Asus z97 Deluxe boot problem

[GazzB]

Hello, I'm having a problem with a new build - it doesn't boot.

i7-4770K, 2 x 6 GB Corsair DDR3 1333 MHz (TR3X6G1333C9), no graphics card - using integrated graphics.

At power up the Q-code LED flashes 00, the fans (CPU and case) spin for a split-second and then stop....and nothing else happens. Power and reset buttons on the mobo stay illuminated (nothing else lit) but pressing either does nothing.

After unplugging PSU for a while or pressing the CLR_CMOS button, powering up flashes the LED and spinning the fans for a moment again.

Same behaviour if RAM is removed. Man in shop said that the RAM (from my old build and working fine in that) *should* work with the Z97 Deluxe but I'm thinking this is the likely problem.

Before buying more RAM - or doing anything else - please can you tell me if these symptoms definitely indicate incompatible RAM or any other issue.

PSU is from old machine but it's good quality, 750w and has been driving an older i7 and a separate graphics card without difficulty so I'm inclined to think that's OK.

Many thanks for any info or advice.

Gazza

P.S. - Sorry if the answer is obvious to everyone or has been asked and answered before - I did a quick search but didn't find anything.

P.P.S. - Why have I just wasted 2 hours of my life trying to ask the same on the Asus website - every mandatory field on the form filled in but it says 'Cannot be empty' and won't let me send!!!

 

[uplink-svk]

Hello there. Erm, You have 2 x 6 gigs modules? I haven't seen 6 gig modules like, ever. Isn't it 4 x 4 GB? [16 gigs alltogether], or 2 x 4 GB? What brand is Your PSU? And model? Are You powering Your motherboard with full CPU support [2 x 4 pin for CPU] or only 1 x 4 pin?

 

[GazzB]

Hi,

PSU is Enermax Liberty - actually a 620W model now I delve down to check. 2x4 pin inserted and properly seated.

Don't know too much about RAM specs but that's what it says on the side! In the old machine I had 4 x 2 GB strips as well, all the same specification, brand etc. (all 6 slots populated and recognised - great for setting up a RAMdisk for big graphics and the like), but I only moved the 6 GB strips to the new machine. When it didn't work I tried 2 x 2 GB and 1 x 2 GB - same thing happened when I powered up.

 

[uplink-svk]

Please try the following, if viable. Put Your motherboard out of the case, disconnect everything from her, leave there only CPU with cooler, and one RAM stick in DiMM 0/1 slot.

Connect only PSU main rail and CPU rail [both 4 pins], and shor-circuit "power" pins with screwdriver, in order to turn on Your "computer".

Please leave the motherboard on the top of the card-box that came with Your motherboard. Please ground/earth Yourself before putting the motherboard out [touch radiator [heater] on the wall, etc.] and work preferably with silicone gloves, if not applicable, than clean hands, that are dry, and remember to ground Yourself from time to time, not to put any static charge onto components.

Also try to put out the CPU, cover the socket with cover, or at least piece of paper [so dust won't fall inside, or anything else] and put it back [this helps to dissolve the static charge, which can be extremely persistent in such/similiar cases].

 

[GazzB]

Thanks for the ideas - tried them all now, all with no joy.

But I think I've pinned down the problem - very strange so I'll put it up in case it helps anyone else.

It was the PSU. 620W model as I mentioned before - modular type. If there's any truth in the saying 'you get what you pay for' it shouldn't be too bad and it has given sound service for several years. I've been using it as I've swapped the old and new boards around over the last week or so - it's worked fine with the old board every time and shown the problem with the new board consistently. Old mobo was Asus also, and fitted with an i7-920 - similar power demands I think. I haven't tried to measure voltages on the old PSU but it may be an interesting exercise.

Seems all a bit weird to me. I've only powered the board up outside the case so far, but fingers crossed it will do all the right things when I've fitted it. But if not, as Arnie once said, I'll be back!

 

[uplink-svk]

So, outside the box, it works fine, right?