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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE - REV 7.1

Updated:  Tuesday, May 17, 2011


Although I wrote these procedures specifically for a
MSI K9N Diamond running Vista Home Premium, they can be applied to any PC build and Windows OS.

I am not a professional computer consultant.  I have no certifications.  This is simply one of my hobbies.

Would you like to help me?  If the information on this page helped you I would appreciate your feedback.

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You came to this page for one of two reasons:

  • You built a MSI K9N Diamond (or other PC) and it's not working properly, or

  • You are here casually because you want to increase your troubleshooting knowledge.

Although there are a few "pearls of wisdom" here, most is just common sense.

I've broken this Troubleshooting Guide down into several sections:

MENU

If you believe any of the information posted below is inaccurate please contact me.

About troubleshooting

Effective troubleshooting consist of taking logical steps and documenting the results.  You start with the most obvious solutions and make your way up the chain to complex solutions.

Some people say troubleshooting a PC is like looking for a needle in the haystack.  Believe me, there are far less components in a PC than there are pieces of hay in a haystack.  You should be able to resolve any PC problem in less than 3 days.  It really is simple.  Your PC will either reach a stable state or you will have to purchase replacement parts.

The goal of troubleshooting is to make your PC stable.  If you recently added a new piece of hardware (DIMM, optical/hard drive, etc.) or added new software/drivers and your PC is acting strangely then you may want to go back to the earlier configuration when your PC was stable.  In this case it is easy to determine the fault.

Most PC problems arise during or shortly after a new build or after adding new hardware/software/drivers.

The first step in any form of troubleshooting is determining the symptoms, then formulating a plan of attack.

More to follow later....

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Entering your ATX Case Chassis

Use this procedure EVERY TIME you have to enter your ATX Case Chassis.

  • Choose a clean room to work on your MSI K9N Diamond. 
  • A room with ceramic tile or a wooden floor is best.  A carpeted room is worst, i.e. do not place the chassis directly on a carpeted floor to work on it.
  • Wash your hands to remove any grease or body oil.  If you have long hair wear a hair net or hat. 
  • Remove the soda cans and/or other drinks, food, etc. from the work area.  You don't need the hassle of a spill.
  • TURN OFF THE PC.  I mean it!  Do it EVERY TIME.  I warned you!
  • Remove the access panel and place it where it will not be in the way.
  • Ground yourself by touching the power supply or the ATX case.  
  • Grounding straps are a good investment and they are very cheap. 

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My PC will not boot

Review my MSI K9N Diamond build procedures here.

FIRST PROCEDURE

INITIAL CONDITIONS
You booted your PC for the first time
Your PC did not successfully boot to the Bios screen

Turn off your PC and enter the chassis.

Ensure all components are seated/installed on the mainboard correctly:

  • Graphics card
  • DIMMs
  • CPU & Heatsink
  • SATA/IDE/FDD cables
  • Master/Slave jumpers are correct on IDE channel
  • All three power connectors are connected:
     
    • JPWR1 - ATX 24-pin Power Connector (Main Power)
    • JPW1 - ATX 12V Power Connector (CPU Power)
    • JPWR2 - ATX 12V Power Connector (Graphics card Power)

Once your components have been reverified reboot the PC.

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SECOND PROCEDURE

INITIAL CONDITIONS
You booted your PC for the first time
Your PC did not successfully boot to the Bios screen
You attempted the First Procedure above and it did not fix the problem
This procedure is also used for:

Turn off your PC and enter the chassis.

As stated in  the MSI K9N Diamond Quick User's Guide the NForce chipset is very sensitive to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge).  This may have a "footprint" in the memory module(s) power code.  Perform the following:

  1. Shut Down the PC.

  2. Unplug the Power Supply from the AC outlet and unplug the cord from the back of the Power Supply.

  3. If your Power Supply has an On/Off switch on the back of it turn it Off.

  4. Ground yourself and your PC.

  5. Remove all DDR2 DIMMs

  6. Remove the following power connectors on your mainboard:

  • JPWR1 - ATX 24-pin Power Connector
  • JPW1 - ATX 12V Power Connector
  • JPWR2 - ATX 12V Power Connector
  1. Clear CMOS.
  2. Reattached power connectors in Step 6 above.
  3. Place a DDR2 DIMM in DIMM3 (the slot closest to the CPU).
  4. Plug AC cord into Power Supply and AC outlet.
  5. If your Power Supply has an On/Off switch on the back of it turn it back On.

