Supermicro X6DAL-G Problems!

[Nero]

I'm building the following system for a friend:

Supermicro X6DAL-G
2x 3.2ghz Xeon EMT64 (stock cooling)
2x 1GB PQI PC3200 ECC DDR
Radeon X800XL
Thermaltake TWV480 480w PSU
74GB 10K Raptor

The system powers on, the mobo's two diagnostic LEDs show read as everything being OK, there are no error beeps, but I can't get it to POST (no video signal). I've double-checked all connectors and reseated everything. I don't have access to a PCI video card right now (the obvious answer), but I have swapped the X800XL for another X800XL, and get the same problem.

At this point there are several things it could be: it could be the RAM (though why no error beep?), it could be an incompatibility between the motherboard and video card, heck it could be the motherboard itself (though it'll take a lot of swapping to nail the mobo down as being dead).

With all the different possibilities, I'm stumped. Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

[dicecca112]

its the PSU, its now suppling enough power on the 12V rail, you need at least 28A, and if memory serves it only supplys 26A.

[Nero]

I wasn't able to find any amperage requirements on the manufacturer's website or the manual. What PSU would you reccomend, something along the lines of Antec's 550w EPS (36A on 12v)?

[dicecca112]

that PSU would be perfect

[diehrd]

Pull 1 CPU and see if it will post..

[dicecca112]

telling you diehrd its that psu, some one over at 2cpu had the same issue with the same psu, coincidence I think not.

[diehrd]

I an not disagreeing just offering advice to ensure he ont pay for a PSU if he does not need it..

[dicecca112]

I know, just saying, it can't be a coincidence, but I see where you are coming from.

[samuraisam]

It could be his reset button too. :)

Heh, I've had several do this to me. Unplug your reset button connector and see if it works. :D

-Sam

[Nero]

Alright guys, here's an update:

Starting with just one processor, and nothing else, the mobo gives the beep code for “no RAM”. After I inserted the RAM, I get the beep code for “no video card/video card error”. I got a hold of a PCI video card, and put that in, only to be greeted with the same error beep. But wait… after powering the system off and on several times, I got the system to POST and I was able to enter the BIOS. However, I could not reliably get the system to POST. It seemed completely arbitrary whether or not the system would POST or give the “no video” error code. Still, after a lot of powering off/on and component swapping, I have determined that both processors are working (though not at the same time), the X800XL is working, and both sticks of RAM are working. The only explanation I have think of at this point is the PSU (as dicecca112 suggested), but before I go and order a new PSU (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-918&depa=1), anyone else have any bright ideas?

[dicecca112]

get it from here http://shop.store.yahoo.com/directron/antectrue550.html

[Nero]

Directron is so rarely cheaper than Newegg that I didn't even think to look. Thanks for the link!

[hdutoit]

Hi Nero, I have the same issues you had back in 2005 with a supermicro X6DAL-G motherboard. Did you ever resolve the issue? If so would appreciate your help.

[Metlcub]

Yea sounds like the PSU cant handle the power required by the set up.

[TempliNocturnus]

I'd pull a PSU from your main rig and see if you get any different results, before buying a new one.

A common mistake I've seen with server motherboards is that people buy performance RAM with higher voltage requirements than their board can supply. I just finished building a server with a SuperMicro board last night, and when I ordered the parts, I read the datasheet for my board and found that the maximum vDIMM it supports is 1.5v. So had I bought the RAM I originally picked out (I believe it required 1.7v), I would have been assed out.

So aside from swapping your PSU, double-check your RAM voltage ratings and make sure your board supplies enough vDIMM.

[thideras]

Attention people that are helping out the original poster: This thread is from 2005.

Hdutoit is simply looking for how the original poster fixed it. Hdutoit, you may get an answer if you message them directly, but since they haven't even logged in since 2006, I really doubt you will get an answer.