Bootloop... Motherboard Issue? (Gigabyte Z68X-UDH3-B3)

[Nrubin999]

Hello. I am new to building computers, and built my first rig about a week ago. I installed windows today, and rebooted after installing updates. Upon restart, the computer turns on for 2-3 seconds, and shuts of for 5. This cycle repeats indefinitely. Here is my build -

Intel Core i5 2500k Processor
Gigabyte Z68X-UD3H-B3 Motherboard
Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 Graphics Card
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W PSU
Corsair Vengeance 16gb (4x4) RAM
Western Digital Caviar Black 1tb Hard Drive

The computer was working 100% - everything fine. I've tried a lot already, taken out the CMOS battery, stripped the components to the bare. Nothing seems to work. Just want some help - wondering if it's a motherboard problem (the infamous Gigabyte Z68 "bootloop") or possible the PSU/Processor/RAM.

When I turn the machine on, the fans start, the lights on the motherboard turn on, the heat sink starts up, and almost immediately shuts down (2 seconds). I cannot access the BIOS, as when attached to a monitor - doesn't show anything. I really need some help with this, I have tried so much. Wondering if it's a motherboard issue, and I should just return it/buy a new one.

 

[alyoshka]

You have to remove that board from the case and breadboard it. This could be a short on the backside someplace.

 

[Nrubin999]

And check the pins, make sure they are not bent or no paste is in.

I checked the pins on the motherboard - everything looks 100%. The processor looks fine too. One other thing is that when I closed the processor latch thing, it gave quite a bit of resistance, and a "crunching" sound. All the pins look perfect though. Never touched.

 

[Nrubin999]

You have to remove that board from the case and breadboard it. This could be a short on the backside someplace.

Very good idea. Thank you. I will try that in the morning - as it is almost 1AM here. I'm signing off for the night - thanks for all the help.

 

[nikorr]

And the Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 Graphics Card is not on the board, right?

 

[alyoshka]

Oh OH...... Get it out again, check very carefully AGAIN. Inspect the whole socket and the processor edges. Post a PIC immediately here if possible, look at the underside of the processor where the contacts are, check for burn marks and discoloring on both the Mobo CPU socket and the Processor Contacts.
Post pics if you can.

 

[nikorr]

jsc have this post 101 @ http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/262730-31-breadboarding

 

[Nrubin999]

And the Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 Graphics Card is not on the board, right?

Correct.

 

[Nrubin999]

Oh OH...... Get it out again, check very carefully AGAIN. Inspect the whole socket and the processor edges. Post a PIC immediately here if possible, look at the underside of the processor where the contacts are, check for burn marks and discoloring on both the Mobo CPU socket and the Processor Contacts.
Post pics if you can.

Okay - will check again and post pics in the morning.

 

[Nrubin999]

jsc have this post 101 @ http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/262730-31-breadboarding

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6597/breadboardshrink.jpg

Thank you. Will do. I have a few questions though -
How will I power it on without a power switch?
All I should have - processor, motherboard, PSU?
Only cables I should have in are Processor fan, motherboard 24 pin, and motherboard 8 pin?

 

[nikorr]

Thank you. Will do. I have a few questions though -
How will I power it on without a power switch?
All I should have - processor, motherboard, PSU?
Only cables I should have in are Processor fan, motherboard 24 pin, and motherboard 8 pin?

Do it close to your case.

 

[nikorr]

Your mobo does not have a ON/OFF button?

 

[alyoshka]

You can power it up using a flat head screw driver to short the two pins that are connected to the Power Switch of the Case.
Yup, use only the Mobo, Processor and PSU for the first try to see how long it works.
Yup, those are the only cable you need to connect .

 

[alyoshka]

No the Z68-UD3 does not have any buttons on the Mobo, not even CLR-CMOS , reset or power.

 

[nikorr]

^^^^ yes, do that.

 

[Nrubin999]

Your mobo does not have a ON/OFF button?

No it does not. As the other guy said - I will use a screwdriver and short it.

 

[nikorr]

No the Z68-UD3 does not have any buttons on the Mobo, not even CLR-CMOS , reset or power.

I just checked ...

 

[nikorr]

No it does not. As the other guy said - I will use a screwdriver and short it.

That will do fine.

 

[Nrubin999]

You can power it up using a flat head screw driver to short the two pins that are connected to the Power Switch of the Case.
Yup, use only the Mobo, Processor and PSU for the first try to see how long it works.
Yup, those are the only cable you need to connect .

Thank you very much. Just the info I need, I'll try it in the morning - and get back to you guys as soon as possible.

 

[nikorr]

Going to sleep as well : )

 

[Nrubin999]

You can power it up using a flat head screw driver to short the two pins that are connected to the Power Switch of the Case.
Yup, use only the Mobo, Processor and PSU for the first try to see how long it works.
Yup, those are the only cable you need to connect .

So I just bread boarded it - and still nothing. All that's connected are the 24 pin and the 12v 6pin, and CPU fan. Still getting the same thing - on for two seconds, off for five. I'll post pics of the CPU in a few minutes.

 

[nikorr]

I would try to replace the PSU.

 

[Nrubin999]

I would try to replace the PSU.

Just took my "breadboard" to the local Fry's. They tested it with a few power supplies, and a few different CPU's. Turns out - the problem is in the motherboard. So should I return it?

 

[nikorr]

Just took my "breadboard" to the local Fry's. They tested it with a few power supplies, and a few different CPU's. Turns out - the problem is in the motherboard. So should I return it?

Yes, ASAP : )

BTW, Frys have a price match, they match Amazon and Newegg.

 

[Nrubin999]

Yes, ASAP : )

BTW, Frys have a price match, they match Amazon and Newegg.

Sadly, i'm looking to build a hackintosh and Fry's doesn't have any Gigabyte motherboards (Most compatible). I'll probably order one from newegg, one day shipping. Again, thanks for all the help.

 

[nikorr]

Sadly, i'm looking to build a hackintosh and Fry's doesn't have any Gigabyte motherboards (Most compatible). I'll probably order one from newegg, one day shipping. Again, thanks for all the help.

I know, for large store like Frys, they have poor selection of the mobos.