carlangas Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 Hi all, I have an old (3 yrs old) system with a supermicro H8DCE motherboard (w/two dual core opterons 270). No previous problems, things were running fine, I was rendering a job for more than 6 hrs when the pc just shut off, tried to boot it and the lights wouldnt stay on for more than a second. I let it cool for about half an hour, pressed the on switch and it turned on, fans and HD were spinning but I get no beeps from boot up, nothing displays on the monitor and the keyboard doesnt light up. checked what I could and then took it to a tech, he said that its the motherboard, im a little skeptical with his assesment because I thought mobos didnt just fail all of a sudden like that and specially when the pc was not having any problems prior to that. so I just want to hear from any of with similar experiences or suggestions as im not sure if I should spend $300 on a mobo for a system this old. Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Mottle Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 I'd try replacing the power supply first. They will normally go before the MB. Assuming the PS did not take out the MB with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJLynn Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 The best case scenario is you need your RAM replaced. Try yanking one DIMM at a time to se if one is dead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlangas Posted April 9, 2009 Author Share Posted April 9, 2009 Thanks for the input guys, Ill give those suggestions a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Carlos The first week of February of this year my Supermicro H8DC8 went dead. I had two Opterons 285's with 4gb of RAM and a Quadro 1500. This board had burned 4 Power Supplies, the last one of a 1000 watts. The first thing I did was to just buy another 1,000 watts PS (5th one). The board remained dead, then I swapped memory with my Tyan 2580. The problem persisted. Changed Video Card and some other things but the problem persisted. Finally I gave up, since the board was supposed to be still in warranty, I contacted Supermicro on the first week of Feb. They sent a retun authorization and I FEDEX the thing to them on the first few days of the 2nd week of Feb. Two weeks after (end of Feb) that and no news from them, I called them just find out they didn't even know were the board was. The next day they called saying they found it but hey would have to diagnose the problem. After no news, on March 4, I called them again and this time they said the Chipset had burned out and this is a repair not covered by the warranty. They asked for $80.00 to be paid in advanced before they will even touch the unit. A whole month just to get to this stage. I mentioned to her that I had a deadline with a project, the lady basically told me that was my problem and not hers. I reluctanly gave them the credit card number and they said this repair would take 3 to 4 days. Three more weeks and no news, I called them again and talked with the same girl, she let me know she was not happy of talking with me since she had no control for the behaviour of Supermicro. I still don't know why she reacted like this, I was always polite and friendly with her. Her name is Annie Liao from the Customer Service Department at Super Micro Computer, Inc. She said she will call me back and never did. She sent a email saying the board will leave on March 24. After no new and now on the first week of April I called her again, once again in a rough manner she told me "I don't know what is going, I will call back" She never called me back. Late last week I called and talk with someone called Andy Tovar, he apologized for Super Micro delay. He said he will call me back inmediately. I waited and waited and waited, two days later he sent to me an apology by email and said that their vendor had failed and that the new expected day for them to receive the Chipset would be April 10. I guess I will eventaully will get the board whenever they would like to ship it out. I had a duplicate of that workstation built on a Tyan 2580. I have never had any problems with the Tyan. The Supermicro has burned 4 power supplies. It certainly can not be a coincidence. I was trying to stretch my Opterons as much as possible in order to build two workstations with the new I7 Xeon 5580. I gave up on Supermicro and had to build a single I7 965. This time I used an Asus Rampage II Extreme. This machine is working fine. This is not the first time I have had serious failures with a Supermicro board, However, this will be the last time I have a failure with this brand. NO MORE I WILL BE CONVINCED to buy a Supermicro. Some years ago I got a board that work intermintently.... they blamed me.... later on they found a crack on the Motherboard. My friendly advice to you, if you want to keep your Opterons, just go to Tyan or ASUS and buy another motherboard. I am somewhat upset at them, not so much for the delays, but for the manner in which I have been treated. Good Luck Elliot PD Carlos...... My symptoms were the sames as yours.... Buena Suerte Elliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jez(UK) Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Just my 2cents worth. The last thing I'd question in terms of reliability would be the motherboard, the first would have been the PSU, then the processors. Supermicro are *the* choice of mobo when it comes to reliability. AMD are not (go Intel). