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The computer does not start - ASRock P67 PRO3 error b2 and A3

SolarBlast 8169 11
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #1 16798777
    SolarBlast
    Level 7  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Board Language: polish
    Hello
    I have quite a serious problem because I can not start the computer, at the beginning it looked like it sometimes did not start after a few tries, but as if it did not display this information at the beginning about Prock and Ram and this board where is information on how to run the BIOS, including At the moment, the computer does not start at all, i.e. When I press power, it is as if it is starting: the fans, the diodes on the card and on the network card, light up and on such a small display on the card, different numbers are displayed, followed by the code b2 and then A3 already this A3 does not go out and is on all the time.

    Ps. I read that it was something related to SATA and disconnected all cables from these sockets but it did not help and I think that the important thing is that I do not have access to the BIOS.
    Equipment
    Motherboard: ASRock P67 PRO3
    Processor: i5 2500k
    Card: GTX 560Ti
    Power supply: Thermaltake Smart M550W 80Plus Bronze
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  • #2 16798804
    Dydelmax
    Level 39  
    Posts: 3834
    Help: 654
    Rate: 961
    Board Language: polish
    Hello.
    First, do a Clear CMOS and check the CR2032 battery voltage.
    Are you running a PC with a single RAM chip?
    greetings
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  • #3 16798853
    SolarBlast
    Level 7  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Board Language: polish
    Sorry, but I am not so familiar with these topics and I do not know how to make this Clear CMOS with one chip, I tried and nothing, do you need a device to check the battery voltage?
    Ps. Earlier I found this advice to dismantle the computer and put everything back and after this operation I now see that the code 19 is displayed: /

    EDIT
    Ps. A strange thing, but the code 19 does not show up anymore.

    I merged after extracting redundant.
    RADU23
  • #4 16798903
    kokapetyl
    Level 43  
    Posts: 13444
    Help: 1787
    Rate: 2089
    Board Language: polish
    SolarBlast wrote:
    and I do not know how to do this Clear CMOS with one chip, I tried and nothing, do I need a device to check the battery voltage?

    First, there is a "clear CMOS" jumper on the board, you need to consult the board's manual if you cannot locate it. Another is a common multimeter that you need.

    I edited removing redundant.
    If a colleague has reservations about the spelling, the appropriate button is used for this.
    RADU
  • #5 16798926
    SolarBlast
    Level 7  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Board Language: polish
    Ok, yes, the meter does not have xD and what to do with this jumper? Take her out for a while? Because there are three stamens and there is a scroll on 2, or can it be moved to the other side?
  • #6 16798936
    kokapetyl
    Level 43  
    Posts: 13444
    Help: 1787
    Rate: 2089
    Board Language: polish
    SolarBlast wrote:
    can it be transferred to the other side?

    Transfer to another (with the PC turned off and disconnected from the mains) and after a few seconds return to the original place, then start the PC.
  • #7 16798952
    SolarBlast
    Level 7  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Board Language: polish
    Unfortunately, but it did not help, I will add that the sequence of these codes from launch is: 60, 71, b2, 98, 99, A3
    Is it possible that the record has fallen or is it rather some component of the fault?
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  • #8 16799085
    Dydelmax
    Level 39  
    Posts: 3834
    Help: 654
    Rate: 961
    Board Language: polish
    A3 - IDE Enable. As for the codes, see the link: https://www.asrock.com/support/faq.pl.asp?id=334
    Clean the RAM contacts with isopropyl alcohol (do not clean the memory slot!).
    Enter the last code for the configuration:
    - with all disks and drives disconnected,
    - with only the disk connected,
    - with only the drive connected,
    - with disk and drive connected.
    greetings
  • #9 16799114
    SolarBlast
    Level 7  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Board Language: polish
    Whether the disk and drive are connected or not, the sequence of these codes is the same and at the end yen A3 is displayed and it stays that way
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  • #11 16799977
    SolarBlast
    Level 7  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Board Language: polish
    There is no integrated card, the motherboard does not have, and I tried to disconnect everything except the card, prock and ram, because in total I still have a disk and drive (not counting the fans) and even the BIOS does not run.
    Possibly, someone would recommend a motherboard model for replacement because it's hard to find the same one somewhere
  • #12 16802139
    SolarBlast
    Level 7  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Board Language: polish
    Anyone have any ideas on how to solve this?

Topic summary

✨ The user is experiencing startup issues with their computer, specifically with an ASRock P67 PRO3 motherboard, where the system fails to boot and displays error codes b2 and A3. Initial troubleshooting steps included disconnecting SATA cables and attempting a Clear CMOS, but the problem persists. The user has also tried various configurations with RAM and drives, but the BIOS does not load. Suggestions from other users include checking the CR2032 battery voltage, cleaning RAM contacts, and consulting the motherboard manual for jumper settings. The user is considering replacing the motherboard due to the ongoing issues.
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FAQ

TL;DR: If your ASRock P67 PRO3 shows two POST codes (b2 → A3), it’s a storage/option‑ROM init halt; “A3 – IDE Enable.” [“ASRock FAQ: Dr. Debug Codes”] Why it matters: This FAQ helps owners fix no‑boot/BIOS access issues tied to Dr. Debug b2/A3 on ASRock P67‑series boards, fast.

