New build difficulty

July 13, 2012, 11:23 hrs

I am working on my 3rd attempt to install win7. It seems as though we get to the point when windows needs to reboot but the machine stops functioning, monitor switches to standby but the computer doesn't restart. Never seen this before maybe a BIOS setting or error?

Bill

**Reply #1** July 13, 2012, 11:44 hrs

yes this is the new one and I haven't made any changes to the BIOS, simply booted from DVD drive.

**Reply #2** July 13, 2012, 12:05 hrs

I have done that. I've never seen it either. I have sent Gigabyte a trouble question on their web site and my experience with them has been fairly good. This M/B has dual BIOS and I'm about to switch to the backup BIOS and try again.

Bill

**Reply #3** July 13, 2012, 12:12 hrs

Bill,

I wish I had something of an answer, but that's baffling. But to be sure, have you double checked your connections to ensure that everything is fully seated?

**Reply #4** July 13, 2012, 12:16 hrs

Bill,

Actually I do have a suggestion, even if this may be a bit of a pain. See if Windows 7 will install on an HDD. If it does, it will narrow the problem. You could even try transferring the image from HDD to SSD.

Another possibility is some issue with Win7 itself not playing nice with your system. Just for giggles, see if a Win8 installation completes (not that you'd want Win8).

**Reply #5** July 13, 2012, 12:18 hrs

Yes I have but now I cannot locate the switch to use the alternate BIOS but I certain I've seen it.. My worst fear is that its under the cooler somewhere. But I don't see it on the M/B diagram - I'm going to have a second or third look.

B

**Reply #6** July 13, 2012, 12:19 hrs

It also just dawned on me that you could try installing to your old SSD, but I'd try an HDD first to strictly rule out any possible Win7 vs. SSD issue.

**Reply #7** July 13, 2012, 12:23 hrs

I am going to give this another try with the Plexor but my Intel SSD is installed, just have the sata line disconnected. If the next attempt with the Plexor fails, I can try the other SSD.
I'd like to hear what Gigabyte has to say before I go too much further.

On the positive side, the system is absolutely quiet.

Bill

**Reply #8** July 13, 2012, 12:24 hrs

Still looking for ideas...

Does the BIOS recognize the SSD?

**Reply #9** July 13, 2012, 12:27 hrs

yes it does

**Reply #10** July 13, 2012, 12:34 hrs

This might help:

Quote

Read your motherboard manual! This saves you the hassle of asking which SATA port is which and much more; almost everything is in there!
If your hardware is overclocked please revert to stock clocks for installation to prevent data corruption.
Enable AHCI SATA mode in the UEFI/BIOS. Use RAID mode if you are going to use a RAID array or Intel SRT aka. SSD caching. Guide here: (link)
Check to see if ACPI 2.0 or newer is in the UEFI/BIOS and enable it if it is there, if not then don't worry about it.
Check and see if there is an update to the firmware of your SSD/HDD and update if necessary. Storage drivers, firmware, and utilities here: (link)
Disconnect all the drives but the one you are installing to. You will reconnect them in step 5 of "System Setup after Installation." This is to prevent the installer from installing the Windows 7 boot partition on another drive in the system and so you don't accidentally format or delete data on the wrong drive.
If you are using a SSD use the native Intel or AMD SATA 3Gb/s or SATA 6Gb/s ports, I advise that you do NOT use the Marvell or other 3rd party SATA ports for your SSD/HDD.

It came from a thread at overclock.net that contains a lot of great info on installing Windows to an SSD.

**Reply #11** July 13, 2012, 12:37 hrs

Bill,

This thread at Tom's Hardware shows someone having the same problem as you, and a solution (involving incompatible RAM): Windows 7 will not install

**Reply #12** July 13, 2012, 12:49 hrs

thanks scuzzy. Amazingly win 7 booted from the intel SSD!!! I am looking for an option to format the intel ssd and try the install on it.. I really doubt I have incompatible ram but it might be defective. Unfortunately some of the ram is under the cooler and I hate the thought of tearing this all apart for a "maybe " solution.

**Reply #13** July 13, 2012, 12:52 hrs

Maybe transferring the image?

Just to rule out RAM, you may want to give Memtest86 a whirl.

**Reply #14** July 13, 2012, 12:58 hrs

my win 7 32bit sees the new cpu correctly and the ram. When I tried to install to the intel ssd it simply bypassed the install and loaded the version on the intel ssd, not allowing me the option to format and start over.

Bill

**Reply #15** July 13, 2012, 13:03 hrs

Bill, you might consider an updated Plextor firmware for the SSD:

Plextor PX-M3 Pro Firmware

**Reply #16** July 13, 2012, 13:08 hrs

Good luck, Bill. I gotta take care of some errands and will be out for a bit.

**Reply #17** July 13, 2012, 13:16 hrs

I was able to format the intel ssd and am trying an install on it.

