P35 Neo2-FIR boot problem (GRRR - no video)

Question

Hi.
A have a problem with my Neo2-FIR. But first my system's specs:
MSI P35 Neo2-FIR (PCB 1.2, BIOS 1.9 or 1.A - the first one supporting my CPU. I don't remember and there's no video, so I can't check it)
Intel E8400 E0 stepping (SLB9J) cooled by Thermalright Ultima-90.
2x2GB DDR2 A-Data 800MHz 4-4-4-12 2T
PowerColor HD4850 PCS+ (512 MB)
Enermax Pro82+ 385 W (Click for more)
WD AACS 640 GB (irrelevant)
It has been working well since fall 2008. Suddenly, I turn on the PC to see "No input signal" on my monitor..
Diagnostic LEDs report GRRR (from top to bottom), which translates into "Initializing video interface. This will start detecting CPU clock , checking type of video onboard. Then detect and initialize the video adapter". No signals form the speaker.
The full sequence after an restart is GRRR (for a split second) -> RRGR (Mem. detection test) -> RRGG (Decompressing BIOS image to RAM) -> RGGR (Processor initialization) -> GRRR.
After hardware changes (like different RAM configuration - in this case detecting RAM), it can freeze on some other stage. But an restart helps, and clearing CMOS before start up prevents this. Normally it's the above sequence.
What I've tried:
- Tested all the voltages with an Voltmeter. They're fine. The PSU was always rock solid.
- Detached everything that's not crucial (HDD, DVD, fans etc)
- Checked all the connectors.
- Cleared the CMOS (with the button, by removing the battery etc.). It worked, because the dual boot issue was reintroduced.
- Booting with the video card in the second (yellow) PCI-e slot.
- Booting with an old, PCI videocard. (Same symptoms as with the new one). I've also tried booting without and video card - it was the same, but there was an beep from the speaker.
- Booting with one RAM stick, in various configurations.
- Reseating the CPU (it looks fine, so does the socket BTW).
- Reseating the motherboard in the case (to make sure there are no shorts). No shorts on Ultima's backplate.
- probably some other stuff that I don't remember
- (edit) various FSB jumper configurations.
Of course the video card was checked on an different PC and it works fine. I can't check the CPU, but it's rather unlikely that it is its fault.
What I haven't tried is an blind BIOS update. A bit risky. Is it worth trying?
Any ideas? I probably have to RMA the board, but maybe someone knows the answer or had an similar problem.
I've also had some problems with CRC errors with the HDD. Windows reported problems with writing on it (don't remember the error codes). It was moths ago and replacing the SATA connector and changing the port helped.
There were some (rare!) BSoDs, mostly caused by Realtek drivers. RAM was tested with Memtest86+, it was fine. Anyway nothing special and most probably nothing related to the current problem.
Regards,
Dr.

Answer 1

Hi,
Thanks for your help.
They've actually sent me the P35 Platinum Combo mainboard. It the same as normal Platinum, but supports both DDR 2 and DDR3. I don't mind really, though I also don't need it It does have a slightly different PCB and a different BIOS (at least it has it's own number, everything else looks the same).
I have a problem though with the BIOS. It's impossible to set the proper CPU voltage. On Neo2-FIR the minimal voltage was equal to CPU VID (1.1 V). There were some problems with EIST (when it was enabled, the minimal voltage was higher - 1.25 V I think. I've just disabled it).
On this mainboard, with exactly the same CPU, I'm unable to set the voltage below 1.25 V and the CPU overheats  It works, but gets really hot. EIST was disabled on default. Rather annoying, this is supposed to be a quite build, which won't be possible with an overvolted CPU
The BIOS is the newest version, but I'll double check.
I'll probably create a topic about this issue after some more research and testing (when I'll find time for it ). Though I'm afraid it's a bug that cannot be resolved. Apart from that everything looks fine.