1.1. Front Panel Header Connections - Asus

When changing or installing a motherboard, the front panel header needs to be connected correctly.  Otherwise the PC may not turn on, reset, or the front panel LEDs may not illuminate.  See below for proper connection.

Power LED = Green/White

Power Switch = Orange/White

Hard drive LED= Red/White

Reset Switch = Blue/White

Last pin has no connection

Note:  This covers most Asus motherboards.  If your panel connections do not look like this, please see appropriate knowledge base document.

 

DS

1.2. Clearing BIOS settings - H610M

To clear CMOS BIOS settings and return to factory:

1) Remove power and open side of PC.

2) Using this diagram, locate the CLRTC jumper pins

3) Use a screwdriver, paperclip, or anything metallic and touch across the two pins for about 20 seconds.  When performing this step, do not bend one pin into the other.

4) After the 20 seconds, remove the metallic object.

You may now reattach the side panel, apply power, and test.

 

DS

1.3. Clearing BIOS settings - H510M

To clear CMOS BIOS settings and return to factory:

1) Remove power and open side of PC.

2) Using this diagram, locate the CLRTC jumper pins

3) Use a screwdriver, paperclip, or anything metallic and touch across the two pins for about 20 seconds.  When performing this step, do not bend one pin into the other.

4) After the 20 seconds, remove the metallic object.

You may now reattach the side panel, apply power, and test.

 

DS

1.4. Clearing BIOS settings - H410M

To clear CMOS BIOS settings and return to factory:

1) Remove power and open side of PC.

2) Using this diagram, locate the CLRTC jumper pins

3) Use a screwdriver, paperclip, or anything metallic and touch across the two pins for about 20 seconds.  When performing this step, do not bend one pin into the other.

4) After the 20 seconds, remove the metallic object.

You may now reattach the side panel, apply power, and test.

 

DS

1.5. Clearing BIOS settings - Q470M

To clear CMOS BIOS settings and return to factory:

1) Remove power and open side of PC.

2) Using this diagram, locate the CLRTC jumper pins

3) Use a screwdriver, paperclip, or anything metallic and touch across the two pins for about 20 seconds.  When performing this step, do not bend one pin into the other.

4) After the 20 seconds, remove the metallic object.

You may now reattach the side panel, apply power, and test.

 

DS

1.6. Clearing BIOS settings - B360M

To clear CMOS BIOS settings and return to factory:

1) Remove power and open side of PC.

2) Using this diagram, locate the CLRTC jumper pins

3) Use a screwdriver, paperclip, or anything metallic and touch across the two pins for about 20 seconds.  When performing this step, do not bend one pin into the other.

4) After the 20 seconds, remove the metallic object.

You may now reattach the side panel, apply power, and test.

 

DS

1.7. Clearing BIOS settings - H310M.2

To clear CMOS BIOS settings and return to factory:

1) Remove power and open side of PC.

2) Using this diagram, locate the CLRTC jumper pins

3) Use a screwdriver, paperclip, or anything metallic and touch across the two pins for about 20 seconds.  When performing this step, do not bend one pin into the other.

4) After the 20 seconds, remove the metallic object.

You may now reattach the side panel, apply power, and test.

 

DS

1.8. Clearing BIOS settings - H310M-A

To clear CMOS BIOS settings and return to factory:

1) Remove power and open side of PC.

2) Using this diagram, locate the CLRTC jumper pins

3) Use a screwdriver, paperclip, or anything metallic and touch across the two pins for about 20 seconds.  When performing this step, do not bend one pin into the other.

4) After the 20 seconds, remove the metallic object.

You may now reattach the side panel, apply power, and test.

 

DS

1.9. Clearing BIOS settings - H110M

To clear CMOS BIOS settings and return to factory:

1) Remove power and open side of PC.

2) Using this diagram, locate the CLRTC jumper pins. 

Note: You may need to remove the graphics card if one is installed.

3) Use a screwdriver, paperclip, or anything metallic and touch across the two pins for about 20 seconds.  When performing this step, do not bend one pin into the other.

4) After the 20 seconds, remove the metallic object.

5) Reinstall graphics card if one was present.

NOTE:  If the PC contained a graphics card, AND the front USB cable passes over the CLRTC pins, be sure the cable is snuggled beside the pins before the graphics card is reinserted.

