Area 51 R2 POST Issues

Question

Hello Everyone! I have a bit of an issue here.  I have a Area 51 R2 and I tried to replace the top fan with a Noctua NF-S12A last night.    After replacing the fan, I tried to power on the system.  The system would display the Alienware logo (during POST) and then after a few seconds, the computer will shut off.  I tried to power on the system again and this time, during POST, it would display the Alienware logo along with the 'loading' spinning circle.  After a few seconds, the spinning circle would just stop.  I had to force a system power down.  As for the third try, the system would power on normally and boot into Windows 10. I tried replacing the Noctua fan with the stock fan and same issue.  Before fan replacement, everything was fine.  I tried resetting the CMOS and restoring to defaults in BIOS and that didn't help.  I even replaced my PSU with a EVGA 850W and that didn't fix it. I would like to add that since the successful boot into Windows, I am able to boot into Windows every single time UNTIL I unplug the system from the power outlet.  If I unplug the system from the power outlet, the issue comes back. I appreciate if anyone could provide insights into this issue. Thanks!

dbrewster · Answer

MayB the coin cell battery is depleted.

Carbon Based Lifeform · Answer

looks like you somehow short out your Board.

disconnect all Cables including Power Cord, remove the Coin Cell Battery and hold the Power On Button for a Minute.

if it doesn't work, then unplug the Power Cord(!) and disconnect the Fan. then turn on your PC.

does your PC forget the Time after Cold Boot? maybe dbrewster is right and your CS Battery is dead. that would explain the multiple Adjustment Boots.

Wjejhfhfhsnsh · Answer

I just tried changing the coin cell battery and that didn't help. There's no loss of time before or after the change of battery.

I tried the steps that Carbon Base Lifeform suggested and that didn't help.

Would it be safe to say that the motherboard is fried? I can still use the system and the system runs fine. It's just a bit annoying when I plug it in the first time and knowing something's wrong with the system. Thanks so much for all your help!

Tesla1856 · Answer

Unfortunate for you,&#xa0;&#xa0;but good example of ...... even if you know what you are doing, any time you get inside the computer, you are one step away from 'blowing something up'.&#xa0;Troubleshoot like a normal computer (see my thread in Featured Content).&#xa0;&#xa0;Now would be a good time for backup or Imaging.&#xa0;Run ePSA. Maybe it will throw an error.Re-seat everything.Disconnect all non-essential USBRemove extra cardsTest Power SupplyInstall and connect only a blank HDD/SSD and see if a clean Windows install works properly, and acts more normal.

Carbon Based Lifeform · Answer

and you are sure you didn't touch anything else except the FAN?

disable Fast Boot in your Windows Power Settings. it could be just a Windows Boot Issue. happens sometimes with Fast Boot enabled for no Reason.

make sure that your BIOS Settings are correct.

OC

DRAM Frequency = 2133 MHz (not Auto)

Boot

Secure Boot = Enabled

Install Key (hit Enter, Yes)

USB Boot = Disabled

Boot Option 1 = Windows

all other Boot Options = Disabled

also try what Tesla1856 mentioned. run EPSA and disconnect your SATA Drives. maybe reseat the RAM Modules.

overall, the Area 51 Motherboard has no Chance to win the Reliability Award. People including myself have different Problems with this Board.

Locked Topics – Alienware General

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