Abit KT7E ROM BIOS error - Help please

[DJH]

I'm building a new computer with a Duron 750 MHz CPU and the KT7E motherboard. It's got 64 MB Kingston PC133 SDRAM x 2 for a total of 128MB. When I boot the system I get a message stating "ROM BIOS Checksum error". Then it tells me to insert a system disk and press enter. I can boot up to a floppy but I cannot enter BIOS setup at all. I've tried clearing the CMOS a few times but it doesn't make a difference. Am I going to have to RMA this motherboard? Thanks.

 

[Kev]

i have this exact error message with my board, but only when im overclocking it. apparently it comes up due to inusifficient voltage to the Duron at post. A possible cure is to join all the L7 bridges on the Duron with a HB pencil to make it post at 1.85V vcore, avoiding any touching of adjacent bridges. If that works and you're not overclocking (but u should cos the KT7E is pretty awesome for oc'ing), try taking the default vcore down a bit if you dont need 1.85...there any web sites that elaborate on the L7 bridges for different voltages....If that doesnt work, try to take the bios battery out for 5-10 mins and then back in, make sure the CPU is seated correctly.

Good luck!

 

[Rottys-R-Us]

DJH (Jul 21, 2001 01:35 a.m.):
I can boot up to a floppy but I cannot enter BIOS setup at all.

After you press the startup hold the "Insert" key and see if it lets you in the BIOS that way.

It is a good Mobo. People underestimate it.

 

[DJH]

I tried the "Insert" key method but it did not work. The Duron 750 is locked but I have an unlocked Duron 650 as well as a locked Athlon 900. I'll try those and adjusting the voltages. Thank you for the suggestions.

 

[DJH]

I found the problem! It wasn't where what I expected it to be. I had the IDE cable for my CD-ROM reversed. I unplugged it to remove the motherboard and left it unplugged after I changed the CPU. The system booted right up. I thought changing the CPU had fixed the problem so I plugged everything back in. Tried to reboot and I was back to square one. I pulled the IDE cable again and the system booted. What the IDE cable had to do with a ROM BIOS error is beyond me.

So now I have the Duron 650 in there overclocked to 750. It will go to 900 if I increase the voltage. At least this blunder will give me a chance to see what the new motherboard will do.