You may now reattach the side panel, apply power, and test.

 

DS

2.1. CPU Replacement - Intel

When replacing a motherboard, or sometimes if a defective CPU is found, the CPU will need to be (re)moved and (re)placed into the socket.  Replacing an Intel CPU, or moving a CPU from one motherboard to another is easy, however care must be taken to avoid damage to the socket and the CPU itself.  Please use the following steps to accomplish the task and be sure to pay close attention to all NOTED text as these are vitally important to prevent damages.

CPU Removal

1) Locate the CPU fan assembly on the motherboard.

2) If the CPU fan was not already removed, follow the appropriate document within the knowledge base regarding CPU Fan Replacement/Remount to remove the fan assembly from the top of the CPU.

3) With fan assembly removed, you can now see the CPU locked into the socket.

4) Unhook the latch on the right side and swing up.  This will also open the lock from over the CPU.

NOTE:  Do not remove the three screws that hold the latching mechanism.  This will only create more work when reassembling.

5) Using your thumb and index finger, grip the CPU from the top and bottom.  Once gripped, pull straight up.

NOTE: Do not use screwdrivers or other tools to lift the CPU from the socket.  This will cause socket damage and may void warranty.

NOTE: Take care when lifting the CPU from the socket that it is not dropped back in.  This will cause socket damage and may void warranty.

6) With CPU out, and before CPU is installed, verify the socket is in good condition.  All pins should be aligned.

CPU Installation

7) While holding the CPU on top and bottom edges, carefully lower the CPU straight down into the socket.

NOTE: If CPU is not sitting correct in the socket, DO NOT TAP INTO POSITION.  Instead, lift CPU straight up, then straight down into position.  Tapping or shifting the CPU into position can cause socket damage and may void warranty.

NOTE: Take care when lowering the CPU into the socket that it is not dropped in.  This will cause socket damage and may void warranty.

8) Before cover is latched down, verify the CPU is correctly orientated.  If the notches do not align as shown in the picture below, lift the CPU straight up, turn appropriately and lower straight down.

NOTE:  If the CPU is latched down with the CPU improperly orientated, it WILL cause CPU damage and void warranty.

NOTE: Notches maybe in different locations depending on the CPU generation.

9) Lower cover down, hook the front prongs on center screw, then lower latch down and secure.

CPU installation is now complete.  Use appropriate knowledge base guide to install CPU fan assembly.

 

DS

 

2.2. CPU Overheat Error - Intel Fan

Sometimes a PC may give overheat warnings as well as make louder than normal fan noises.  This is generally caused by one of the CPU mounts popping loose.  To repair, follow these steps.

1) Remove power, open the side of the PC and locate the CPU fan.

2) Check to make sure the fan can spin freely with no wires or other obstacles blocking it.  If blocked, remove obstacle and retest.

3) If the fan passes the spin test, locate the four posts that surround the fan.  See below.

4) Make sure the screwdriver slot on all four post point to the center as shown.  If they point 90 degrees to the side, turn the post until it points to the center.

5) Look at the base of each post and make sure it sits flat on the motherboard.  See below.

If they do not look as above, or look like pictures below, the heatsink/fan will need to be remounted.  See remounting procedure.

 

6.  If all post are sitting correctly, press each one down.  You should hear an extra click when pressing one or more posts.  When the posts are completely down, they should have a little extra "bounce" when pressing on them.

Once you are sure all four posts are clicked down, replace the side, connect to power and test.  The temperature and noise levels should go back to normal.  If not, you may need to remount the heatsink/fan assembly

 

DS

2.3. CPU Fan Replacement/Remount - Intel Fan

If your PC is overheating, it may need the fan replaced or remounted.  Before attempting to remount or replace the fan, please see articles regarding CPU Overheat Error.  However if these articles did not repair the overheat error, please follow these instructions on whether the fan needs to be remounted (removed and reset onto CPU), or replaced.

Diagnosis to determine whether to replace, or remount the fan

1) Remove side panel, and with power connected and on, check if the fan spins.  If fan does not spin, remove power and check if any wires or other obstacles are blocking path, if so, remove obstacles and retest. 

2) Check to make sure the fan wires are connected correctly and squarely to the CPU_FAN connector (See step 11 for reference).  If not, reconnect and test again.

