Computer failing to POST Properly

[KlassyLobster]

Hey guys, sorry to bother but I had a (few) question(s) regarding a current (and my first) computer build which has failed to POST.

My current build is:

i7 4790k
16GB of Corsair RAM Pro Vengeance
RM 750i Corsair PSU
G1 Gaming GTX 970 Gigabyte
Z97MX Gaming 5 Gigabyte Motherboard

Was troubleshooting with a friend the whole afternoon and the problem with the build currently is that when we power it on, (either via the power switch or jumping the power pins with a screwedriver) the fans, and assumingly other parts of the computer turn on for a second then shut down.

We ran the PSU alone with an HDD and determined the PSU is functional and that the problem most likely lies with the Motherboard or the CPU.

Our attempted (and vain) solutions are solving the problem have been (none of the below have yielded a different result from the above problem):
- Attempting to POST it with no RAM sticks, 1 RAM Stick and Both RAM sticks
- Removing the CMOS battery for at least 5 minutes and then placing it back in
- Bridging the CMOS Jumper and then booting it back up
- Removing the CPU cooler, CPU and thermal paste, inspecting for damage, then re-installing.
- Attempting to POST it with and without the GPU

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a bunch and late merry christmas/happy holidays and a happy new years.

Additional Notes/Questions:
- When I first installed the CPU into the socket and pulled down the retention arm w/ retention plate, I noticed a creaking/popping sound. Is this normal? (After inspecting the CPU pins for damage it didn't seem like there was any physical damage)
- Is it possible that the CMOS battery was nearly dead?
- I've heard problems of certain PSU's not being able to keep up to par w/ the newer end Haswell processors due to some C6/C7 power state problems? Could anyone shed some light on this?
- Will be bringing in the build early tomorrow morning to have the NCIX tech guys check it out.

 

[Lutfij]

Please follow up on the guide linked below.

To answer your questions:

I've heard problems of certain PSU's not being able to keep up to par w/ the newer end Haswell processors due to some C6/C7 power state problems? Could anyone shed some light on this?

Corsair states that your unit is Haswell compatible.

Will be bringing in the build early tomorrow morning to have the NCIX tech guys check it out.

That would be a good way to troubleshooting and ruling out faulty parts as they can be swapped at the store though there's no harm in verifying it by yourself.

Is it possible that the CMOS battery was nearly dead?

Could be but the chances of that happening are more often not seen. I've had some systems whereby the CMOS battery swap got things running smoothly.

When I first installed the CPU into the socket and pulled down the retention arm w/ retention plate, I noticed a creaking/popping sound. Is this normal? (After inspecting the CPU pins for damage it didn't seem like there was any physical damage)

If the sound you've mentioned is word for word as you say it to be then that is normal. The CPU needs to make proper contact with the motherboard pins whilst ensuring that the CPU doesn't move within its socket. The creaking that you've heard is the PCB warping slightly. Motherboard PCB's are meant to flex abit and if your inspection of the CPU socket area of the pins are without and bent pins then you're fine but for the sake of reference check this guide out.

 

[1LiquidPC]

Have you tried the "breadboard" method by assembling the PC outside of a case. You'be tried the usual tests already. You mentioned the PSU stays on w/ a HDD attached, but everything runs for a second then shuts off when all wired up. Could be a grounding fault or a short somewhere.