[H]elp Needed! (Core i7-3820 and MSI X79A-GD45)

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lord_farfig

[H]ard|Gawd
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Jun 3, 2004
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Hey guys - I need [H]elp, so I am reaching out to my fellow [H]'ers.

I'm not entirely sure where to post this, but seeing as how it's CPU related, I thought the Intel forum would be OK.


PROBLEM: I've just purchased an MSI X79A-GD45 and Core i7-3820, however, my system will not POST.

The behavior I'm experiencing is described in several threads around the Internet and on the MSI support forum. It indicates that the shipping BIOS for my board, does not support the i7-3820. The board does support the CPU, but the latest BIOS is required.


Can anyone PLEASE help me in or around the Charlotte, NC area? I want to verify whether or not my CPU is bad, my board is bad, or if my board has an old BIOS.

Ideally I should be able to drop in either a i7-3960X or i7-3930K, flash the BIOS, and be a happy camper.

I would be eternally grateful if anyone is willing to lend me their LGA2011 CPU and help me out. I would also be thankful for suggestions or local shops that may help as well (I may try ATD-INC).


-Eric
 
I had exactly the same problem with an Intel DX79TO but it has a Recovery bios method that you can update with a USB drive and not have to boot the PC.
Does the MSI M-Flash perhaps work this way. Asus X79 Boards have the same kind of feature.
 
Yes, you need to use the sort of BIOS flash that ASUS has which doesn't require a CPU.

Look in your manual, I bet you have that feature off a flash drive.
 
mothman said:
I had exactly the same problem with an Intel DX79TO but it has a Recovery bios method that you can update with a USB drive and not have to boot the PC.
Does the MSI M-Flash perhaps work this way. Asus X79 Boards have the same kind of feature.
Click to expand...

magoo said:
Yes, you need to use the sort of BIOS flash that ASUS has which doesn't require a CPU.

Look in your manual, I bet you have that feature off a flash drive.
Click to expand...

Hmm... That will be pretty bad ass. I guess it's a feature of the UEFI.

One of the BIOS revision says updates M-Flash module. On my other MSI board, the M-Flash was the BIOS update utility, from within the BIOS. Hopefully on this board, I can flash without using a CPU. :)
 
i had this issue on my asus rampage 4 extreme. i had the board for months before i got the cpu. talked about freaked out. eventually i ordered a new bios from asus with the current bios on it and it worked.

then i found out you could flash it via usb. i was pissed. oh well only costed 24 bucks shipped.
 
I've been looking around. I can't find the answer for you quite yet, but it doesnt look like Mflash is it.:(
 
magoo said:
I've been looking around. I can't find the answer for you quite yet, but it doesnt look like Mflash is it.:(
Click to expand...

I've been looking too... without success.

This board has 2 BIOS's and they can be toggled via a switch on the board. Here's an excerpt from the manual about the switch...

In addition, these two BIOS ROMs do not have the Auto Recovery feature, you need to maintain or update the BIOS version by yourself.
Click to expand...

Sounds like I'm SOL.

My only solution would be to drop in a compatible CPU and flash it. I would prefer that over RMAing the board or ordering another CPU.

It would be awesome if someone in Charlotte read this... :p


I'm going to contact Newegg and see what they recommend.

Magoo, thanks for the help so far!
 
lord_farfig said:
I've been looking too... without success.

This board has 2 BIOS's and they can be toggled via a switch on the board. Here's an excerpt from the manual about the switch...



Sounds like I'm SOL.

My only solution would be to drop in a compatible CPU and flash it. I would prefer that over RMAing the board or ordering another CPU.

It would be awesome if someone in Charlotte read this... :p


I'm going to contact Newegg and see what they recommend.

Magoo, thanks for the help so far!
Click to expand...

No prob.
I think a new board with the latest bios is your only option unless you find someone with proper cpu to borrow.
 
You can't get MSI to ship you a new BIOS chip? Is the BIOS for this board soldered on?
 
magoo said:
No prob.
I think a new board with the latest bios is your only option unless you find someone with proper cpu to borrow.
Click to expand...

Yeah, so far no luck finding any one who can help. (I wouldn't think there are that many people in Charlotte with LGA2011's reading this forum and even less who would be willing to pull their CPU.)

Of course there would be compensation involved too. ;)


devman said:
You can't get MSI to ship you a new BIOS chip? Is the BIOS for this board soldered on?
Click to expand...