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Jez I agree with you. In this case I built to similar workstation with the same components. One was built on a Supermicro and the other one on a Tyan. It is a strange coincidence that the Supermicro has consumed 4 power supplies. Now the issue of the chipset. While all these happened with the Supermicro the Tyan is perfectly working. It is strange.....! When Tyan made a big upgrade on their Bio I recived a little eprom by mail. Supermicro will not move forward with the repeir unless I paid in advance. Like you say is the AMD vs Intel, but my AMD workstations were quite fast for their time. I also have some Xeons and like them as well. Elliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jez(UK) Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Hi Elliot, I completely understand what you are saying, and really no offense to you at all..... But, I've learned that when people say things on the Internet, how accurate is what they are saying. For example, you state that the SuperMicro board went through 4 PSUs. Was the Tyan machine built at exactly the same time and was that exactly the same age with exactly the same components ?? Don't get me wrong, I don't work for Supermicro, but I have had problems with the higher spec TYAN boards (as have other people who know much much more about computers than I do). Whereas I've NEVER had a problem with any SuperMicro product. Changing the subject, I am sort of in the same position as yourself, and in fact after reading your message did look up the ASUS board. For Max I've always used Xeon boards, but I've taken a long sabatical from doing any 3DS work plus my machine is 3 years old (Xeon but with some very nice new/recent components - SAS, FX4600). Do I go for an i7, or do I go for a Dual Xeon ?? Both are expensive (though in all honesty the Xeon is pitched at the usual price I pay for 3DS Max kit). In all honesty, I'm not in any rush (it's not as though I've got ready customers banging at my door) - so I could argue that the machine I'm currently using is more than suitable whilst I am re-learning Max. Kind regards, Jez P.S. The lower spec'd Tyan Xeon boards I've had no problems with and they do work a treat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 (edited) Jez It may be a strange coincidence but 4 PS later I am wondering what is the real problem. Both units were built with identical components and built at the same time. I also think these PS are not as built as good as the earlier models. I did the same thing as you, I took a break at 3D stuff. After three years I am returning for a specific project. This time I upgraded to AutoCAD 2009 MEP and 3D Max. The AutoCAD 2009 MEP was too slow and it took about 3 minutes to upload. Since January I have been trying to upgrade the machines but kept waiting for the new XEON. While waiting for the new Xeon is that the Supermicro decided to rest on my motherboard. About three weeks ago I built an I7 in an attempt to replace the machine stucked at the Supermicro repair center. Initially I put XP 32. Two days later I put Vista 64. I found a difference with Vista. The I7 - 965 on the Rampage II Extreme is a fast machine. I still want it faster. When they finally come out with the Xeon 5580 I will most likely will build one. I am as confused as you on the Dual vs Single CPU. Everybody say the Dual Quad core will render faster but the Single I7 will let you operate the program at the same speed as the dual. If rendering is the only advantage and it it is a 20% or less advanatage, then I am confused. In my case I don't do too many renderings but do some complex mechanical equipment drawings using AutoCAD and SolidWORKS. I am writing to you from the Mountains of North Carolina. My wife decided we should come here for Easter Week. I am on a pretty cabin overlooking a lake....... but I only have my Intel Dual Core laptop.... this machine is a Sager and it is about 10 month old..... It is already obsolete...... and has a damaged motherboard. It has to be returned to the factory for repairs. hi hi hi This mountain operates at slow speed.... hi hi hi here, even the crippled laptop is fast...... I guess it is all relative hi hi hi hi Regards Elliot Edited April 10, 2009 by Elliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jez(UK) Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Hi Elliot, We have some coincidences ! As I said, I've had a good long break from 3DS (actually mine was about 5-6 years!). Got burnt out twice and had some life changing experiences (loved the work though - in a labour of love kind of way). I was on 3DS Max v4,v5 (I'd started out on 3D Studio r4), now I'm re-learning 3DS Max Design 2009 and should have 2010 soon (though subscription won't let me download it atm !). I use AutoCAD LT 2010, and at least with the Cad it's paid work (unlike the 3D stuff). Not entirely convinced I want to go at 3DS full on as I never managed to do this kind of work (freelance) in a balanced way, i.e. too many overnighters (I don't mind the odd