Updated Topic: System Doesn't Post With ECC Memory

[daviden]

Hardware (PCPartpicker List)

• Gigabyte C246M-WU4
• Intel Core i3-8100
• Integrated Graphics
• 4x16GB ECC DDR4 2166 (Samsung M391A2K43BB1-CPB)
• 2TB M.2 NVME Boot Drive
• 650W PSU

 

I have reviewed all steps in the readme about troubleshooting this issue and done what I can/is applicable. To be clear, I am able to power on the computer and have all the fans spin up, but it does not POST/there is no video output.

 

My Troubleshooting:

• I have unplugged everything that isn't necessary, so only the MOBO cable, CPU power cable, CPU fan cable, and one stick of RAM are plugged in. This includes removing any storage drives.
• I have cleared the CMOS by removing the battery and bridging the CMOS_CLR pins, each separately and also in one step. After doing so it appears the computer does some modified startup sequence with one or multiple power cycles before staying on, but still no POST.
• I have tried getting video out of both the iGPU and a decommissioned RX480, each with the same result.
• I have re-seated the CPU and RAM. I have tried booting with, in total, 5 different individual sticks of RAM (the 4 sticks meant for this computer and 1 stick of DDR4-3200 I had).
• I checked for any damaged MOBO pins and/or dirty CPU contacts.

I do not have access to hardware that would allow me to test different combos of CPU and MOBO, but at this point I'm pretty sure its the motherboard. I would appreciate any thoughts.

[esCaPade1]

It's tempting to blame the MBoard, especially as it's usually the cheapest to replace of all the components that could cause this POST behaviour.

I don't think there is anything further you can do, short of replacing bits to see what works. Just make sure you can return anything you buy if it doesn't help.

If the MB doesn't have a error code read out, are you able to connect a speaker or beeper (the brass disk things with what looks like white ceramic on them) to the case speaker pins on the front panel connections for the MB? Might help you get an error code.

Good luck!

 

[daviden]

3 hours ago, esCaPade1 said:

It's tempting to blame the MBoard, especially as it's usually the cheapest to replace of all the components that could cause this POST behaviour.

I don't think there is anything further you can do, short of replacing bits to see what works. Just make sure you can return anything you buy if it doesn't help.

If the MB doesn't have a error code read out, are you able to connect a speaker or beeper (the brass disk things with what looks like white ceramic on them) to the case speaker pins on the front panel connections for the MB? Might help you get an error code.

Good luck!

 

The board does have that troubleshooting functionality according to the manual, so I'll order a beeper and see if it gives me anything. After that I'll just go ahead and return the motherboard if I still can (it was from eBay and its still less than 30 days so I think I'm good). Thanks for your advice.

[esCaPade1]

No worries - hope you get it sorted!

[daviden]

Update:

 

I have a beeper and the results are confusing to me. When I have a single stick of the ECC memory I intended to use with this system installed, I get a continuous long beep code. There is no official beep code translator that I can find, but it seems its a memory error or possibly a graphics card error. I am using internal graphics though. so I don't think that could be it. I have tried all 4 sticks of ECC RAM I have and they all give me that code. The really confusing part is when I install a stick of DDR4-3200 I'm not using anymore (which is above the supported memory speed for this board) I get a single short beep which, according to the manual, indicates a successful POST. There is still no video output after all that still, though. My only guesses are A) the motherboard really is just fried and these are just symptoms, or B) maybe the BIOS needs to be flashed? I don't know how to flash the bios without posting though. I would appreciate any thoughts.

[Tridefender]

Hi, Intel specified the support of 8100 with Server Board M10JNP, instead of just saying c246 chipset.

I wonder if it's nuanced in this sense

[daviden]

I have updated the title of this topic because of this update

 

UPDATE:

I finally got it to post, I feel like I wasn't doing anything too different from what I was trying before, but whatever... The only problem now is that it will not accept my ECC memory at all. Every source I check says my memory is compatible. I don't want to believe that all four sticks of memory I have are dead, but I guess its possible. I can't find anything in the BIOS that pertains to ECC memory, and I've read that it should just accept it automatically. I'm not sure what to think right now.

[esCaPade1]

It is tricky. This could be RAM, CPU or MBoard. RAM is unlikely as 4 sticks behave the same. CPU is unlikely unless not seated correctly, because it's solid-state. MBoard is most probable, but it could just be the CPU contacts, BIOS firmware version, or something more serious. Impossible to tell without replacing something, or at least examining the CPU MBoard pins.

[daviden]

On 12/5/2024 at 3:28 AM, esCaPade1 said:

It is tricky. This could be RAM, CPU or MBoard. RAM is unlikely as 4 sticks behave the same. CPU is unlikely unless not seated correctly, because it's solid-state. MBoard is most probable, but it could just be the CPU contacts, BIOS firmware version, or something more serious. Impossible to tell without replacing something, or at least examining the CPU MBoard pins.

I have figured out what the problems are. The most important thing is that the RAM I got was NOT unbuffered, which explains why none of them were working at all. The model of RAM in my PCPartpicker list is correct, but when I ordered it from eBay I simply ordered the wrong model . My only defense here is that Samsung model numbers are too long and confusing.

 

The video issue was frustratingly user error, but I also blame my monitor a little. The monitor I was using for testing has multiple inputs being used (I use it as a monitor for both my PC and my old server computer). For an unknown reason, when my PC and old server were connected to this monitor via HDMI, the DP input would simply not work at all. The problem was as simple as unplugging the other inputs and suddenly I was getting video. Very annoying and it was a nasty red herring, but at least I know now.

 

Thank you to everyone who pitched in any advice!