  6. Boot the PC.

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THIRD PROCEDURE

INITIAL CONDITIONS
You attempted the First & Second Procedures above and they did not fix the problem

Turn off your PC and enter the chassis.

  1. Install the D-Brackett™2 that comes with your MSI K9N Diamond.  It integrates four LEDs and allows users to identify system problems through 16 various combinations of LED signals.  In order for your D-Brackett™2 to work properly it has to be plugged in to the JDB1 pins.  If you like, print the D-Brackett™2 chart on a color printer with HP or Brother toner.
  2. Ensure you are in a position where you can view the LED signals on the D-Brackett™2.
  3. Boot the PC.
  4. Observe the LEDs on the D-Brackett™2.
  5. Record results.
  6. Match LED signal results with Description here. 

Most signal results are informational only and some will refer to a specific piece of hardware which may be the source of the problem.  Take action as appropriate.  The signal errors below are the most common with failed boots.

The CPU is damaged or not installed properly.  Recheck the CPU installation.  If this doesn't fix the problem you may have a bad CPU.
The video card may not be installed properly.  Recheck the video card installation.  If this doesn't fix the problem you may have a bad video card.
One or more of your DDR2 DIMM may be bad.  Recheck the DIMM installation.  If this doesn't fix the problem run the latest version of the following memory test program on each DIMM individually.  Memtest86+ (http://www.memtest.org) is a ram diagnostic tool that is bootable from a floppy disk or a CD.
Same as above.

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FOURTH PROCEDURE

INITIAL CONDITIONS
You attempted the First, Second & Third Procedures above and they did not fix the problem
Your PC will not successfully boot to the Bios screen

Turn off your PC and enter the chassis.

Barebones your PC.  Barebones simply means do not install/hook up all of your peripherals.

A Barebones PC will be configured like this:

  • Operating System Hard Drive
  • mouse
  • PS2 keyboard (USB keyboards on initial boot have failed on the MSI K9N Diamond)
  • One DVD/CD-rom device
  • A 56K PCI modem (in PCI Slot 1) to get on the internet for your download updates (If you do not intend to utilize the onboard LAN RJ-45 jack.
  • Two speakers in 2-channel mode for Stereo-speaker Output

Once again let me emphasize:

No PCI cards.  No joysticks.  No Palm cradles.  No printers, No second DVD/CD-rom device, No other USB devices, ETC. ETC. 

The biggest advantage to this approach is that the initial system boot will be a lot smoother.  The fewer peripherals the system has to initially identify and install will mean a faster boot.  In addition, this barebones technique not strain your power supply.

Once your PC is configured as described in this procedure follow the directions in the FIRST PROCEDURE above.

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My PC will not load Windows

Review my MSI K9N Diamond build procedures here.

FIRST PROCEDURE

INITIAL CONDITIONS
Your system successfully boots to Bios and appears stable.
Your initial/subsequent Windows installation failed

Turn off your PC and enter the chassis.

Before attempting to loading Windows again barebones your PC.  Only install the following:

  • Monitor
  • One hard drive
  • One CD/DVD optical drive
  • PS2 keyboard (USB keyboards on initial boot have failed on the MSI K9N Diamond
  • Mouse
    • No Speakers
    • No Printers
    • No scanners
    • No Joysticks
    • No other USB devices

NOTE:  At this point if you have installed additional hard drives, CD/DVD optical drives, printers, etc., just unplug the IDE/SATA/USB cables and power connectors.

The goal here is to load Windows with the least amount of stress on the hardware installation.

  1. Enter Bios.  Enter "Load Fail-Safe Defaults" and then select OK.   Press ESC to return to Bios Main Menu.
  2. Enter "Advanced BIOS Features" in Bios.  Modify the "Boot Sequence" for the Operating System (OS) you plan to install.  Set 1st Boot Device to "CD/DVD" IDE1 Master.  Press ESC to return to Bios Main Menu.
  3. Place the WIN Vista/XP Install DVD/CD into the CD/DVD tray.  While still in Bios select "Save & Exit Setup".
  4. Your PC will now "reboot" to "DVD/CD" for WIN Vista/XP install.

