PCI bus initialization error

[thefossil]

This is a new one:

Building a system with an Intel m/board 815eea. Got the parts laid out to test before installing in case.

First try, 3 beeps (first 64k memory error) so I tried the second memory slot (only have one stick)

Second try, no beeps at all, black screen. The LED on the center of the board is green. The Diagnostic LEDs on the back show: PCI bus initialization error... and stalls there.

Do I send the board back? I haven't even tried a video card yet (it's got on-board video). I've got a hard drive connected... do I disconnect that, too?

BTW, I've got a 1.2 P3 Tualatin on there with a PowerLeap adaptor. I don't have a slower one (without the adaptor) to try.

[sm8000]

Can you test the RAM in another machine? www.memtest86.com

[Midknyte]

what kind of dimm is it? what is the size and how many chips per side? It could just be a high density dimm that the 815 cannot detect properly.

[thefossil]

I don't think it's the memory, actually, cuz I'm not getting the 3 beep error anymore. I'm leaning more toward the PowerLeap adaptor and the BIOS version not supporting it. They've replied to my question asking if I'm using BIOS P10. It's a little hard to tell if you can't even get to POST. I emailed back the ID sticker on the board (should tell the BIOS version, right?) and I've ordered an in-spec P3 1.0 Ghz FC (not FC2) processor that will fit directly in the FC socket without the need of an adaptor.

Here's the memory, anyway:
8-chip
hynix 320a
HY57V56820BT-H
PQ10088B

with a sticker on the back:
256G133
JC86
1003/06

I think I've got a PC100 64MB stick at work, I'll give that a try, too. BTW, I've tried both 100 and 133 speeds on the adaptor's jumper setting w/o success.

[Midknyte]

8chip 256? that's probably the reason. you need a 16 chip 256.

[sm8000]

As Midknyte points out, low density RAM may be more friendly to your board. The sticker may have the BIOS version or revision, but only the one that was initially there - not helpful if it's been updated.

Any chance you can try without the Powerleap adapter? Or with a different CPU altogether? For giggles, you could try that CPU (with and without the PLA) in another board.

[thefossil]

Of course I forgot to grab the memory from the drawer at my office today. I'll wrap a cable-tie around my finger to help me remember.

sm8000, I ordered a different processor. If it works, I'll update the BIOS to the latest/greatest and retry the 1.2 w/adaptor. I guess if THAT works, I'll have to order another board ($49 is all) and use the slower CPU on the 2nd board.

I'm just an occasional builder/frequent upgrader so I *DO* have some parts filling some drawers and cabinets, just not any that will sub as a CPU for this board.

I will keep you posted.

[thefossil]

OK, first tried other memory, still no go. Then tried the in-spec processor (P3 1.0) and it fired up no problem, even with the 8-chip memory.

I updated the BIOS to P9 BIOS to P11 (powerleap told me it needed at least P10, or was that P10 only?)

Tried the other processor, now I get, "Processor incompatible with system board, system shutting down in 3 seconds." Which it does.

I think I'm supposed to go back to P10 and P10 only on the BIOS. I'll write back Powerleap and see.

[thefossil]

Yep, needed P10 Bios (P11 locked out the upgrade, thanks Intel) so I found the older bios from a link on this board (thank you very much!) and "downgraded" to the older bios.

It works with both the 1.0 P3 and now with the 1.2 P3 Tualatin/adaptor combo as well... very cool. With the built-in LAN disabled (client will just be using a modem) it boots to windows in 30 seconds flat.

Now what do I do with the 1.0 P3? Looks like grandpa's gonna get a little upgrade!