Slow Boot - boot disk failure - Part 2

[asawadude]

I posted a few weeks back under the same subject title, discussing a few problems I had rebuilding my son's PC. I've built quite a few computers, but I've never had a problem like this one. I said I had a problem getting a newly assembled PC to properly boot. The computer is able to ID the video card, run the memory test, and auto-recognize the hard drive. However, from that point, the computer would take about 3 minutes to show the hardware settings summary screen, and another 2 minutes to show a boot failure even with the HD installed. At that time, I surmised I had a bad CPU.

Since then I have replaced, piece by piece, every single component, except the floppy drive, and I still have the same problem. I rechecked all my bios settings, reset the CMOS, used new IDE cables, reseated everything. I even prayed. Nada.

new parts:
AZZA 694 El Cheapo board
WD 30 GB 7200 RPM ATA100 drive (new cable)
Intel P3 1 GHZ Retail Box
Nvidia GForce2 64 MB
1 stick - PC133 256 MB
new case / new 300 watt PS

old parts:
mouse
keyboard
floppy

The PC will boot to a floppy with the HD disconnected. The HD works just fine on another PC. However, the computer will not boot up the HD, both with and without the floppy connected.

I am absolutely puzzled.
I did find out the hard way that the user's manual showed the exact opposite layout for the SW/RS/HDLED pin block; the board wouldn't boot until I reversed the plugs.

Now as I type this I wonder if SIMM bank 1 is really bank 3?

Anyone have any strong hunches?

I guess I'm not in much of a rush to get the machine running, now that my son has replaced his Diablo 2 addiction with watching WWF.

Regards, Asawadude

 

[Jakespeare]

My new saying: "Sometimes cheap hardware, is the "root of all evil."

I presume you have el-cheapo RAM also, huh ?

Try a new keyboard on that machine.



* Cry Just Once and buy Quality *

> I think you can understand what I'm saying here.

 

[asawadude]

I guess "el cheapo" is a relative term - Azza boards are generally 1/3 to 1/2 the price of an Asus, Abit, or Intel board, but it doesn't mean these boards have a tendency to fail. The RAM is Samsung and was tested with no problem on another box, ditto with the keyboard.

I'm sure I have something incorrectly set wrong, just can't figure out what it is. Maybe I need to jumper the bus speed.

Regardsm asawadude

 

[Jakespeare]

Well, the ONLY mainboards that I like to use with Intel processors ,,,,, have INTEL CHIPSETS on the mainboards.
Also, for a budget board, NOT el-cheapo, like the AZZA,
I use ...... Microstar, and am now trying Epox mainboards.

( I will NOT, use a PC-Chips, nor an AZZA - or some no-name, $49 mainboard, when for $20 more I can get a good board).


Also: I know for 100% sure, if I went to all that work, I would have tried a different floppy. without a doubt.

 

[edfair]

I've found with several like problems that the hangup is generally with identifying the hard drives.
I probably would disable onboard hdd stuff and try with expansion controller but you may not have that capability.
But you could disable 2nd channel and see if that speeds you up.
And you might want to let the HD autoident , then go back in and force it to user defined with the values auto found.
And disable any IDE devices that aren't used. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.