Error Code FF: ASUS RAMPAGE III BE + i7 990x + 3 x 4GB Corsair Dominator GT

[RRiSC]

Hello,

I am not able to boot my computer and I have seen the discussions on this issue at the forum with similar combination of parts. I am getting the FF error code at the motherboard. My specs are:

CPU: i7 990x
RAM: 12 GB Corsair Dominator GT 2000 MHz
MOBO: ASUS Rampage III Black Edition
HDD: 1 TB 6Gb/s Western Digital
SOUND: SB Fatality
GPU: eVGA NVIDIA GTX 590 Classified
PSU: Ultra X4 1600W

I have tried using only one 4GB RAM module with no results.

Can someone please help?

Thank you!

[Andre]

FF is about your CPU. Did you have another 1366 CPUs to try?

[RRiSC]

No, I don't. Everything is brand new. Got it last week.

[fyew-jit-tiv]

FF is about your CPU. Did you have another 1366 CPUs to try?

FF is not a cpu error code. Its a reserved code currently not used by Asus.

Sounds like your board is dead. when you first built your system did you enter the bios and make any changes to the bios? or did you install OS on default bios settings?

[RRiSC]

It is factory BIOS. I can't get to BIOS setup nor install the OS. Nothing appears at the monitor either.

[RRiSC]

I failed to notice earlier that the Q led for the CPU is red. I cleared the CMOS but it didn't work. I tried to update Bios to 0602 but the amber led wouldn't blink. I followed the steps from here:

http://www.asusrog.com/forums/showthread.php?1142-How-to-use-ASUS-ROG-USB-BIOS-Flashback
Is the name of the file in the thumb drive that important?

Also tried different number of RAM modules. Didn't work either.

[fyew-jit-tiv]

Sounds like you need to RMA your board. When you get you replacement remember right after you installed your main componants (cpu ram etc...) go into bios and setup up your ram and cpu settings manually before you install your OS.

[Raja@ASUS]

FF is not a cpu error code. Its a reserved code currently not used by Asus.

Sounds like your board is dead. when you first built your system did you enter the bios and make any changes to the bios? or did you install OS on default bios settings?


Andre is right, when the board POSTs striaght to FF it is because CPU-Init failed for some reason. Andre works in R&D for the ROG team in case you did not know.


-Raja

[Raja@ASUS]

I failed to notice earlier that the Q led for the CPU is red. I cleared the CMOS but it didn't work. I tried to update Bios to 0602 but the amber led wouldn't blink. I followed the steps from here:

http://www.asusrog.com/forums/showthread.php?1142-How-to-use-ASUS-ROG-USB-BIOS-Flashback
Is the name of the file in the thumb drive that important?

Also tried different number of RAM modules. Didn't work either.


The only thing that might save this is removing the CPU from the socket and then clearing CMOS. Reinsert CPU, mount cooler and use a single module of memory again to see if the board will POST.

If that does not help then RMA the board.

-Raja

[fyew-jit-tiv]

Andre is right, when the board POSTs striaght to FF it is because CPU-Init failed for some reason. Andre works in R&D for the ROG team in case you did not know.


-Raja

Hi Raja,

I always thought that the FF code was an unsed code. Didnt know this was related to a cpu error. There you go you learn something new everyday. ;-)

Raja seeing as your apart of the ROG team could you please tell me where the MB temp sensor is placed on this Board?

Regards.

[Raja@ASUS]

The MB sensor is usually located near the Southbridge to help monitoring of chassis temps for fan control.

[RRiSC]

Thank you everyone for the inputs. I tried to RMA the motherboard this morning but I was told I can only do so if before I try RAM modules that are listed on the QVL. I was also told that memories operating in O.C. frequencies will only work after a successful boot using "normal" frequency RAM that will allow me to go into BIOS setup and pre-set it to overclock.

The memories I tried:
CORSAIR 3x4GB 2000 MHZ (also tried one module only)
G.SKILL 2x8GB 2200 MHZ (also tried one module only)

[bigoraj]

I had the same issue RBE the CPU led was red it would not post and double FF. I played with every option i could try. I went to the store and bought a digital power supply tester and on the ultra 1600w on the 3.3v it was only giving me 2.5v. I changed out the power supply and the board posted! ( I figured this all out after I started the RMA for the board, and had a new one on the way) Hope this helps. I traded out the ULTRA for a ANTEC 1200 I owned ultra for the past five years with no issues until now.

[Z3roSix]

I ll agree with bigoraj try a different psu or check your current psu with a multimetter (quite cheap too), also do you use all 4 4-pin cpu sockets ?