    NOTE:  ALWAYS perform an Operating System "Clean" Install from the Fail-Safe Default Bios settings.  Format and partition the hard-drive (HDD) according to your preferences.

When I installed Vista the installation only took about 25 minutes.  Towards the end of the installation my monitor turned all black for about five minutes.  My hard drive LED still showed activity during this time.  When my PC automatically rebooted my monitor came back on.  So - if your monitor turns black during the Vista installation just ride it out and see what happens.

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My PC freezes/unexpectedly restarts/BSOD

Review my MSI K9N Diamond build procedures here.

INITIAL CONDITIONS
Your PC is able to boot to Bios and Windows
Your PC freezes
Your PC unexpectedly restarts
Your PC goes to BSOD

Freezes, restarts, and BSODs are caused by hardware and software problems.

  • If your PC was stable until you replaced or added new hardware it is most likely a hardware problem.
  • If your PC was stable until you loaded new software then it is most likely a software problem.

SOFTWARE

  • Visit the manufacturer's website and ensure you are running the latest version of the software.  Software vendors update their software with "patches".
  • Nearly every piece of software available has been patched by the manufacturer.
  • Ensure you have the latest patch installed.
  • Ensure you selected the proper patch for your Operating System, XP, Vista, etc.
  • Check for patch updates on a regular basis.
  • Enable Windows Update.
  • Use a Windows Registry Cleaner program.  I recommend RegCure.

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FIRMWARE

  • Firmware is software that is embedded in a hardware device.  It usually resides in the Flash ROM.
  • If you are having trouble with a specific peripheral check to see if it has firmware and what version it is.
  • Check your hardware manufacturer's website to ensure your peripheral has the lasted firmware installed.
  • Most Optical Devices (CD-RW, DVD-R, MP3 players) have firmware.

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DRIVERS

  • Hardware needs "Drivers" to operate correctly in the Operating System.
  • When you install new hardware load the drivers.
  • After loading new drivers from a CD-rom always check online for newer versions.
  • Ensure your drivers are up-to-date for your Operating System, XP, Vista, etc.
  • If you updated a driver and now your PC is not stable use this procedure to roll back your driver.
  • Check for driver updates on a regular basis.
  • For the MSI K9N Diamond mainboard always use NVIDIA drivers.
  • The most important drivers are the Graphics Driver.

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BIOS

  • Bios is the first program run when your PC is turned on.
  • The primary function of the BIOS is to prepare the machine so other software programs can load, execute, and assume control of the PC.
  • Only flash your Bios to fix a problem.
  • Do not  flash your Bios just because a new version was released.
  • If your PC is running fine do not flash your Bios.
  • MSI K9N Diamond Bios updates can be found here.
  • Flash your bios using this procedure.

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OPERATING SYSTEM

  • Ensure you have the latest Service Pack installed.
  • Enable Windows Update.
  • If your OS is damaged you can "Repair" it.
  • Follow this Vista Repair guide.
  • If any of the above "Repairs" do not fix the problem then perform a Clean Installation.

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HARDWARE

I installed new hardware and now my PC is not stable

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

  • Ensure your PSU is at least 500W with a minimum of 28 Amps on +12v.

  • For the MSI K9N Diamond ensure JPWR1 - ATX 24-pin Power Connector (Main Power), JPW1 - ATX 12V Power Connector (CPU Power), and JPWR2 - ATX 12V Power Connector (Graphics card Power) are connected to the PSU.

Video Card

  • Ensure the card is seated properly.
  • If your card has a power connector attached it to a 6-pin PCI Express Power Connector JPWR2.
  • Ensure the latest drivers are installed.
  • If your card has a built-in fan verify that it works/turns.
  • Verify it's correct operation in Device Manager.  The Device Status General Tab should say, "This device is working properly".

DDR2 DIMM

  • Ensure the DIMM is seated properly.
  • Ensure the DIMM is on the manufacturer's Test List of approved hardware.
  • Run the latest version of Memtest86+ (http://www.memtest.org) memory test program.  Replace DIMM if it fails the test.
  • Test each DIMM individually. 
  • Adjust DIMM voltage in Bios.  See DIMM manufacturer's voltage specifications. 
  • Some DIMM will not work properly if the voltage is set to "Auto" in Bios.
  • I use Kingston DIMM set to "Auto" in Bios.

