[Help] 8 beeps unsure about the problem

Hey guys, im running into a problem. I got an alienware m17x R4 with gtx 660m.
One day i was playing normally and then i download the evga software for overclocking the gpu, i really didnt put any config as it seemed unfunctional, so i just rolled some options and put it back to normal again, then turned off the notebook. Next day, when i turned on, it only appeared a black screen and gave 8 beeps. After some research, i found that those beeps are by default related to the LCD, but i also saw some ppl saying that they changed the graphics card and the problem was it. I also fear that it could be some motherboard problem... I took to an "pc clinic" and the guy said that those notebooks doesnt turn on without the graphics card, as we tried and it gave the same problem (8 beeps). He also said that he saw that when the graphics card is plugged, the GPU fan doesnt work. So it probably is a burned up graphics card, but i wanted to make sure before buying another one...
Can you guys help? Thanks.
I also tried plugging it to an external tv (through HDMI) and it gave those 8 beeps.
I also ripped (carefully) the notebook apart until the LCD, disconnected it and put it back in, but the same problem still goes on.

 

Im guessing you are running windows 10? There is an entire thread about evga and 10 combination killing lcds by rewriting the lcd information, you will need to have your screen replaced or reprogrammed. :/

 

Hi, yeah, the 8 beeps when they happened to me was related to the GPU, I had messed around in the BIOS. Took a BIOS reset to get past the 8 beeps.
If you do not have the 120hz panel (sold as NV 3D included) then it should start without the GPU card. It will run on the built-in Intel card. The 3D panel requires that the Intel GPU is not connected so AW motherboards have two panel connectors. One for the 60hz panel that includes the Intel, the second for 120hz panels.

I do know why but is reallllly boring!

60hz: First thing is to remove the NV GPU. Remove the battery. hold down the power button for 10 seconds or so. Replace battery, but not the GPU, and try again. Still 8 beeps? Try one extra step, disconnect the CMOS battery before holding down the power button to ensure the BIOS is cleared.

Still 8 beeps? Very possible that @ maxslo is correct. I have seen a few reports of this happening but only on 60hz panels. No reports with the 120hz panel. You'd need to research it. User Mr Fox is the expert on this subject and went into it in some detail.

120hz: Basically the machine MUST have the NV gpu to work. So removing the GPU will never start the machine..

I am assuming a 60hz panel as I do not recall AW selling your GPU as a 3D model. If you are unsure check the PSU. The R4 often had two models. Total memory failure here but the 120hz model MUST have the 240w PSU. Yours might have a smaller one? Dead giveaway if it's the smaller one, it is 60hz panel.

HTH, It's all very confusing so ask away... Oh just remembered, when you successfully clear the BIOS you will get a beep code warning of incorrect date/time. You get to continue and it is a one-off.

Good luck

 

I never used windows 10, was running windows 7 at that time... Ok Micky D, i'll try it. Also, my PSU model is GA240PE1-00 but i really dont remember of seeing those 120hz in any configuration. Oh and i forgot to say that i smell burn, but cant really tell where it comes from...

 

Ok MickyD, i did what you said, but now when i press the powet button to turn it on, it tries to turn for like 2 seconds and then turns off. Is there any solid way to see if i have an 120hz LCD? I could check the LCD connection right? You said there are 2 connections, one for 60hz and another for 120, and i remember of having another one there that was unnused. And i put it in the same connection when i made that check(plug out and back in).

 

It is still not clear where the problem lies I'm afraid. At least win 10 is not in the equation.The only way for sure is replacing the GPU. But the CPU or something else on the MB is still very possible. Nail the panel ID and you have your answer. Well a good pointer at least.

I know the panel is SEC8???. If you check out the 120hz upgrade thread you might find help there. I am subbed to it so I'll see if you do post for help .

Is there any ident printed on the MB? It could be obvious, hopefully. This would then also be something the guys in that 120hz upgrade thread might help with?

Do not be tempted to try swapping. That has proved to be a panel killer .

What happened when you went through the bios drain with the GPU in?

 

Unfortunately, the 120Hz panels have been bricked as well, specifically the SEC5044. Also, not everyone had Windows 10 or EVGA software running; some had neither and the screen still bricked. The only commonality is an Nvidia card and an LVDS screen on a system with direct dGPU control over the screen, meaning no Optimus or setting iGPU to 'off' in the bios (for switchable systems). EVGA is a known killer though, so edid corruption is a good bet ... especially after having it run just once; too much of a coincidence to be something else.

Not sure about all R4s, but with your 120Hz at least it appears you have to hot-swap with a working panel (any cheap, 40-pin LVDS will do). For background see thread 1, thread 2 and diy fix.

