Motherboard or Windows?

[woshiibreak]

When I turn on the computer, the POST beep is normal. After the POST beep, there are long, lower pitched beeps that continue erratically (each varying in duration) as if the computer is overheating until the log on screen, while Windows is loading. On two occasions it has continued beeping even after logging on. The beeping varies with the USBs that are plugged in before turning on the computer. On several occasions, the computer freezes at "Windows is loading" and I have to turn it off by holding the power button and turning it on again.

When restarting the computer, there is no POST beep. There is only one short, low pitched beep (I'm positive it's not the POST beep).

However, if I switch off the computer for a few minutes (including and excluding the wall switch) and turn on the computer, everything will be normal. POST beep is fine, and no other beeps after that. Windows loads fine. If I turn off the computer to let it cool down for a few hours and turn it on again, it will resume the beeping mentioned in my first paragraph.

I suspect that a solder might not have been done properly on the motherboard, as when the computer is warm it seems to start normally (softening the solder and improving the contact).

Despite the abnormal starting, I am not experiencing any troubles with my computer once (IF) it has loaded.

System Specs:

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Motherboard: GA EP-45-DS4P (TPM chip is not activated. Both NICs also disabled, I'm using a USB Wireless adapter.)
CPU: Q9550
RAM: 2 x 2GB SuperTalent DDR2, 2 x 2X 2GB Corsair DDR2 (I've ran MEMTEST multiple times, passing many cycles. I'd assume the RAMs are fine.)
GPU: ATI 4850
HDD: 1 x 1TB Western Digital (SATA) (boot disk), 1 x 500GB Seagate HDD (SATA)
PSU: Corsair 650W

Additional Hardware:
1 x ASUS DVDRW
1 x Lite-On DVDRW
1 x Card Reader
1 x Floppy Drive

USBs that I plug in/out:
LG KF750
Microsoft Wireless Mouse
Dynabook USB Mouse (not anymore, but it also gave the same problem)
iPod Touch
D-Link Wireless Adapter (always plugged in)

It's been happening for a few months, the parts were purchased and assembled in October 08. Shop warranty is 1 year, but I've heard that the manufacturer's warranty is 3 years, I'm wanting to avoid bringing it in for repair.


I'd appreciate it if anyone could give input, I'm unsure if the motherboard is still covered by warranty as I've had it for over 1 and a half years. I'm considering plugging out the existing hard drives and plugging in one temporarily and loading Windows on there, to rule out whether it is the motherboard or not.

EDIT:
I've booted the computer on Linux (Knoppix 6.2.1) from a CD, and it has still beeped the same way. The only thing now is to rule out which one of the hardware is causing the problem. IMO it does not sound like it is related to the PSU in any way, but I'll try replacing it with another one. Is there any way I can rule out the graphic card? I do not have a spare PCIE graphic card that I can test with.

[Sakumo]

I'd say motherboard, AFAIK windows will not cause POST beeps.

If you have a spare hard drive somewhere you can try to see if it's windows causing the problem by installing an OS on that HDD. But I'd say it's highly unlikely.

PS your sig kinda scares me

[woshiibreak]

I'm sure the beeping is not the POST beep, as Windows wouldn't start at all if it were.

[SnOwBunZz]

http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

This should cover the part of 'which beep code means what'.
I can't really find out which code you have exactly in the way you described it.

[Ronin]

Are you sure that the PSU is doing good?
To me your problem sounds like capacitor damage on the first hunch.

However,

Is your setup a custom build, or built on top of a complete system?
Whats your PSU?
Do you have any spares for testing?

@SnOwBunZz:
I have yet in my life to see a BIOS that correctly adheres to POST sound-code "standards".

[SnOwBunZz]

@SnOwBunZz:
I have yet in my life to see a BIOS that correctly adheres to POST sound-code "standards".

It's still a step closer to knowing what the beeps mean. I could search for the exact meaning of the beep as long she would post clearly how it beeps (or meaning me less drunk, since I'm on a Polish b-day party, which you should read as quite a bit of alcohol) and who made the BIOS (ami-bios, phoenix etc).