Hard Drive

  • Ensure the HDD is connected properly (SATA or IDE).
  • If IDE, ensure Master/Slave is set correctly.
  • Ensure your HDD has a power connector attached to it.
  • Verify it's correct operation in Device Manager - .  The Device Status General Tab should say, "This device is working properly".
  • Run Tools (Error-checking and Defragmentation) to check your HDD.

Optical Drive

  • Ensure the Optical Drive is connected properly (SATA or IDE).
  • If IDE, ensure Master/Slave is set correctly.
  • Ensure your Optical Drive has a power connector attached to it.
  • Ensure the latest Firmware is installed.
  • Verify it's correct operation in Device Manager.  The Device Status General Tab should say, "This device is working properly".

CPU

  • Verify it's correct operation in Device Manager.  The Device Status General Tab should say, "This device is working properly".  Dual-core CPUs will have TWO listings in Device Manager.
  • Ensure your CPU is seated properly in the AM2 socket.
  • Ensure your heatsink is seated properly on the CPU.
  • Check CPU temperature in Bios.

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My PC boots slowly

INITIAL CONDITIONS
Your system successfully boots to Windows and appears stable.
Your PC boots to Windows slowly.

A slowly booting PC is related to hardware and software problems.  They can both be easily identified and fixed.

The causes of a slow boot are:

  • Your Primary Boot Hard Drive is more than 80% full.

  • Boot Hard Drive cache is too small, 2MB, etc.

  • Boot Hard Drive RPM is too slow, i.e. 5400 rpm.

  • Your ATA speed is too slow, i.e. 33

  • Your IDE cable is not rated high enough.

  • Your Primary Boot Hard Drive is not configured to boot first in Bios.

  • Primary Boot Hard Drive is too small.

  • Primary Boot Hard Drive is fragmented.

  • Your Primary Boot Hard Drive may have bad sectors or file folder errors.

  • Your Desktop may have too many icons.

  • You only have one hard drive on your PC.

  • Your PC does not have enough RAM.

  • You have an excessive number of programs in the Windows Startup folder.

  • System Configuration Startup is loading too many programs.

  • Your PC has a virus.

  • Drivers/Firmware are out-of-date.

  • Windows is out of date, i.e. Service Pack.

  • Windows Operating System is corrupted.

  • Your Windows Registry has unnecessary entries.

Fixes:

  • Ensure your Primary Boot Hard Drive is no more than 50% full.

  • Purchase a hard drive with at least 8MB of cache, 16MB cache is much better.

  • Purchase a hard drive with a RPM of at least 7200 rpm.

  • I recommend a Primary Boot Hard Dive size of 80GB.

  • Ensure your hard drive supports ATA 133.

  • Ensure your IDE cable is rated for ATA 133.

  • Configure your Primary Hard Drive to boot first in Bios.

  • Add more RAM to your PC.  2GB is best in Dual-Channel mode.

  • Run "Defragmentation" from hard dive Tools.

  • Run "Error-checking" from hard drive Tools.

  • Clean up your Desktop and remove unnecessary icons.

  • Reserve your Primary Boot Hard Drive for the Operating System and Program files only.  Purchase a second hard drive to store all of your data files (MP3s, Word documents, Digital Photos, etc.).

  •  Remove all programs from the Windows Startup folder.

  • Verify System Configuration Startup and configure as recommended here.

  • Scan your PC for viruses/spyware on a regular basis and take appropriate action.

  • Ensure your drivers/firmware are up-to-date.

  • Ensure you are running the latest Windows Service Pack.

  • Repair Windows Operating System.

  • Purchase a Registry Cleaner Program and run it.


System Configuration Startup

  1. Exit all programs.
  2. Go to Start > Run >
  3. In the "Open" box Type "msconfig" and select "OK".
  4. In System Configuration select the "Startup" tab.
  5. You will concentrate on the "Startup Item" and "Command" columns.

Programs that load when Windows boots will have a checkmark in the box next to the Startup Item.  The majority of the programs are NOT critical to your PC booting to Windows and only slow down the boot process.  These programs should be removed from the boot process by unchecking the checkmark in the box next to the Startup Item.