• If the fan does not spin on its own power, or has bearing screech, it will need to be replaced.
• If the fan does spin on its own power, but PC still overheats, it will need to be remounted.

Replacement / Remounting Procedure

1) Unplug power from rear of PC and remove side panel.

2) Unplug the CPU fan power connector from the motherboard.

3) Locate the four posts that surround the CPU fan.  See below.

4) Turn each post one quarter turn to the left.

5) Lift each post up until it pops.

6) Lift entire fan assembly from motherboard and CPU.

At this point, if you are replacing the fan, please set aside and prepare new fan for installation.

7) Inspect grease on bottom of assembly and top of CPU.  If the grease is dried and crusty, it will need to be replaced.  Otherwise if wet and sticks to the touch, it good to be reused.

8) If remounting the fan, turn all four post one quarter turn to the right until the screwdriver slot points to the center.  See below.

If installing a replacement fan, it should be already pointing towards the center, if not, turn until it appears as below.

9) Place fan assembly on top of the CPU with the white plastic pegs protruding through the motherboard.  You may need to wiggle each one until they go through and sit flush.

The top side of the peg should sit flush on the motherboard like this:

If the white plastic is not sitting flush, but looks like this, the fan assembly will need to be removed, and retried.

 

10) Once all pegs are sitting flush on the motherboard, press the top of the post down until it clicks, and a little "bounce" can be felt.  See below.  These should be applied in a star pattern.

11) Reconnect CPU power connector.

Now that the remounting or replacement is complete, close the side of the PC, reconnect power, and test.

 

DS

3.1. Memory Reseat/Replacement

There are times when your PC may not give video (No POST) when turned on, or sometimes you need to replace the memory due to the installed module having defects.  The process of removing and inserting memory is very easy, however if installed incorrectly, the PC may give memory beep codes, or just not give video.

Memory Removal

1) Turn the PC off and remove side panel to gain access to the motherboard.

2) Locate the memory module.  The PC could have anywhere from one to 4 modules.

2) Locate the locking latch on the side of the memory model.  Press the latch away from the memory module.

NOTE:  Most motherboards will have one latch on one end of each of module.  Although some will have a locking latch on each side.  If you see a latch on each side, both will need to be pressed for release.

3) Grip the memory and pull straight up.

Once the memory is removed, you can immediately insert back into the socket if reseating.  If you are replacing the module, swap the module with the replacement and continue with installation.

NOTE:  If your PC has more than one memory module, you may need to perform the removal process with the remaining pieces.

Memory Installation

1)  With the locking latch still open, align the memory into the slot. 

NOTE:  Make sure the notch on the memory module aligns with the one in the slot.  If this not done, the module will rock, instead of latch, when trying to press in.

2)  Press the module down into the slot.  You may need to rock from end to end to get it to properly sink in.  You should hear, and feel, a *click* on each end once inserted.

Note:  If your PC has more than one memory module, you may need to complete the installation on any other modules that were removed.

The PC can now be reconnected and powered on.

----------------------NOTICE---------------------

If the PC will not display video after installing the memory

Sometimes memory will appear to be inserted, however there is a chance that it may not be clicked in all the way.  For example, the module below appears to be properly inserted

However, upon closer examination, the contacts on the memory's edge are slightly out of socket.

This will prevent the memory from properly being detected.  If you see this, or if you are in doubt, press the down memory again, or repeat the reseating procedure.

 

DS

4.1. Adding a M.2 drive to the Mirage/Scorch Systems

M.2 Drive installation

Sometimes you want the speed of an M.2 SSD, however your PC only has mechanical spindle drives installed.  Switching to M.2 SSD is a very easy process providing your PC is equipped with the proper M.2 slots.  Once the new drive is installed, you can either remove the mechanical drives, or reformat them to use as a data only drives.

 

To install an M.2 drive, follow these instructions.

1) Locate the M.2 slot on the motherboard.  You should see the slot shown in the picture.  You will also see 3 or 4 mounting locations for the end of the drive.

2) As long as the motherboard has an available M.2 slot, the M.2 drive can be installed.  Next you will need an M.2 hard drive with mounting hardware (unless the hardware is already installed)  See picture below of required hardware.