Bill

**Reply #18** July 13, 2012, 14:49 hrs

Problem seems to have been the Plexor SSD. I was able to install win 7 with the new product code after I formatted the Intel SSD. Thanks all for your thoughts and efforts.

I now have the task of rebuilding the system to what I had before, only now its faster!

Bill

**Reply #19** July 13, 2012, 14:55 hrs

Happy to hear that you have a solution.

What's your plan for the Plextor?

**Reply #20** July 13, 2012, 14:59 hrs

RMA and a refund. First time I've ever had this problem and RMA will be a new experience.

Bill

**Reply #21** July 13, 2012, 15:24 hrs

I hate that you had that problem, but I suppose those things happen. Unless there is a large failure rate on Plextor Pro SSDs, I will keep it on my wish list.

Scuzzy; time will tell.

**Reply #22** July 13, 2012, 16:30 hrs

Thanks, I hated it too!

B-

**Reply #23** July 13, 2012, 18:19 hrs

my celebration was premature. More of the same. I' M currently running memtest and will leave it overnight. the problem with new memory is that this cooler will not accommodate sticks with cooling fins which seem very popular now and why I selected this Kingston. Have to wait and see results. Guess I could stick w/ kingston and hope for the best.

**Reply #24** July 14, 2012, 06:46 hrs

Memtest ran 12 hours, 11completed passes and reported no errors. I went back to the Gigabyte compatibility list and the Kingston memory I have is listed as having been tested and passed so that should rule out a memory problem.

The power supply is new, the cpu seemed to function Ok for the short time I had the system running, the cables are all new and have been reseated, in some cases twice. The Nocutra cooler had the cpu temp. at 31C acccording to the BIOS. All of which seems to point to a defective M/B. I'm going to check on the Amazon and Newegg reviews in more detail looking for reported problems.

Anyone have another opinion or suggestion?

Bill

**Reply #25** July 14, 2012, 07:21 hrs

The only other thing I would do would be to take everything out of the case and put together on the box the motherboard came in to rule out a short circuit.

Anymore I usually pre-assemble systems out of the case to check for errors before putting components in the case.

**Reply #26** July 14, 2012, 07:31 hrs

Thanks Pat.

B-

**Reply #27** July 14, 2012, 13:09 hrs

Bill,

Reference your GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H motherboard, there are a number of unhappy reviewers at Newegg.com. I usually ignore the negative comments, but it seems others are having somewhat similar problems with their GIGABYTE Z77 series motherboard. You may want to RMA the motherboard and jump ship to Asus.

One of the GA-Z77X-UD5H reviewers posted the following, which might help:

Quote

For those of you with shutting down issues and freezing please read the cons section.

Cons: Problems:
- Board keeps shutting down when installing OS
- Board Randomly Freezes
- The system will just turn off. Its like it detects a freeze and protects itself, but sometimes it happens with a quick trip to the bathroom, other times its a few hours, and upon my return my system is off. The management console gives no information on if it was a clean or dirty shutdown.
- System keeps locking up. A complete freeze. If I press and told the power button, it takes about 10-20 seconds for it to turn off. The reset button has no effect. Everything is stock. No overclock, bios is updated with defaults, fresh install of windows with only drivers.
--------------------------------------------------------
Solutions:
Do all of these and your board should run much better
1.) Set Ram Voltage to 1.550 instead of stock 1.500
(make sure your ram is ok with this voltage)
2.) Activate internal intel graphics
3.) set pck clock to 101 instead of auto
4.) Turn off c6/c3 in the cpu advanced f

Other Thoughts: I did the solution above and it solved all my issues I also installed the newest Bios which at this point is F7.

**Reply #28** July 14, 2012, 13:18 hrs

I read reviews at newegg and amazon before purchase and since purchase. They seem be getting worse instead of better. Earlier today however I decided to RMA with a replacement rather than a refund simply because I have had a good experience with gigabyte. If the replacement acts the same as the original I should know immediately.

I have picked an MSI replacement, also a Z77 intel chipset, because some of the Asus reviews ain't that great either.

But thanks for your interest and your help. Working on a printer decision in the other room.

Bill

**Reply #29** July 14, 2012, 13:25 hrs

When you first poasted your parts list, I thought the Gigabyte was a great choice. Now I'm not so sure. $:-\$

I'm a little uncertain of what you are replacing with. Are you RMA'ing with the same Gigabyte model, or with an MSI? If MSI, which one?

**Reply #30** July 14, 2012, 14:07 hrs

Based on your thoughts, I have just emailed Newegg to see if they will change my RMA from replacement to refund. Answer in 24 hours, they say.

I will have to go get the MSI model #, I looked at them this morning based on a couple of reviews of the gigabyte z77. I'll poast them.

MSI Z77A-GD65 LGA 1155 Intel Z77
Edit:

Well maybe the reviews aren't so hot. Maybe keep me eyes open. Have to wait about the RMA change.