overnight workout but not looking to make a lifestyle around that type of living). However, with a newer approach of working more efficiently (and smarter / more chilled) I may get back into this line of work. Yes, I know, it doesn't sound like I'm decided yet. I'm a bit out of date with Xeons, I've got a Supermicro X6DA8-G2 board with Dual 3.8ghz procs - it's got 8gb ram but I'm on XP 32bit. I do have XP 64bit but I haven't needed to jump to that, as well as any driver issue that may entail. I reckon in all likeliness I'll break my trend and go the i7 route rather than the Xeon - in an ideal world I'd have more than one machine (1 for work, one for rendering etc) but I'm not keen to be surrounded by machines (been there, done that, ended up being a full-time network engineer at home!). My question to you, or rather an 'order', is "What are you doing with a Laptop whilst on your Easter Break??" !! I'd have left the laptop at home and freed myself of any technology for the weekend break with the wife (I'm sure she'd prefer that). Kindest regards, Jez P.S. If I were to go the i7 route, I'm not sure that Supermicro even do an i7 board. I may go for the Asus P6 Deluxe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadmunkey Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 I have to chime in and post here. Ive pretty much always upgraded my machine regularly and I have to say over the last 5 years I think that motherboard reliability has plummeted considerably. Asus used to be my board of choice but after returning a 5th board in 3 years I think I have to go with another manufacturer. I'm also looking to upgrade to an i7 very soon but I dont think I can bring myself to touch the Asus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jez(UK) Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) I have to chime in and post here. Ive pretty much always upgraded my machine regularly and I have to say over the last 5 years I think that motherboard reliability has plummeted considerably. Asus used to be my board of choice but after returning a 5th board in 3 years I think I have to go with another manufacturer. I'm also looking to upgrade to an i7 very soon but I dont think I can bring myself to touch the Asus. A good pro techie friend of mine who swears by Supermicro (as I do !) says what you've said here about Asus - he tells me to steer clear. His preferred board (single proc) is Gigabyte. I've only got experience of Supermicro (100% reliable), Tyan (85%, 100% on their more basic dual xeon). I once built a system for a friend, bought all the best bits (Overclocker recommended) - man there was so many faulty parts - did my system building reputation no good at all. All the bits new, most of it failed within 6months or so (EVGA mobo, Logitech Speaker control unit, Pioneer Blu-ray, Samsung HDD) - Absolute nightmare. Which i7 board are you thinking of going for Glynn ?? Edited April 11, 2009 by Jez(UK) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadmunkey Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Jez, gigabyte do have a very good reputation these days so I was actually thinking of their new GA-EX58-UD3R which is also the cheapest i7 board so far, the only downside to it is it only has 4 DIMM sockets rather than 6. I was also considering the MSIX58 Pro which is a similar price to the gigabyte. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jez(UK) Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Hi Glynn, Any reason why you're looking at that particular Gigabyte model, as, I'm sure you know, they do have others with more ram slots; http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=5&sortby=nameAsc&subid=1283&mfrid=49 I'd be interested in what spec machine you're looking at going for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadmunkey Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Hi Glynn, Any reason why you're looking at that particular Gigabyte model, as, I'm sure you know, they do have others with more ram slots; http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=5&sortby=nameAsc&subid=1283&mfrid=49 I'd be interested in what spec machine you're looking at going for. It was purely because of the price difference, every liitle helps! To be honest I will probably go for one with 6 slots anyway. I thought about the 920 chip but will probably spend the bit extra and get the 940. I think its the best compromise between price and performance whilst we all wait for the 8 cored i7 to be released. Although Im tempted to ge the 920 and overclock, I think I'm at a stage where I dont really want to overclock hardware anymore... hmm decisions decisions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadmunkey Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Just had a quick look thru the overclockers uk site and they have some pretty good value prebuilt (and pre-overclocked!) systems on there. Might go for one of those actually. Thanks bud! