DISCLAIMER: Don't open computers without gloves.

MIRAGE · Post by **MIRAGE** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:01 am

dude i know what your talking about, i opened my PSX and ran it just wired together on the floor, i accidently touched the PSU...OUCH!!!TINGLY!!!

totokan · Post by **totokan** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 2:04 pm

ouch. thats gotta hurt.

demonofaj · Post by **demonofaj** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 2:10 pm

I once accidentaly left my scarf on the 7805 last winter, while I was running it off a wall adapter. When i got back, a FLAMING SCARF

MM007 · Post by **MM007** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 2:40 pm

I think a checksum is a software integrity checking algorithm used to check the sum of the bits of data, or something along those lines. If it says BIOS checksum error, it may mean that your BIOS chip's data is corrupted, because the checksum of a working BIOS and the checksum of your BIOS do not match.

WHat you tried to do was change the CMOS, which is different from the BIOS, though they work together. What you may have wound up doing was corrupting the CMOS in ADDITION to the BIOS. ^^*

The BIOS is read only boot up firmware (Though with flash, BIOS can be upgraded without burning a new EEPROM, so it's not quite as Read Only anymore), while CMOS is what holds your personal boot up settings. BIOS controls both the most basic machine level devices needed to boot, as well as the Power On Self Test, which is is the black screen with text, while the CMOS data is manipulated and seen in the blue field. They are two different types of firmware. Basically, CMOS is kind of like a file of your hardware, boot, and password settings for the BIOS to access.

I'd make sure your BIOS chip is inserted correctly into your mobo, and that you didn't partially fry the chip while taking the mobo out.

Some BIOS problems can also be caused by harder to diagnose things, like Microprocessor problems, RAM problems, Video Card problems, and improper connections between those components and the motherboard. Improper grounding is supposed to also contribute, but I have never had that specific problem, and I've had mobos in cardboard boxes, grounded with Erector or Steel Tec pieces, if at all.

If you fried the chip, there are places that will help you replace it with a new one, burned with the right BIOS, for anywhere from $20-50 US, depending on the type.

totokan · Post by **totokan** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 4:44 pm

well, it turns out i was reading the wrong beep code. it really means the gfx card has issues.

MM007 · Post by **MM007** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:24 pm

See? ^^ Video Card. Make sure it is properly inserted and set to the correct voltage if necessary. Some AGP cards have different voltages depending on if they are 2x, 4x, or 8x. Since you messed with the board recently, I'd say it may be shorted out or inserted incorrectly/loosely.

That and try to fix your CMOS if it is still malfunctioning from your previous fix-it attempt. Don't use the paperclip this time. use the jumper or just remove the battery for five-ten seconds to be safe, and make sure the computer is unplugged.

Hope this helps!

totokan · Post by **totokan** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:42 am

1) i used a jumper on the cmos.
2) when did i mess with the board?(I'm not sure what you're talking about)
3) The mobo and gfx cards are AGP 8x.

The case is probably the problem. The card doesn't line up with the case, so you can't really screw it in without angling it or bending the mobo. I think this might be because of the video card, but if i get another one and I have this problem, i'll be pissed because i just bought this case on tuesday. And it's heavy, so i don't want to return it.

totokan · Post by **totokan** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 3:12 pm

Well, i got a new gfx card, and that was the problem. Now, it turns on, asks me about sata raid, than beeps and goes to a black screen with a flashing white '_' Every once in a while, it goes down a line. typing on this screen does nothing.