B

Bill

**Reply #31** July 14, 2012, 14:50 hrs

After 2 more emails, Newegg has agreed to change my RMA from replacement to refund. So now I'm free to order anything but I think it will be from amazon. I just spent about $900 in the last 3 weeks with them and I'm beginning to wonder why.

While I will take another look a Asus Z77 boards (ATX) but if anyone has a recommendation for a specific one please let me know.

Thanks,

Bill

**Reply #32** July 14, 2012, 15:19 hrs

Here is an interesting M/B from ASus with some very decent reviews:

ASUS Intel Z77 ATX DDR3 2400 LGA 1155 Motherboard P8Z77-V

http://preview.tinyurl.com/8abpslq

Asus says my Kingston HyperX memory is compatible

Anyone have any thoughts?

**Reply #33** July 14, 2012, 15:27 hrs

Yes I am. Kingston has always been good to me, why do you ask?

**Reply #34** July 14, 2012, 15:35 hrs

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound harsh, I just didn't understand what was behind your question.

B

**Reply #35** July 14, 2012, 15:42 hrs

Maybe?: ASUS Sabertooth Z77 LGA 1155 Intel

Or maybe: ASUS Maximus V Gene LGA 1155 Intel Z77

Possibly: MSI Z77A-GD65 LGA 1155 Intel

I poked around ASRock models, but the users have a high dissatisfied rate. Professional reviewers also find they are middle-of-the-road motherboards.

**Reply #36** July 14, 2012, 15:49 hrs

Thanks scuzzy.

The Sabertooth is more than I want to spend, the Maximus V Gene is Matx and the MSi GD65 I have already looked at with enough mixed reviews to make it not unlike gigabyte Z77.

Did you have a chance to look at the Asus in the tiny url? that one I like. I think I will sleep on it and look at it again in the morning.

B

**Reply #37** July 14, 2012, 15:52 hrs

I'm sorry, but I somehow missed the Tiny URL the first time. I'll go back and take a look.

**Reply #38** July 14, 2012, 16:04 hrs

The ASUS P8Z77-V looks doable, but also gets a few mixed reviews at Newegg. However, this seems unavoidable as nothing is perfect. I like using Amazon for this reason, as their return policy is among the best you'll find anywhere. That aside, I don't see any show-stoppers with that particular mobo.

As far as ATX vs. micro-ATX, I find myself liking both. Unless you have a specific need for a full ATX, the micro is likely to meet all your needs and will install to your ATX case without issues. But you should certainly get what best meets your needs.

**Reply #39** July 14, 2012, 17:13 hrs

BTW: Are you going to try another Plextor Pro SSD?

**Reply #40** July 14, 2012, 19:59 hrs

Yeah, the reviews have a couple of negatives, but there seem to be more positives, certainly better than the gigabyte ones; like you I now have some serious concerns about this generation of gigabyte z77 chipsets. But gigabyte doesn't seem to the the only one struggling with the technology

I didn't return the Plextor I have. I decided it wasn't the Plextor that was at fault. I am going to order the asus tomorrow, I think, and try the Plextor as the C: drive first. If that doesn't work, I'll use the Intel SSD and RMA the Plextor.

As far as the Micro ATX, I have enough trouble dealing the the ATX in terms of wiring and fat fingers. I've not tried one but 'micro' worries me. ATX is ok . I will say that if there is a next time I'm going with a larger case.
The Sonata is pretty tight as it is. When I finished with the first install, the were PSU cables blocking everything I wanted to get to. Maybe it's my lack of foresight or planning but dealing with the PSU and several drives is difficult, at least for me.

Bill

**Reply #41** July 15, 2012, 13:50 hrs

I ordered the Asus P8Z77-V and included the free trial Prime membership - 2 day free shipping, should be here on Wednesday.

Bill; fingers crossed.

**Reply #42** July 15, 2012, 14:05 hrs

Super! I hope it all works out.

I've been a Prime member since last December, and I have no regrets. It is an outstanding value.

**Reply #43** July 15, 2012, 14:09 hrs

Interestingly enough, the email seemed to indicate that the fee for the first year of Prime was $0.00. Is that normal?

Bill

**Reply #44** July 15, 2012, 14:37 hrs

The first year? It was only the first month for me. $79 yearly after that.

**Reply #45** July 15, 2012, 14:43 hrs

Well we'll see. Beyond this free shipping I not certain Prime is worth $79. I have yet to stream my first video!

B

**Reply #46** July 16, 2012, 03:42 hrs

I suppose how good a deal it is depends on your needs. We order often from Amazon, so we take advantage of the free 2-day shipping. Our youngest daughter is also a heavy reader who takes advantage of the free monthly book for her Kindle, and we occasionally hit the free Prime video streams. If we did not have Netflix, we'd probably be happy with just the Prime videos as the selection is quite large.

Re: New build difficulty - Last Edit: July 13, 2012, 13:04 hrs by scuzzy