Member Avatar for go_big12

I've searched all over the web unsuccessfully for an answer to this question so I thought I would try here. The problem seems common but I've found no solution.

I recently purchased this motherboard (ASUS M2NC51-AR) used with hopes of building up a decent small form factor PC cheaply. Originally I guess it was in an HP slimline of some sort. I got it up and running using an old 1000 Hz AMD Sempron (tm) 3800+ w/256 kb cache. Now I want to upgrade the processor to something better, so I purchased an AMD Phenom x4 9100e. It is listed in the specs as compatible. However, after installing the processor when I turn on the PC nothing comes on the screen.

I have tried updating the BIOS. Previously it was v5.04, and now I am using v5.07. This required I first install Windows Vista which was a total pain. Currently I have two partitions, one with Vista and the other Ubuntu 10.04. I am wondering if there is another BIOS update (or other fix) to help the board identify the processor as compatible. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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A short expert summary and practical checklist based on the thread: the blank-screen / no-POST symptom after swapping to a higher-end AMD chip on that small HP/ASUS-for-HP board is usually one of two things — the OEM firmware simply does not contain the CPU microcode/CPUID entry needed to enumerate the new chip, or the slimline platform (power supply and VRM) cannot support the processor's power draw. Community experience shows OEM boards can be vague about “family” support and still only work with a subset of SKUs. [Tom's Hardware discussion and background]. (https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/maximum-tdp-accepted-for-m2nc51-ar-hematitexl.410584/) (forums.tomshardware.com)

Try these targeted checks (do them in order, with power unplugged between hardware changes): clear CMOS (use the board’s CLRTC or remove the coin cell for 15–30s), boot with a minimal configuration (one known-good RAM module, onboard video only, no drives or USB peripherals), confirm the CPU 12V/EPS power connector is present and seated, reseat the CPU/heatsink and inspect for bent pins, and breadboard the board outside the chassis to rule out shorts. The standard clear-CMOS and minimal-boot steps are in typical motherboard manuals. [ASUS clear-RTC/CLRTC procedure]. (https://manuals.plus/ar/asus/motherboard-manual) (manuals.plus)

If you already installed the latest official OEM BIOS and the board still will not POST, that strongly indicates missing microcode or a TDP/VRM limit rather than a simple setting — check the official OEM BIOS release notes before chasing other fixes; the last published OEM BIOS for this model is archived online. [Wim's BIOS archive for the OEM image]. (https://www.wimsbios.com/biosupdates/asus/6A61HHP6) (wimsbios.com)

A final note on risky options: cross-flashing or modding BIOS to add microcodes is possible but complex and can brick the board; experts on BIOS-modding forums recommend using a supported CPU to flash or using an external SPI programmer only if experienced. If the steps above fail, use a confirmed-supported, lower-TDP CPU for the slimline chassis or move the CPU to a full ATX board. [BIOS-modding / microcode discussion]. (https://winraid.level1techs.com/t/help-needed-asrock-x99-taichi-modding-rebar-cpu-microcodes-default-bios-values/91869/) (winraid.level1techs.com)

Quick checklist to try next:

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Member Avatar for caperjack

depends on the site you go to but i find different cpu specs on different sites ,this one says it has duel core /athlon 64 .
http://www.algogo.com/store/products/ASUS-M2NC51%252dAR-HP-HematiteXL%252dGL8E-MINI-ITX-MOTHERBOARD.html

this one says what you say ,

and many other links say only duel core as well,not quad core ,so not sure why but i would assume HP to be correct ,and it looks like bios 5.07 is latest .

the quad 9100e you bought is it new , or a used cpu

Member Avatar for go_big12

The CPU is new. I guess part of my question would be, is there another BIOS I can try out that is not suggested by HP? Perhaps something "open source." I am pretty ignorant on the BIOS other than to know it gets you to the boot menu.

Member Avatar for caperjack

The CPU is new. I guess part of my question would be, is there another BIOS I can try out that is not suggested by HP? Perhaps something "open source." I am pretty ignorant on the BIOS other than to know it gets you to the boot menu.

i know of none ,not sure where you would actually start looking for one ,and if you did use one and it was bad your board would/could be renders useless ,as the bios is the most important part of the motherboard

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