Question ASRock B660M Mobo - Post Status Checker Lights

[Brown235]

Hi all, I am a new user here on this site and I am doing a first time build. I purchased all of the components based on a recommendations from an article on pcgamer.com.

My component list is below:

MOBO: ASRock B660M Pro RS
CPU: Intel Core i5 13400F
Cooler: Laminar RM1
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
RAM: Teamgroup T-Force Vulkan Z 16GB DDR4 3200
PSU: Be Quiet! Pure Power 12M 550W
SSD: WD Black SN770 1TB
Case: Aerocool Zauron

Doing this build with my daughter and we have assembled everything but cannot get any display on the monitor. After we attempt to boot the system, I noticed that the mobo has two constant red led lights on. The manual states that this occurs as part of the Post Status Checker procedure and if the red lights emit then there is a dysfunction on the board.

There are 4 leds, on the board 1.CPU, 2. DRAM, 3. VGA, 4. BOOT. The leds are lighted for 1 and 2. To troubleshoot, I started removing components from the board to get down to just the CPU and RAM, but as soon as I boot the system, I immediately see the 2 red led's light up.

I will mention that I don't have the OS loaded as I can't get a display to start that process. Could this be a BIOS issue? I checked the mobo for bios version(it is 9.03) and then verified on the manufactures website that the bios version has been validated for my CPU.

I was going to flash the bios but having never done this before, wanted to make sure it was worth 'risking', definitely don't want to 'brick' this mobo, being a newbie and all. But is it necessary to update the bios when the manufacturer info states the current version is a match for my CPU? Is this just a DOA mobo?

Any advice or shared experiences like mine would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[COLGeek]

Do you have the video cable attached to the 4060 or to a motherboard connected port? Should be the 4060.

With the power off and disconnected, make sure your memory and GPU are fully seated in their perspective slots and than both the 24-pin and 8-pin power cables are properly attached the the motherboard AND the PSU

Also, if this doesn't produce results, you may need to remove the motherboard to ensure you have no unused stand-offs/mounting points under the motherboard creating a short condition.

If you remove the motherboard, you should also remove the CPU and inspect the socket for bent/broken pins.

 

[Brown235]

Do you have the video cable attached to the 4060 or to a motherboard connected port? Should be the 4060.

With the power off and disconnected, make sure your memory and GPU are fully seated in their perspective slots and than both the 24-pin and 8-pin power cables are properly attached the the motherboard AND the PSU

Also, if this doesn't produce results, you may need to remove the motherboard to ensure you have no unused stand-offs/mounting points under the motherboard creating a short condition.

If you remove the motherboard, you should also remove the CPU and inspect the socket for bent/broken pins.

Yes I have it attached to the video card and not the mobo port. There is no support on the CPU for integrated video. I did remove the video card and RAM multiple times, very carefully, to make sure it was seated properly, hearing the 'click' each time I installed it. Also I have just one RAM card and mobo has 4 slots. I put the card in the slot furthest from the cpu as recommended by others posts I have read. The manual only gives advise for dual channel configuration of the DRAM modules. From my power supply there are 2 PCIe connectors that are 6+2 connectors and I tried both but no dice.

The case originally had 4 stand offs, the mobo required 8 so I added 4 additional to stabilize, all have a screw to the board.

Also inspected the CPU for bent pins and everything looks good. Any advice on flashing the BIOS? As I mentioned the BIOS version of the board and CPU according to the manufacturer are a validated match.

 

[Brown235]

Yes I have it attached to the video card and the mobo port. There is no support on the CPU for integrated video. I did remove the video card and RAM multiple times, very carefully, to make sure it was seated properly, hearing the 'click' each time I installed it. Also I have just one RAM card and mobo has 4 slots. I put the card in the slot furthest from the cpu as recommended by others posts I have read. The manual only gives advise for dual channel configuration of the DRAM modules. From my power supply there are 2 PCIe connectors that are 6+2 connectors and I tried both but no dice.

The case originally had 4 stand offs, the mobo required 8 so I added 4 additional to stabilize, all have a screw to the board.

Also inspected the CPU for bent pins and everything looks good. Any advice on flashing the BIOS? As I mentioned the BIOS version of the board and CPU according to the manufacturer are a validated match.

Sorry just noticed my reply has a typo in the first sentence. To clarify, I did not attach the HDMI cord to the motherboard, I attached it to the video card.

 

[COLGeek]

Do you have access to another GPU (like from another PC)?

 

[Brown235]

Do you have access to another GPU (like from another PC)?

Unfortunately I don't. But I did get to thinking back on the assembly and remember that we had to plug the 24 pin power supply connector to the board a couple of times and I don't think I heard a click or snap to indicate a good solid connection. There is power to the board and everything is running, ie. all the fans but could that maybe the root of the problem? I didn't want to force it too much and break the board.

 

[COLGeek]

If not fully seated, that can definitely cause an issue. Also, verify that you didn't stuff a 6+2 PCIe power connector into the motherboard 8-pin power connection. That uses a 4+4 or 8-pin, usually marked CPU, cable.

 

[geofelt]

Double check that you are using the correct cables for the motherboard.
the 24 pin is obvious, but you may need the 8 pin eps connector also.
Since the psu is fully modular, check that the connectors are fully inserted and latched at BOTH ends.
8 pin eps cables will be different from the 6+2 8 pin cables that need to be plugged into the gpu.

Is the cooler fan plugged into the cpu header on the motherboard?
Does it spin at startup?
A motherboard will not usually boot without detecting a cooler. That s done by seeing at least 500 rpm on the cooler.

Do not go trying to update a bios on speculation without visual messaging capabilities.
Do so only if there is a fix that seems to address your issue.
A failed flash will really complicate issues.

If up to replacing parts, the most likely hardware failure would be the gpu.
If you can borrow a non F processor to try in your motherboard that would clarify things.

 

[Brown235]

If not fully seated, that can definitely cause an issue. Also, verify that you didn't stuff a 6+2 PCIe power connector into the motherboard 8-pin power connection. That uses a 4+4 or 8-pin, usually marked CPU, cable.

I connected the 6+2 connector to the video card. The psu cord has 2 groups of 6+2 connectors, I suppose for larger cards that require 16 pin connection. The PSU comes with multiple cables and I do have an 8 pin cpu cable that I didn't connect. I am guessing that is the source of the problem. I will get it connected and report back.

 

[Zerk2012]

I connected the 6+2 connector to the video card. The psu cord has 2 groups of 6+2 connectors, I suppose for larger cards that require 16 pin connection. The PSU comes with multiple cables and I do have an 8 pin cpu cable that I didn't connect. I am guessing that is the source of the problem. I will get it connected and report back.

No CPU power cable connected to the motherboard means it has no power and don't work.

 

[COLGeek]

I connected the 6+2 connector to the video card. The psu cord has 2 groups of 6+2 connectors, I suppose for larger cards that require 16 pin connection. The PSU comes with multiple cables and I do have an 8 pin cpu cable that I didn't connect. I am guessing that is the source of the problem. I will get it connected and report back.

That may certainly solve the issue.

 

[Brown235]

That may certainly solve the issue.

Hi. Thanks for the help and good advice. After connecting the cpu cable it is working now. Got the OS loaded and we now having a functioning PC. Thanks again!

 

[COLGeek]

Glad you are up and running. Have fun.