  1. These programs SHOULD be checked.  Drag the column dividers with your mouse so you can read the full descriptions.
  • Anti-Virus and Spyware programs
  • Windows Operating System programs
  • Video card support
  1. All other programs should be unchecked.  Drag the column dividers with your mouse so you can read the full descriptions.  Example programs are Adobe, AOL, Nero, Creative, Logitech, etc.  The only sidebar here is that if you KNOW you want a program to load at boot leave the checkmark in the box next to the Startup Item.  You can always go back later and recheck a box if needed.
  2. Select "Apply", then "OK", and "Restart".
  3. Your PC will now reboot.
  4. When your PC boots back to the Windows Desktop a message will appear that you have "altered the ways Windows starts".  Select "OK".
  5. Your PC should have booted faster.

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Miscellaneous Procedures

CLEAR CMOS

Turn off your PC and enter the chassis.

Clear CMOS buttonThere is a custom red button on the MSI K9N Diamond mainboard, just above the six SATA connectors.  The CMOS RAM is powered by an external battery to keep the system configuration data.  If you need to clear the CMOS RAM system configuration all you have to do is press the CMOS button to clear the data.  I recommend pressing and holding the button for at least two seconds.

Please note:  If your USB keyboard does not respond after clearing CMOS, use a PS2 keyboard (Once you reset CMOS, booting from a USB keyboard has a history of failing on the MSI K9N Diamond).  Sometimes, not always.

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ONBOARD SOUND DOES NOT FUNCTION

INITIAL CONDITIONS
OS Vista was successfully installed
Your speakers are connected to the Audio Port Connectors on the back of the mainboard
No sound is coming from your speakers

The MSI K9N Diamond comes with a build-in Creative® Sound Blaster Audigy SE sound card.  It offers 24-bit/96 KHz audio quality, 100db signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) – which is a professional level and up to 7.1 channel audio with SPDIF-out.  It also supports EAX Advanced HD 3.0 and Dolby Digital EX. 

The current Creative SB software (the CD that came with your speakers) will work with XP but not Vista.  However, your speakers will still work with the native Vista drivers included on the Vista installation DVD.

If you are running Vista and have no sound perform the following:

1.  Uninstall the Creative SB software from programs (it's not Vista ready and will not work anyway)
2.  Uninstall the Creative SB entries from Device Manger Properties
3.  Disconnect your speakers
4.  Return to Desktop and then shutdown the PC
5.  Reconnect your speakers and boot to Desktop.  You should now have sound.
6.  Install the Creative SB Audigy SE Vista drivers from the Creative website.

If you still do not have sound:

1.  Ensure the "Onboard Audio Controller" is enabled in bios.
2.  Ensure JAUD1 is jumpered on your mainboard.  Pins 5-6 and 9-10 need to be jumpered to have sound directed to the back of the mainboard.  See page 2-15 of the Quick User's Guide.

JAUD1

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INSTALLING A NEW AM2 CPU

INITIAL CONDITIONS
Your PC is stable
Your bios supports the new CPU speed

Turn off your PC and enter the chassis.

  1. If necessary, update your bios.
  2. Complete Steps 1-6 in My PC will not boot - SECOND PROCEDURE.
  3. Unplug the CPUFAN1 connector.
  4. Carefully remove the heatsink.  The thermal paste will have bonded with the top of the old CPU and the bottom of the heatsink.  You will have to clean the bottom of the heatsink and remove all traces of the thermal paste if you intend to reuse the heatsink.
  5. Remove the old CPU by pulling the AM2 Socket lever slightly sideways away from the socket and lift it up to a 90-degree angle.
  6. Using your fingers remove the old CPU from the AM2 socket.
  7. Remove your new CPU from it's protective box and be careful not to touch the pins with your fingers. 
  8. Hold the new CPU by it's edges. 
  9. Look at the new CPU closely.  Look for the Gold Arrow in one of the CPU's corners and point/align it towards the lever pivot on the mainboard CPU AM2 socket seat.  THE CPU WILL ONLY FIT IN ONE ORIENTATION.
  10. Using very little force (gravity alone may suffice....) drop the new CPU onto the CPU AM2 socket seat and it's pins should all lineup and the CPU pins should embed into the socket. 
  11. Hold the CPU down with your fingers and close/lock the lever. 
  12. Follow my heatsink installation instructions.  
  13. Complete Steps 7-12 in My PC will not boot - SECOND PROCEDURE.

