Strange Boots.

[Dubtempo]

My computer has started doing this strange thing - in order for the BIOS to load, the comp has to run for 2 minutes then be restarted.

During those two minutes, power is flowing to all of the components, and the dvd drive lights up every few seconds (even though it's not on the bootlist or jumpered).

Is this a bad HD? Or is it something on the Mobo? Or something completely different?


I've tried a new PSU, diff surge, unplugging all drives other than the OS HD, etc.


Build:

Mobo{ ECS C19-A SLI V.1.1
BIOS{ Award 6.0
CPU{ Intel dual 2.8Ghz
RAM{ 4x1GB Gskill DDR2
GfxC{ Nvidia GeForce 7600
DVD{ Lite-on / HP
HD{ WD .25TB (OS) / Maxtor .5TB
pci{ Ralink (net)/
Kworld PVR883(vid capture)/
Creative SBAudigy2ZS (audio)
PSU{ Thermaltake Purepower 500
OS{ XP sp2

 

[daft]

try taking out all the parts except for the cpu and 1 stick of ram. if it continues, then switch out the stick of ram with another one. if it still persists, then you have motherboard problems and i would suggest contacting ECS about it

 

[Dubtempo]

i tried that awhile back, thanks tho. would a bad stick keep a BIOS from POSTing, but then allow it after 2+ mins? I've got the latest from ECS, and I don't think the Mobo is under warranty. maybe they'll just send me a new one!

- it's the whole "warming-up" deal that's throwing me for a loop - why would the comp need to run for two minutes before the BIOS would load?

 

[daft]

i once had a laptop that would take at least 20 min to "warm up" some techies said that it was the USB controller (laugh). i would still contact ECS to make sure.