3)  In picture 1, you may notice there are 4 mounting points where the drive can be anchored to.  To determine the proper anchor point, lay the drive across the slot with the connector ends touching and see how far the drive extends into the slot.  In the picture below, the drive comes to the third anchor point.

4) Next, screw the standoff into the proper anchor point. 

5) Install the SSD drive by aligning the drive into the slot.  Make sure the grooves align.

6) Then insert completely into slot.

7) Press the opposite end of the drive down until it rests on the previously installed standoff.

8) Attach the screw into the standoff which will hold the drive into place.

Congratulations!  That is all there is to installing an M.2 drive into a Transource PC. 

Note: If you want the new M.2 drive to contain the bootable copy of Windows, you will need to install Windows (or Windows image) on this drive.  You will also need to change the boot order in BIOS, or remove, or reformat, any previously installed SATA drives otherwise those older drives could still be the default boot option.

5.1. Simple Power Supply Test

Checking a power supply for functionality can be done without a motherboard.  This can help narrow down a no power issue between the power supply and motherboard.

To Diagnose the Power Supply

1) Remove power, open side panel of PC.

2) Unplug the large 24 pin connector from the motherboard. 

3) Using a paper clip, bend it into a U shape and connect to green wire and any black wire on the 24 pin connector.  See below

4) Connect 120/240v power from wall.

At this point, the power supply should instantly turn on.  The power supply fan will spin and any device connected to power will also turn on.  This would also indicate the motherboard is not giving the "Power On" signal to the power supply.  In this case it could be a possible motherboard or power button issue.  Contact support for further guidance.

If the power supply does not turn on

There are three possibilities if the power supply won't turn on:

a)  Test Failure.  Double check the paper clip is connecting green to black and verify it is touching the metal contacts in the 24 pin connector.  If not, readjust and retest.

a)  Another device or accessory connected has a power short and preventing power on.  To test, unplug wall power, then unplug all devices from the power supply including hard drives, optical drives, and anything else directly connected to the red/yellow/black/orange power supply cables.  Reconnect wall power and test again.  If the power supply successfully turns on, a defective device was connected to power.  Narrow down and replace shorted device.  Otherwise -

b) Power supply is defective.  Replace with known good power supply.

NOTE:  This is test is limited to the basic functionality of the power supply.  It does not account for load failures, overheat failures, or intermittent failures.

 

DS

6.1. Enabling Graphics Between Motherboard and Discrete Graphics Card

Some customers may want have more flexibility with rear video ports by using some onboard ports AND some ports on the discrete graphics card.  Maybe they are adding more monitors, or maybe they need a combination of ports because their monitors are limited on port choice.  However when attempted they may discover only one set of ports are working.

To correct the issue and allow use of both sets of video ports, follow these procedures:

1)  Restart and start pressing Delete while the Transource logo is displayed on screen.

2) Once in BIOS, look for the Advanced tab at the top and select it.

NOTE: On some BIOS configurations, you may need to press F7 to get out of the graphical interface and show this option.

3) Under the Advanced Tab look for System Agent (SA) Configuration and select.

4) Inside this menu option, look for Graphics Configuration

5) Inside of Graphics Configuration you will find several options you can configure.  The main choice that needs to be changed is the iGPU Multi-Monitor set to Enabled.

However here is a description of the selections and how you can change them.

Primary Display > Auto = PC will choose which set of ports to activate first.

                             Discrete = Discrete graphics card will activate first and show video before onboard.

                              IGPU = Onboard graphics will activate first and show video before discrete card.

iGPU Multi-Monitor > Disabled = Only the Primary Display will display video (see selection above)

                                     Enabled = Allows use of both onboard and discrete video. 

6) Press F10 to save and exit.  Allow the PC to reboot.

Once the PC boots into Windows, a new device maybe found.  After drivers are loaded, the PC can use video ports from the onboard graphics and the discrete graphics card.

 

DS

7.1. Missing information in System Management BIOS

Problem

Missing information such as serial number or model number in the System Management BIOS (SMBIOS).

Prior to 2010, Transource Desktop and Notebook computers shipped without without asset information fields being populated in SMBIOS.

Solution

A Desktop Management Interface (DMI) utility is available for Transource desktop and notebook computers that have shipped without SMBIOS information being populated. Use the Drivers and Utilities lookup feature on the Transource support page to find the DMI utility for your computer.