Quick Facts

What do ASRock Dr. Debug codes b2 and A3 mean on P67 PRO3?

On ASRock boards, b2 indicates legacy option ROM initialization, and A3 indicates IDE enable or storage detection. These codes point to the storage or controller stage of POST. If you halt at A3, focus on SATA devices, ports, and firmware settings first. “A3 – IDE Enable.” [“ASRock FAQ: Dr. Debug Codes”]

How do I Clear CMOS on the ASRock P67 PRO3?

Use the 3‑pin CLR_CMOS jumper. 1) Shut down and unplug the PSU. 2) Move the jumper cap from pins 1–2 to 2–3 for a few seconds. 3) Return the cap to pins 1–2, reconnect power, and boot. This resets BIOS settings and can clear POST halts. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #16798936]

Do I need to test with one RAM stick during POST troubleshooting?

Yes. Boot with a single DIMM to simplify POST and isolate memory channel or stick issues. Reseat the module and use the slot recommended by the manual for single‑stick operation. This reduces variables and helps distinguish memory from storage faults. [Elektroda, Dydelmax, post #16798804]

I disconnected all drives and still halt at A3. What next?

Users reported the same code sequence and A3 halt with or without drives attached. In that case, perform Clear CMOS, reseat RAM and GPU, and try alternate SATA ports after reset. Document the last visible code for each change. [Elektroda, SolarBlast, post #16799114]

What isolation order should I follow for b2/A3 boot issues?

Follow this sequence and record the last code each time: 1) Boot with all disks and optical drives disconnected. 2) Connect only the system disk. 3) Connect only the optical drive. 4) Connect both. Clean RAM contacts before starting. [Elektroda, Dydelmax, post #16799085]

How should I clean RAM contacts safely?

Remove the module and wipe the gold contacts with isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry fully before reinserting. Do not clean inside the slot. Cleaning can resolve marginal contact resistance that causes POST instability. [Elektroda, Dydelmax, post #16799085]

Could a weak CR2032 battery cause POST problems here?

Yes. Low CMOS battery voltage can corrupt BIOS settings and hinder POST. “First, do a Clear CMOS and check the CR2032 battery voltage.” Replace the coin cell if old or unknown. After replacement, reenter BIOS and set date, time, and boot order. [Elektroda, Dydelmax, post #16798804]

Can the P67 PRO3 boot without a graphics card connected?

No. This board provides no integrated graphics output. You must install a discrete GPU, such as the GTX 560 Ti used by the poster, to get video and see BIOS/POST. Without a GPU, you may misread a functional system as failed. [Elektroda, SolarBlast, post #16799977]

I see 60, 71, b2, 98, 99, then A3 and it freezes. Is that normal?

One user logged six sequential POST codes before stopping at A3. This shows the board progressed through several init stages but failed at storage enable. Use the drive isolation steps and Clear CMOS to proceed. Six codes is typical in such halts. [Elektroda, SolarBlast, post #16798952]

What is ASRock Dr. Debug and how do I read the codes?

Dr. Debug is a two‑digit diagnostic display on many ASRock boards. Each hex code maps to a specific POST stage. When the system halts, the last code reveals the failing init phase, guiding targeted checks for RAM, storage, or firmware. [“ASRock FAQ: Dr. Debug Codes”]

How long should I leave the Clear CMOS jumper in the reset position?

Move the cap for only a few seconds with AC power removed, then return it to normal and start the PC. Holding the reset position briefly is sufficient to discharge settings and avoid unintended damage. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #16798936]

Do I need special tools to check the CMOS battery?

A common multimeter is enough to measure the CR2032 voltage. If you lack one, replacing the coin cell is inexpensive and fast, then re‑test. Low battery can cause boot anomalies and lost BIOS settings. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #16798903]

Why disconnect all SATA devices when A3 appears?

A3 marks the drive enable phase. Removing all SATA devices verifies whether a device, cable, or port triggers the halt. Then add devices one by one to find the offender. Log the last POST code after each change. [Elektroda, Dydelmax, post #16799085]

Is there a similar case I can compare with?

Yes. A helper linked a thread with a comparable A3/b2 scenario for additional context and fixes. Reviewing similar cases can reveal overlooked steps or edge failures like faulty optical drives or cables that stall POST. [Elektroda, Dydelmax, post #16799729]

Edge case: Could the board still fail after all these steps?

Yes. If Clear CMOS, RAM reseat, SATA isolation, and battery replacement do not change the last code, the motherboard or PCIe device may be faulty. Proceed with known‑good parts testing or board replacement. [Elektroda, SolarBlast, post #16799977]
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