Both of the BIOS chips are soldered on the board. :(

Since it has 2 BIOS's it doesn't support the no-CPU flashing method. ::shakes fist::


I've setup an RMA through Newegg for another NEW board. I don't want to RMA it to MSI and get a refurb for something I haven't even had for a week.
 
lord_farfig said:
Both of the BIOS chips are soldered on the board. :(

Since it has 2 BIOS's it doesn't support the no-CPU flashing method. ::shakes fist::


I've setup an RMA through Newegg for another NEW board. I don't want to RMA it to MSI and get a refurb for something I haven't even had for a week.
Click to expand...

Good choice to call newegg.....you'll get a new board.
My ASUS RF IV has that new no cpu BIOS update deal and it has two BIOS chips.
I think it's just that MSI hasn't adopted that yet.....man what a frustrating deal.

In the S775 days, I bought a cheepie P4 just for those occasions when the new board needed updating for a new cpu.

I wish I could help you, but I've only got one S2011 cpu and I'm in NY to boot.

Good luck.:D
 
magoo said:
Good choice to call newegg.....you'll get a new board.
My ASUS RF IV has that new no cpu BIOS update deal and it has two BIOS chips.
I think it's just that MSI hasn't adopted that yet.....man what a frustrating deal.

In the S775 days, I bought a cheepie P4 just for those occasions when the new board needed updating for a new cpu.

I wish I could help you, but I've only got one S2011 cpu and I'm in NY to boot.

Good luck.:D
Click to expand...

Yeah, silly MSI. Gosh, get with the times! :p

Well, if you're willing to help, I'll cover shipping costs. :D

I'll see what happens first with the next board from Newegg.
 
Last edited:
Well the replacement board exhibits the exact same behavior. I didn't luck out and get a board with an updated BIOS.

Anyone willing to let me borrow their i7-3930K? I'll cover shipping charges and insurance! :D

I do not want to RMA this board to MSI.
 
When I had this problem with my Athlon 64 Winchester core, I just returned the board and made sure I bought a motherboard with a recovery flash feature. In my opinion, any motherboard lacking this feature is broken to start with.

You should be able to RMA your board to Newegg within 30 days for a full refund and buy something else. You may be able to get around the restocking fee if you talk to a representative and share your sob story.
 
defaultluser said:
When I had this problem with my Athlon 64 Winchester core, I just returned the board and made sure I bought a motherboard with a recovery flash feature. In my opinion, any motherboard lacking this feature is broken to start with.

You should be able to RMA your board to Newegg within 30 days for a full refund and buy something else. You may be able to get around the restocking fee if you talk to a representative and share your sob story.
Click to expand...

I tried.

Their return policy on this board is the "Limited Replacement Only Return Policy" which is a nice way of saying "All Sales Are Final." :rolleyes:

I even suggested to exchange it for a different brand (e.g. Asus that has the no CPU flash option), but they won't allow it. Maybe if I call and complain some more they'll bend the rules.

It sucks that I bought a brand new board, CPU, and other required goodies and 2 weeks later I still can't use it.
 
I broke down and bought an i7-3930K. :D

I just don't want to deal with the hassle of RMAing this board.

I'll have the i7-3820 up for sale in a few days. (I'll make sure it works though. :p)

Anyway, thanks for the help everyone!


Ugh... what a headache. :(
 
I've done this on an H61 ASUS mobo with a failed flash procedure, maybe this method would've worked too (this board does not have USB flashback):

Formatted a USB flash drive FAT32 and placed the correctly named BIOS file at root.
Plug in the flash drive and turn on the computer.
Wait for a while... like 5 minutes.
Eventually it'll load the BIOS from the drive you'll see it if you have an LED on your flash drive. Once the LED is done flashing the process is done, things should work after a reboot.

If you have the CDROM from MSI look if they have file in the root of the CD that is named like the BIOS, name your file like that.
 
levk said:
I've done this on an H61 ASUS mobo with a failed flash procedure, maybe this method would've worked too (this board does not have USB flashback):

Formatted a USB flash drive FAT32 and placed the correctly named BIOS file at root.
Plug in the flash drive and turn on the computer.
Wait for a while... like 5 minutes.
Eventually it'll load the BIOS from the drive you'll see it if you have an LED on your flash drive. Once the LED is done flashing the process is done, things should work after a reboot.

If you have the CDROM from MSI look if they have file in the root of the CD that is named like the BIOS, name your file like that.
Click to expand...

I actually tried that, since the board has a weird feature that will allow you to read the BIOS/UEFI from a USB flash drive rather than from the UEFI chip on the board.

