nf4 Ultra D Boot up Issue

Reijison · nFHQ Member

Hi!

I'm running a DFI NF4 Lanparty UT Ultra-D mobo and recently flashed it to the latest version of (4/6/06 I believe) and have had a nightmare ever since. I flashed the correct version, but ever since I flashed the bios, I cannot use more than 1 stick of memory at a time. I've tried every slot, the only one that works is the topmost orange slot. If I place more than that in anywhere, the computer just doesn't make any post start noises and nothing happens.

If that wasnt' enough, I can't get my motherboard to detect the existance of anything plugged into SATA slot 3 and 4. I have 2 raid 0 SATA hds hooked up into slotd 1 and 2, which Windows Boots off of, and they work fine. I tested my HD on another computer (and tested another new HD), and they worked fine on another computer, just not mine. I double and tripple checked that all sata ports and enabled.

I can't remember what bios version I was using prior, as the bios I attempted to save previous to flashing refuses to work.

I've contacted DFI support, but all they said was to RMA the board (which I did), and I'm still having the same issue with the same bios version.

/sigh

Anyhelp is much appreciated!!

System specs are in signature, PSU is running at 500w (everything used to work prior to bios update, so I assume it's not a PSU issue...).

Your my last hope!

wardog · **Exited the premises.** Ultra nForced

"(4/6/06 I Believe)" ? Please be specific. For if you believe then it only leads me "to believe".

With 2 sticks in and the no-boot situation, how many of the diagnostic LEDs are displayed?

Have you entered the rams timings manually in the BIOS? DO NOT leave them to AUTO. Do this with the sticks in the ORANGE SLOTS.

Was there a specific reason you needed to flash to whatever BIOS you're at now? "If it aint broke ........."

Reijison · nFHQ Member

Bios version is 4/6/06 (latest version)

I'll check the LED lights when I get home, so I can't be certain on that.

I have not yet tried to mess with the ram settings in the bios. Optomized defaults is currently what it's running on with sata/raid enabled.

The ram is currently in the topmost orange slot, when I did try 2 sticks, I started with both orange slots, but tried them all eventually with no luck.

I originally flashed my bios because I was having issues with Windows Vista Blue Screens and was looking for other solutions. I've since figured out what the problem was, but at the time, I didn't know... /stupidsigh

wardog · **Exited the premises.** Ultra nForced

If you haven't already;

Note, do the below with one stick in the top-most slot as we'll need it this way to get into Windows.

1: Clear the CMOS using the jumper for 10 minutes.

2: Re-enter the BIOS and select Load Optimized Defaults from the main(first) BIOS screen, say Yes when prompted, next select Save & Exit Setup, let it reboot to Windows.

3: From Windows, Turn Off. Put the other stick in the remaining Orange slot. Enter the BIOS and make the changes outlined above. Then enter the PnP/PCI Configuration screen and enable Reset Configuration Data. Back out of there to the Main screen, select Save & Exit Setup and let it attempt reboot on it's own.

Get ya any further along?

Reijison · nFHQ Member

Ive done step 1 and 2 before, but I've never successfully restarted on step 3. When I get home tonight, I'll try enabling the reset configuration, I have not tried that before.

Thanks. Smile

AMD Fanatic · nFHQ Member

What was the reason to flash your bios in the first place??

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is the saying and this is even more true with bios flashing. I'm still using the bios that shipped with my board, 11/14/05 and I'm getting some real good results with it.

Reijison · nFHQ Member

I tried the steps you mentioned, no luck. I can only boot up with 1 stick of ram in the orange top slot.

I flashed the bios in an attempt to resolve an issue with vista.

wardog · **Exited the premises.** Ultra nForced

How many LEDS are stuck on?

Show the link to the downloadable BIOS file your using.

Do a long clear as decribed HERE.

TMods BIOS CD is what you should be using to flash with. Grab it HERE.

Reijison · nFHQ Member

Here's the URL for the bios I'm using:

http://us.dfi.com.tw/Support/Download/bios_download_us.jsp?PRODUCT_ID=3471&STATUS_FLAG=A&SITE=NA

I'm using the latest download (the top one from 4/6/06)

When I'm using 2 Sticks of Ram (when it doesn't start up) 3 lights appear. I believe that means everything is detected, but is not starting up?

As for the long clear, I will try that tonight. I've done something similar in the past with a 24 hour clear and holding down the incert button on start up. On my previous motherboard, after the flash, I couldn't start up period. That fixed it so I could start up with 1 stick, but 2 sticks of ram just isn't working. I'll give it a shot.

Out of curiosity, is WinFlash any good? I've been hearing horror stories about it lately.

wardog · **Exited the premises.** Ultra nForced