Does a system with an A8-7680 CPU function properly when using an A4-6300 CPU?
Does a system with an A8-7680 CPU function properly when using an A4-6300 CPU?
and the precise specification of the RAM?
1 samsung 4gb ram at 1600mhz and I don't know the other one, but it was 8gb at 1600mhz
Was it tested with the RAM from the donor on the ga-f268hm-s1?
I haven't tried that yet, but the 8gb RAM came from the donor build
Even occasionally it's possible to combine memory modules of varying sizes, such as 4G and 8GB, but this approach isn't advised if the CPU has dual IMC channels. When placing two DIMMs together, it's preferable to use two modules that are compatible with each other, for instance, 2 x 4GB or 2 x 8GB from a kit. This ensures the CPU recognizes both modules as identical, maintaining consistent timings.
When choosing RAM, it's essential to have the precise part numbers. It's likely that Samsung produced several distinct 4GB DDR3 1600MT/s DIMMs. These won't be uniform. For instance, a specific Samsung 4GB DDR3 1600MT/s module carries the part number M378B5173DB0. You can find this information on product pages or by using software like CPU-Z to read the SPD chip on the DIMM.
In the past, an A8-7680 CPU experienced BSODs and eventually stopped working even after adding more 7680 units. This suggests a possible hardware issue or a failing component. I still have functional AMD FM-2 systems, but older motherboards often fail unexpectedly. In 2023, I had to replace an FM2 board due to aging.
I recommend removing the 16GB RAM (possibly two 8GB modules) from a donor board and installing them in your GAF2A68HM-S1 slot along with a 7680 module. It's possible that the DIMMs from the donor board are a matching set from one kit. Mixing modules from different kits can cause instability, even if their part numbers match. Timings might vary, and the chips could come from different production runs. With DDR3, I can sometimes mix identically numbered modules from separate kits, but I never combined modules of different capacities.
I once installed four blue Kingston Hyper-X DDR3 4GB DIMMs from a spare box into my PC, which worked briefly before becoming unstable. The labels showed three different speeds—1,066MT/s, 1,333MT/s, and 1,600MT/s. I should have double-checked the labels.
If your system boots with a change in RAM, try reducing the memory speed from 1600MT/s to 1333MT/s. The A8-7680 supports up to 2,133MT/s, so lowering the speed might improve stability. You can use MemTest86 on a bootable USB drive to test your modules.
Another option is to replace the power supply unit (PSU) with a new one, as the original from this older system may be failing. This could resolve the issue.
Combining DIMMs from various kits can cause instability, even if they share the same part numbers. Timings might vary and the memory chips could come from different batches or bins. Using a matched kit ensures timings are very close and the chips are from the same bin. It worked well for nearly a year with just one 8GB RAM stick, but after adding a 4GB stick it failed to boot and eventually stopped working, no longer booting even with a single stick. I plan to try using the RAM from the donor build later.
I recently spent many days attempting to revive a failing Intel LGA1150 motherboard. I changed the RAM, CPU, power supply, and SSD, but nothing helped. Eventually, I gave up and replaced the board with a newer one. Old components can suffer from ESD damage, leading to faulty parts. Sometimes it’s necessary to discard a nonworking board at a recycling center. Your motherboard might be in a similar condition.
Just a few simple questions at this stage.
Are the 4-pin and 24-pin power connections on the motherboard securely fastened?
What reset procedure have you employed to establish default configurations during the physical CPU swap? When doing the swap, do you connect a heatsink or cooler and link it to the CPU fan header?
Have you confirmed that both the 4-pin and 24-pin power plugs on the motherboard are securely connected?
Yes, it functions perfectly with my A4-6300.
What reset procedure have you applied to establish default configurations during a physical CPU swap? When doing the swap, do you connect a heatsink or cooler and link it to the CPU fan header?
I use the clear CMOS jumper, and indeed there is both a heatsink and a cooler.
I believe I identified the cause. When my old A8-7680 CPU failed, it might have led to a spike in the VRM, making it impossible for the motherboard to provide sufficient power for the replacement unit.