Pc problem - need to clear CMOS to post.

[FateLovesTheFearless]

I am having a problem with my pc. It's custom built, I bought it second hand.

It has an ip35 pro motherboard and when I boot it, it often shows code 8.3 which I believe is psu related? I have to turn it off and use the switch on the back of the tower to clear CMOS, then it will boot and post. It then runs like a dream until its turned off again.

I am thinking try relaxing CMOS, if that doesn't work then the psu. Is there anything else at all it might be?

At a guess the battery on the motherboard is flat. It's probably a cr2032 battery or similar (a flat, coin-shaped thing).

That's the CMOS battery. Hopeful it might be that but I suspect it's not. Thanks

forums.hexus.net/abit-care-hexus/120696-abit-ip35-pro-wont-boot-now-4.html#post1981057

I'd probably try replacing the PSU in the first instance, that tends to solve all manner of weird boot-up problems and it's a cheap enough part (unless you need some kind of 800W monstrosity...) that it's worth taking a punt at. Sounds weird, but if you open it up, how does the PSU smell? I find in 90% of cases where it turns out to be dead or on its last legs you can smell them; a sort of very faint electrical burny smell. I have a nose like a bloodhound though so you might not be able to tell.

If not that, you're probably in for an interesting ride. Sounds like the kind of irritating problem where you can spend months looking for it only to eventually give up and replace the motherboard in disgust....

All looks and smells fine! It's not really a big deal in terms of it being second hand. As long as I reset the CMOS it boots just fine. I just like broken computers

Thanks for the link, will probably replace both battery and psu.

I'd do the battery first as it's only a few quid.

I had this problem when my pc won't boot several months ago and there was a message saying battery failure at the boot screen. I bought a new CR2032 battery and replaced the old one with it and that solved the problem. (and I only figured that out with some Googling).

I suspect it's going to be more than an old battery as the error code on the motherboard is definitely psu related, but will happily try the cheaper option first! Normally when I boot the pc after resetting CMOS, it will display the error CMOS checksum error.

Yes, that's what I was thinking - the problem I had with my pc was very clear cut - it was a battery issue as that was on the error msg. If it is not just that then it won't be just a battery problem. If it is a battery problem at all... I tried Googling for you and found this : http://www.fixya.com/support/t7532985-8_3_9_0_4_0_post_codes_when

" Solution

code 8.3: 12V 4 pin plug disconnected or power supply damage. Check connection /test PSU"

Not sure if it's any help to you, but hope you get this sorted soon.

Bugger... Link here www.fixya.com/support/t7532985-8_3_9_0_4_0_post_codes_when