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HOW TO ROLL BACK DRIVERS
 

INITIAL CONDITIONS
You installed a new driver and now your PC is not stable
  1. Click on Control Panel > Device Manger
  2. In Device Manager highlight the specific device that needs the driver rolled back.
  3. Right-click the device and select Properties.
  4. Select the second Tab (Driver) and select Roll Back Driver.
  5. A pop-up window will confirm if you want to continue the action.

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Common Problems and Mistakes

This section is divided into Problems and Mistakes.  Problems are due to something you may have no control over or they may be due to something you did to your PC like add new hardware, new drivers, etc.  Mistakes are errors that you made while assembling your PC.  In either case it is something you will have to resolve.

Problem - Bad mainboard. 

  • If you have exhausted all of the troubleshooting techniques on this page and you still have problems you may have a bad mainboard. 

  • Call MSI Customer Support and request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA).

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Problem - Inadequate Power Supply Unit (PSU). 

  • Problems related to an inadequate PSU usually arise when your PC is under load, i.e. when burning a CD/DVD or when playing a demanding high-end video game.

  • Symptoms are:  BSOD and inadvertent reboots.

  • Use a PSU of at least 500W and with a minimum of 28 Amps on +12v.

  • For the MSI K9N Diamond ensure JPWR1 - ATX 24-pin Power Connector (Main Power), JPW1 - ATX 12V Power Connector (CPU Power), and JPWR2 - ATX 12V Power Connector (Graphics card Power) are connected to the PSU.

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Problem - Bad DIMM. 

  • Symptoms are:  BSOD, inadvertent reboots, and screen lock-ups.

  • Ensure your DIMM is seated properly in the DIMM slot.

  • Test your memory sticks by running the latest version of Memtest86+ (http://www.memtest.org), a ram diagnostic tool that is bootable from a floppy disk or a CD. 

  • Test each DIMM individually. 

  • Replace the DIMM if it fails the Memtest86+ test. 

  • Most quality DIMMs carry a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. 

  • Do not purchase DIMMs which do not carry a lifetime guarantee.

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Problem - Bad Bios Flash

  • Perform the Second Procedure above in My PC will not boot
  • If the procedure above does not fix the problem repeat the entire procedure again and add this additional step:  Remove the battery in Step 6 and replace it in Step 8.
  • Flash your bios using this procedure.
  • Please note:  Use a PS2 keyboard (Once you reset CMOS, booting from a USB keyboard has a history of failing on the MSI K9N Diamond)
  • If you are unable to flash your bios after a bad flash your mainboard may be dead.
  • If you mainboard is dead it's time to go here.

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Problem  - Monitor will not work. 

  • Ensure your video card is seated properly in the PCI-E1 slot.

  • The MSI K9N Diamond has a specific graphics card power supply connection on the mainboard.

  • Ensure JPWR2 is connected to the PSU.

  • Ensure all graphics card drivers are up-to-date

  • Some high-end graphics cards have a dedicated 6-pin PCI-E power connector; ensure it is connected to the PSU. 

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Problem  - Bios will not keep time or settings.

  • The battery on your mainboard is dead.

  • Replace the battery.

  • Clear CMOS and reboot.

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Problem  - USB will not work.

  • Check your USB controllers in Device Manager.

  • Enable your USB controller/USB 2.0 controller in Bios.

  • Ensure your USB drivers are up-to-date.

  • Check your USB pin connectors on the mainboard, they may be installed backwards.

  • Swap USB pin connectors to another USB pin set on the mainboard and reboot the PC.

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Problem  - IEEE 1394 Firewire will not work. 

  • Check your IEEE 1394 bus host controllers in Device Manager.

  • Enable your IEEE 1394 controller in Bios.

  • Ensure your IEEE 1394 drivers are up-to-date.

  • Check your IEEE 1394 pin connectors on the mainboard; they may be installed backwards.

  • Swap IEEE 1394 pin connectors to another IEEE 1394 pin set on the mainboard and reboot the PC.

Problem  - Onboard GigaBit LAN 0&1 will not function

  • Check Bios and ensure Onboard GigaBit LAN0 and LAN1 are enabled

  • Check Device Manager Network adapters

  • Swap RJ-45 cable

  • Clear CMOS

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Problem  - High temperatures. 