However, the Catch 22 is that you need a bootable board for this to work.

In my situation the board would not stay powered up for more than 15 seconds without automatically powering cycling. :(
 
lord_farfig said:
I broke down and bought an i7-3930K. :D

I just don't want to deal with the hassle of RMAing this board.

I'll have the i7-3820 up for sale in a few days. (I'll make sure it works though. :p)

Anyway, thanks for the help everyone!


Ugh... what a headache. :(
Click to expand...

So 1 step forward, but 2 steps back with the 3930K..! :mad:

I finally got the board to POST and I updated the UEFI. However, there is something extremely weird with this CPU. Attempting to install Win 7 gives a BSOD and it's always thr same one - 0x00000124.

Some of what I found indicates this stop code is due to voltages of the CPU/board/chipset. I've been trying every setting in the UEFI without success, I need help. I'm about to pull my hair out!

Using the 3820 everything is fine - I can install Win 7.

Anyone have any ideas as to what settings to check/change? I'm at a loss.

For shits and giggles, I hit the OC Genie button. Though I still received BSOD's when trying to install Win 7. :(

Let me know if you need any additional info. I have 16 GB of 1600 Vengeance, a 560 Ti, and 2 WD Black 640's (RAID 0).
 
lord_farfig said:
So 1 step forward, but 2 steps back with the 3930K..! :mad:

I finally got the board to POST and I updated the UEFI. However, there is something extremely weird with this CPU. Attempting to install Win 7 gives a BSOD and it's always thr same one - 0x00000124.

Some of what I found indicates this stop code is due to voltages of the CPU/board/chipset. I've been trying every setting in the UEFI without success, I need help. I'm about to pull my hair out!

Using the 3820 everything is fine - I can install Win 7.

Anyone have any ideas as to what settings to check/change? I'm at a loss.

For shits and giggles, I hit the OC Genie button. Though I still received BSOD's when trying to install Win 7. :(

Let me know if you need any additional info. I have 16 GB of 1600 Vengeance, a 560 Ti, and 2 WD Black 640's (RAID 0).
Click to expand...

That is wacky. I very much doubt this is a board voltage issue if the 3820 works.

I think that code means you took a 3-strike timeout and MCA'd but I am not sure. I would start by unplugging everything not needed to boot and install the os. Put the os installer on a flash drive and unplug optical as well. Debug through component isolation first.
 
I had an issue with my MSI board (X79A-GD45M) not liking the C2 stepping processors as well, but I was able to get into the BIOS and update it still. Try making sure VT-d is disabled, that seemed to be a major hang up for me.
 
*foo said:
That is wacky. I very much doubt this is a board voltage issue if the 3820 works.

I think that code means you took a 3-strike timeout and MCA'd but I am not sure. I would start by unplugging everything not needed to boot and install the os. Put the os installer on a flash drive and unplug optical as well. Debug through component isolation first.
Click to expand...

I had gone through that process. I was finally at wit's end for the night and said F-it, let's try changing the CPU (since at that point it was the last thing I hadn't disconnected). Going from the 3930K to the 3820 fixed all the BSOD's.

I even hit the clear CMOS button to ensure no settings were different when swapping the CPU's.

I was using a USB stick to install Win 7. After I had Win 7 installed on the drive, I swapped back to the 3930K and tried to boot the OS from the drive, still same BSOD code.

(Also could you clarify what MCA stands for? My Google-fu is weak for finding this acronym.)

LigTasm said:
I had an issue with my MSI board (X79A-GD45M) not liking the C2 stepping processors as well, but I was able to get into the BIOS and update it still. Try making sure VT-d is disabled, that seemed to be a major hang up for me.
Click to expand...

I've tried almost all settings in the UEFI. Even with a fresh push of the clear CMOS button, still nothing.

It looks like your board has the same UEFI revisions and I have v1.6 on mine now. Do you maybe have v1.5? I can try to down-grade.
 
*foo said:
Machine check. It's a crash.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Google was able to provide me the acronym when I tried a different search string. :)

It was definitely the CPU. Everything is fine with the 3820. (Even going back down to UEFI v1.5 didn't resolve the BSOD issues.)
A Mod on the MSI forums had a similar issue with a C1 3930K.

I should have written down the batch number for the 3930K I received, but hindsight is 20/20. The CPU is on its way back to Newegg... Good riddance!

I surely hope no one else will have to go through this ordeal. :rolleyes:
 
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