doing). I got stuck with a black screen with A2 lower right and it wouldn't post past that. Clearing CMOS worked for me as it changed my BIOS settings back to the standard and let me get back into BIOS to at least figure out what I did wrong. Maybe that will at least help you get to your BIOS.

 

[kevinc27]

I had this issue on my zsi z97 gaming 7 motherboard. I returned the board. The board is faulty and should not behave this way. The build powered off for no reason after installing windows 8.1 and started power cycling after turning it back on. I was able to get it to boot up and work fine several times within a week but eventually I couldn't even get into the bios.
MSI gaming 7
Kingston hyper x 1600 mhz 2x4gb
Coolermaster V750
Intel 4690 w/ stock cooler
Crucial mx100 ssd
MSI GTX 760

 

[Tony081]

Hi my name is Tony, I have the same issue.

Specs:
Raidmax Casing Sigma 6 Cobra
MSI Z97 Gaming 3 Motherboard
Intel core i7 4790 3.6ghz CPU
2 x Patriot Gaming ddr3 4GB RAM modules @ 1600mhz (CLK 9)
850w Raidmax Semi-Modular PSU
Stock CD/DVD Rom

My pc booted up, got into Windows, played around for a while and then as if someone unplugged the pc, it would shut down then re-gain power and the A2 code was in the bottom right corner of a black screen.

I can load my BIOS from there by pressing delete (of course!!!)
It boots up again into windows after that or if a wait at the A2, it will boot anyway.
I tried unticking the "always restart option" on windows recovery, no BSOD, just the power loss.
So I returned the PSU to the retailer, great customer service BTW, and they swopped mine no hassles.
STILL the error persists.

I am taking the MOBO to the retailer to see if that might be the case and cause, will let you know if my problem is resolved.
I am starting to feel like it might be a temperature issue.

A friend has the same CPU and he has a water-cooling system.
He has the ASUS Crosshair V Formula LGA 1150 Motherboard.
and an 850w PSU.

Its just irritating coz I wanna game not sit with kak.

 

[Tony081]

P.S. Forgot to mention that everyone thinks that RAM modules might be the issue because if you have 4 slots the primary slots are A1 and A2, and the secondary slots are B1 and B2, however I thoroughly tested the hell out of my RAM, which is still crispy from factory to pc, and not once during any tests was there anything. The shutdowns happen at irregular times under different circumstances, which is making it so damn difficult to find a solution.

 

[Tony081]

I have an answer to the A2 digit at the bottom right corner. Its your system warning you that the RAM module in socket A2 is faulty or failing.
The retailer I bought the goods from had discovered that the RAM modules were faulty after I took it in.
He ran a different memory test to memtest64 that BSOD my pc which they then deduced it is the RAM from the BSOD error.
I am embarrassed to say the least.
I also then bought an H105 CM Water-Cooling System just in case.... and I am due to pick it up when the new RAM modules are installed along with the cooler, however the RAM still needs to arrive.
Anyway, I will post again should it be resolved or dreadfully persistent.