The burned smell isn't a good sign, of course. So it might also be a simple matter of overclocking outright killing the gpu or overloading the mb circuit. Not sure which scenario is worse; the lcd can be fixed for free, but is a fairly complicated procedure (you'd probably need the 256-bit set, btw), whereas the gpu is easy, but at some expense. Well ... you might also just buy a new screen, of course.

 

Wow, I have missed a bunch of background info. I guess that I never saw a 120hz panel failure so I stopped following. My bad...

 

But then t456 you think that probably the problem is like the LCD + GPU or LCD + something in the MB right? And you're also sure that i have an 120hz LCD? Because i couldnt be sure with just the PSU info hehe

 

You have a 240W adapter, so according to MickyD1234 it is very much possible you have a 120Hz panel. But that doesn't matter anyway, since both 60Hz and 120Hz lcds can be bricked. And no, think chances are good it is just the lcd itself, not the gpu or mb.

You could test the gpu in a different system to rule that out and if it is indeed just the lcd then you need to source a working panel for the hot-swap anyway. Might buy a cheap, cracked screen or, easier, borrow one from a different system. There's plenty that are compatible, so just list the systems you may be able to use for this purpose.

 

Can i use both 60hz and 120hz to make the test? Would the notebook turn on if i disconnect the LCD and put an HDMI to an external monitor? What about the burnt smell, can it be from the LCD? MickeyD said "do not be tempted on swapping, that is a panel killer" what did you mean?

 

Sure, both types are fine. And perhaps, it varies from one laptop to another, depending on the strictness of the bios.

The smell could be a power component failing due to overclocking the gpu. If so and with some luck it'll be visible damage to the gpu card or the motherboard. With 'luck', because then at least it is fixable, whereas it is fairly hard to fix a non-visibly damaged component (needle in a hay stack).

Think MickyD1234 meant that you do have to be careful about which panel you swap it with. The pin configuration has to match that of the old panel. When you have dis-assembled the display lid and you have access to the lcd then scribble down the part numbers, this way we can make sure the donor panel will be compatible.

 

My thoughts are: That if it was just GPU (120hz) the machine would still error with 8 beeps if it was removed. 60hz, the machine should just run if the GPU is faulty. I am tending to think you have a 120hz display.

BUT: It should 8 beep if it is removed. The 60hz should run fine with the GPU removed if that is the problem. Both problems appear contradict.

I'm confused . I still am unsure if the 660m/120hz 3D was ever a standard config. The 240w adapter was often supplied to lower power draw machines so it is not a full indicator. The smaller PSU would have been a clincher. Also, the original trigger of installing AB. It usually points to the GPU. I have seen many GPU failures just updating their driver. Pushes old cards too much and GPU burnout would be the first choice. The fact that it does not run without the GPU could even point to multiple failures You said 2 beeps? Let me check what that points to...back soon.

Does the GPU have a dual pipe or triple pipe heatsink? If it is dual pipe then it's a low power GPU and again unlikely it is a 120hz display.

Did updating the gpu driver before the problem just work? That points to a standard config at least.

Do you recall looking in Device Manager? If only the NV GPU showed = 120hz. The 60hz panel would show the Intel GPU as well.

Until we nail down the panel further trouble shooting will be swapping parts around, a costly exercise unless you have a friend with an R4.

Just to add to the confusion Dell often swapped parts around when shortages occur, hence the PSU only being indicative of 120hz with a 240w. The heatsink is the same. Dual pipe and it is certainly a low power GPU. Triple pipe? Could be used by dell on a low power GPU (but less likely) just due to supply. Are you the original owner? Just in case it has parts swapped out

Back soon...hopefully with a plan!

EDIT: Card killer question? I just meant that people have caused irreversible damage swapping the MB sockets. I dont recall the exact details though... It's in the 120hz upgrade sticky

 

2 beeps - memory error. Just to add. Maybe the GPU is not the problem. Removing the GPU could just fail the POST further down the internal check list? I guess it wont hurt to try removing one at a time, hopefully you have two?

Does any of this ( http://en.community.dell.com/suppor...ktop/3624.beep-codes-and-psa-diagnostic-chart) help? I only quickly scanned it, and although it's under' Desktop' dell does like to align the beep codes same for laptops?

 

Thanks guys for the help, but i guess i'll just contact dell support to fix, cause if i just start buying things with a hope of fixing righ away i could end up spending way more money... BTW, my panel is 60hz according to the invoice i had to get in order of opening a support case from dell.

 

Let me know how it goes. Since it's a 60hz model it is going to be more than just the GPU. Dell used to have a fixed price fix for out-of-warranty repairs on AW's .

Good Luck.