  • You must get your temperatures under control. 

  • Consistently high temperatures will kill or reduce the life of your CPU.

  • High temperature will cause your CPU to be unstable resulting in unexpected restarts, freezes, or BSOD.

  • High temperatures come in two varieties:  CPU & System.

  • Good CPU temperatures are 100˚F and below.

  • Okay CPU temperatures are 101˚F-115˚F.

  • Any CPU temperature over 116˚F should be addressed.

  • System temperatures are usually ~5˚F higher than CPU temperatures.

  • Your PC System temperature will run cooler in the Winter when your room temperature is 68˚F then in the Summer when your room temperature is 85˚F.

  • Ensure your heatsink was designed for your CPU.

  • Most AMD CPUs come with a stock heatsink.

  • If the stock heatsink does not lower your temperatures enough purchase a new heatsink. 

  • Heatsinks come in many shapes and sizes. 

  • Select a high-end heatsink rather than a low-end heatsink.

  • Ensure the heatsink is installed properly.

  • Ensure your heatsink fan turns. 

  • Some heatsink fans have a speed adjustment.

  • Ensure your CPU fan is turning at the proper speed.

  • Ensure thermal paste was installed correctly on the CPU.

  • Some heatsinks come with thermal paste already installed.  You only have to remove a piece of tape. 

  • Thermal paste has to cure.  It will take 3-5 days to cure in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. 

  • You must power down your PC during the curing process to enable your CPU to completely cool for a few cycles; i.e. shutdown your PC over night - do not leave it on continuously.

  • Ensure you have adequate fan capacity/air flow in your chassis.

  • Your chassis should have a minimum of two fans. 

  • The front fan should bring air into the chassis and the back fan should remove air from the chassis.

  • A 120mm fan is better than a 80mm fan.

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Mistake - Grounded Mainboard. 

  • Your mainboard must be properly attached to your ATX chassis mainboard tray. 

  • For the MSI K9N Diamond ensure you use nine metal standoffs, one in each of the ATX "A" mainboard tray holes.

  • Some mainboards require washers between the screw and mainboard; the MSI K9N Diamond does not.

  • If your mainboard requires washers they will usually come with the mainboard.

  • Ensure that no other metal parts are in contact with the mainboard.

  • Use a good quality electrical tape to cover any questionable metal parts which may come in contact with the mainboard.

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Mistake - CPU/Heatsink installed incorrectly. 

  • The CPU must be correctly seated into the AM2 socket. 

  • The Gold Arrow in one of the CPU's corners must point/align towards the lever pivot on the mainboard CPU seat.

  • Make sure the CPU is seated flush with the base of the AM2 socket. 

  • When the CPU is correctly seated you will not be able to see any of the pins.

  • If your heatsink is installed incorrectly you WILL have high temperatures and you WILL run the risk of burning out your CPU.  In addition, high temperatures may cause your PC to behave erratically.

  • Check your CPU/System temperatures in Bios or install Dual Core Center.

  • My PC temperatures average:  CPU 93F and System 95F.

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Mistake - Power LED/HDD LED not active. 

  • Your connector pin(s) is/are on backwards.

  • Simply turn them around on the pin connectors and reboot.

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Mistake - Optical/Hard drive(s) not present in My Computer. 

  • Check your device(s) in Device Manager.

  • If using the IDE channel ensure OnBoard IDE Controller is enabled in Bios.

  • If utilizing the IDE channel ensure your device(s) Master/Slave pins are jumpered correctly.

  • Once the IDE device pins are jumpered correctly reboot the PC.

  • If using SATA ensure OnChip SATA is set to [Device 0/ 1/ 2] in Bios.

  • Configure your Boot Sequence in Bios - Advanced Bios Features.

  • The MSI K9N Diamond is a SATA mainboard.  I strongly recommend using only SATA hard drives.

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Mistake - Floppy drive light always on. 

  • If your Floppy drive light is always on it means your FDD cable is connected backwards to the back of your Floppy drive.

  • Simply turn off the PC, enter the case and turn the cable around on the back of your Floppy drive and reboot the PC.

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Honor the Missing in Action and Killed in Action of Taffy III

We do remember.  We won't forget.
Robert Jon Cox - webmaster@bosamar.com
Last revised May 17, 2011
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