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jez(UK) Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) Hi Glynn, Must say that I only use Overclockers for 'ideas'. Then it's over to find the cheapest supplier of bits and out with the screwdriver ! http://www.lambda-tek.com/componentshop/index.pl are my favourite supplier these days (BUT PLEASE DO YOUR HOMEWORK!). Overclockers are nearly always NOT the cheapest - or put another way, they are always (IMO) the most expensive !! Another good one is Microdirect.co.uk. Yes, it seems that 940i, 6 slots, etc is the current sweet spot - and would be what I'd go for if I needed to buy today. Have you heard of Armari (http://www.armari.co.uk) ?? They make custom v. high end stuff. Always worth a peak to see what spec they make their kit at (well worth it for the nicking of spec ideas) !! Jez Edited April 11, 2009 by Jez(UK) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadmunkey Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Jez I've custom built my own PCs for years now, this time I was going to treat myself to a prebuilt system and let someone else do the donkey work Scan computers seem to have some reasonable prebuilt systems, some of them have won Custom PC awards too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) Glyn and Jez It is rather confusing. My issues with Supermicro are unique. What has me upset is how they have not been very straight forward since the first day. Yesterday they claimed that they will send the MB by tomorrow. We will see....! When I started buying the parts for this computer the store clerk told the best board was the Gigabyte. The next day the other clerk told me the best motherboard was the ASUS.... I have never had an ASUS. One thing I know it is that the new computer is fast. What surprised me the most is the performance of Vitsa 64. For years I refused to leave Win XP 32. This Vista is fairly good. It has made all my programs to behave a lot better. My Nikon Camera software was slow on XP and not it is fast. I also noticed a fair increase speed in CS4. The best difference I noticed in AutoCAD 2009 MEP and SolidWORK, and these two programs are the main softwares for me. It is interesting to read all of your opinions. It is also very confusing for me to make these components decisions. Everybody has a different impression. I went to the store decided to buy everything that night. The best board they had was the Radeon HD 4870 X2. Everybody say this is a gamer card not good for 3D. It works fine. Several people have mentioned to me the FirePro 8700 is the way to go. I wonder if this card is so much better. If that is the case..... I want to buy it.... If it makes this computer even faster.... it would be the way to go. During the last 6 or 7 years I must have assembled (for the office and myself) 35 to 40 workstations. I enjoy building. When they go down.... I usually can repair them without much help. One of my friends has a big Apple. He is an RF Design Engineer and he nows has totally converted to Apple. My next Laptop will be an Apple. Regards Elliot PD Jez.... You are right about the vacations and the laptop.... Hi hi hi hi We have been married so long that my wife wants me to bring the laptop..... We drove down to our location (3:30 hours) in the middle of thunderstorms and tornadoes. It was very interesting. On the way down from 4,700 feet to sea level we were totally inside the fog - clouds. Forward visibility was no more than 30 or 40 feet. In aviation we were IFR all the way to the valley. We experienced rain, hail and snow on the way down. It was certainly very interesting. My next project is to build some kind of computer table that will make it easier to work behind and still hide the cables. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? My main concern are 1. Strentgh 2. Stability 3. Easy to use 4. Hide the cables 5. Easy to link two or three of these tables 6. Weight Edited April 11, 2009 by Elliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlangas Posted August 4, 2009 Author Share Posted August 4, 2009 I should have listened to Jeff's sugestion but since I had already taken the pc to this reapair place they told me it was the MOBO so I purchased a new one and guess what, that wasnt it... so the most likely culprit is the PSU. Im now shopping for a psu but dont really know what to get. dont want to spend a lot of cash but I do want to get something reliable. the MOBO is a supermicro H8DCE-O running two dual opterons 270's, two dvd trays, floppy drive, two satta hd's and a Geforce 9800GT akimbo. supermicro notes: To ensure system stability, a 645W (minimum) ATX power supply [4-pin (+12V), 8-pin (+12V) and 24-pin are required] my old PSU was http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16817711001 and this is what im looking at for a replacement: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148022&Tpk=ATX-AS680W-BL I would really appreciate any suggestions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlangas Posted August 6, 2009 Author Share Posted August 6, 2009 you guys are so quiet... I narrowed it down to these two models reading some other threads... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371021 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015 theres a $40 difference between the two models and im not sure if getting the pricier one is really worth it. anyone care to share their advice? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlangas Posted August 6, 2009 Author Share Posted August 6, 2009 .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now