Debug codes

98 has to do with PCIe devices. I am pretty sure now there is something up with
the board, there is an off chance the RAM may also have issues or have issues
caused by the board.

I would return the board to the outlet you purchased it for an RMA. The code changing
with that one (A2 code) stick of RAM depending on the socket means the CPU is
not communicating with the board as it should.

Damn, I was hoping we could sort you out without an RMA, that it was something
simple we overlooked.

When you send back the board, take a note of it's serial number and make sure
they don't send you back the same board (unless they somehow fixed it). If the
store gives you trouble then contact ASRock directly and show them that pic, or,
preferably a clearer one of the socket. I know they don't usually let things like
that through their QC so I suspect the store either sold you a return or they
did something like update the BIOS before sale and the tech borked it.

Sorry we couldn't crack it.

Yeah, nothing worse than getting a dud. Sadly, most of the time the issues come
from the retailer, rough handling in shipping or returns put back up for sale.
Personally I have never had a bad experience with ASRock (hence accepting the offer
to be a moderator here) but I have had bad experiences with just about every other
brand at one point or another. I remember having to swallow the cost of over two
dozen motherboards from Gigabyte when they all failed within a year because of
that batch of bad caps in the early 2000's. Never had a good experience with
MSI, just bad luck I am sure. It's all down to luck in the end.

Good luck with the RMA and let me know how you get on

Edited by Xaltar - 15 Nov 2020 at 4:40am

Ouch, sorry to hear that. I would RMA that CPU ASAP. Given all your troubleshooting
that would be the next potential guilty culprit. If the board isn't the issue then
the only other thing that could cause that array of errors is the CPU itself.

There was a time when the CPU was almost never even suspected, not unless it had
bent pins or physical damage of some kind. These days however it's all too common

From ASRock's FAQ:

Dr. Debug is used to provide codes that represent different errors that your system has encountered. Please see the diagram below for reading the Dr. Debug codes and how to troubleshoot.
Code     Description
00     Please check if the CPU is installed correctly and then clear CMOS.
0d     Problem related to memory, VGA card or other devices. Please clear CMOS, re-install the memory and VGA card, and remove other USB, PCI devices.
01 - 54 (except 0d), 5A- 60     Problem related to memory. Please re-install the CPU and memory then clear CMOS. If the problem still exists, please install only one memory module or try using other memory modules.
55     The Memory could not be detected. Please re-install the memory and CPU. If the problem still exists, please install only one memory module or try using other memory modules.
61 - 91     Chipset initialization error. Please press reset or clear CMOS.
92 - 99     Problem related to PCI-E devices. Please re-install PCI-E devices or try installing them in other slots. If the problem still exists, please remove all PCI-E devices or try using another VGA card.
A0 - A7     Problem related to IDE or SATA devices. Please re-install IDE and SATA devices. If the problem still exists, please clear CMOS and try removing all SATA devices.
b0     Problem related to memory. Please re-install the CPU and memory. If the problem still exists, please install only one memory module or try using other memory modules.
* For X79 models, please try installing memory to DDR3 A1, B1, C1 and D1 slots.
b4     Problem related to USB devices. Please try removing all USB devices.
b7     Problem related to memory. Please re-install the CPU and memory then clear CMOS. If the problem still exists, please install only one memory module or try using other memory modules.
d6     The VGA could not be recognized. Please clear CMOS and try re-installing the VGA card. If the problem still exists, please try installing the VGA card in other slots or use other VGA cards.
d7     The Keyboard and mouse could not be recognized. Please try re-installing the keyboard and mouse.
d8     Invalid Password.
FF     Please check if the CPU is installed correctly and then clear CMOS.

So
4c = Memory error (suggests reinstalling CPU and RAM)
7f = Chipset initialization error (suggests clearing CMOS)

If you have checked your CPU is correctly installed and you have no bent pins
then the issue us very likely a dead CPU. We have already ruled out the board
with a replacement yet are getting the same codes. That leaves the CPU or bad
RAM, given the odds of getting not one but 2 bad sticks of RAM in the same batch
I would lean heavily toward CPU. It is also the most expensive component so an RMA
will provide peace of mind here more so than anywhere else. I would not want to
miss the warranty window.

Ok so cleared the cmos crossed fingers.. 2020 dont think anyone is lucky lol..


so one stick the one that worked previously.. in a2

4c 7f... starting to admit defeat..

in b2

4c 7f

was like you know what why the f not try the other stick...

all kinds of codes.. so im like ok this stick is fubared...

no stick

code 53.