ASRock Z97 Extreme3 Not Powering On

[tashimon]

Hey guys,

I just got a Z97 Extreme3 motherboard and I can't power it on and I'm trying to find out if it's dead before I send it back. I know the power supply (EVGA NEX750G) works because it has a jumper you can put on the MB power cable to test that the unit powers up, which it does. When it's plugged into the MB though, nothing. There's no power light on the motherboard of any kind and no power to USB or NIC ports. I've tried connecting only the CPU and fans to see if I can get a beep or anything out of this board but nothing. Not a peep. I've tried with and without RAM but nothing there either. I should see at least something light up on the board when it's got power to it, right?

 

[SPgamer007]

It's dead,probably. If no fans,no LEDs powering on.

 

[rolli59]

Both board and CPU power connected? If in case board standoffs in place? If yes to both most likely bad board.

 

[Shaun o]

The likely suspect if you have the board fitted inside the computer case, and it is mounted on the motherboard mounting plate.

And why it does not power up, even if you know your NEX750G PSU is good.
May be down to a short circuit on the back side of your motherboard.

The most likely cause is having a brass standoff on the cases motherboard mounting plate.
Instead of it being positioned so it lines up with a hole of the motherboard the standoff is touching the back side of your motherboard.
And is positioned where no hole exists causing the short on the back side of the motherboard.
Preventing the system from powering up.

To test take the motherboard out of the case if you have not already done so.
Lay it on some cardboard and connect the main 24 pin power block from the Psu to the motherboard along with the eight pin 12v E-atx power block from the PSU to the motherboard also.

If it powers up with no problems.
Then offer the board up to the plate taking note of the position of the brass standoffs, and you will no doubt have to remove one or two of them due to them not lining up with the holes of the motherboard.

It can be as simple as one brass standoff on the motherboard mounting plate of the case that needs removing to fix the problem.

 

[tashimon]

I don't think it's a standoff issue. All seven standoffs I installed have screw holes and are mounted but there are no other standoffs that might be touching the underside of the board, so I can't imagine it would be shorting out anywhere. I did take it out though and off the standoffs just to be sure and still nothing, so it's not the case or the standoffs.

 

[Shaun o]

All the same double check, and while the board is out of the case see if it does power up correctly outside of it.
You have nothing to loose by giving it a try at least.