ECS Z87 Gank Machine.

[NeverOOM]

Okay, first off I know I chose a POS company for a MOBO but I literally had no money to spend. Im actually very happy with my current build (8 Y.O) but need more ram , max on current gigabyte mobo is 4GB. and it hurts. anywho, so i chose the gank machine 1150 mobo with an i3 4160 and 8gb (4x2) crucial 1600 for just under $300... first mobo gave me no video and no power to usb ports, meaning keyboard, mouse headset nothing lite up. there is a code window on the mobo but just says 00 and there is also a "mobo speaker" built into the mobo that makes no sound. I even removed both sticks of ram to see if I would get the beeps from missing ram and got nothing. tried both sticks one at a time in both slot 2 and 4. also tried both stick in a friends pc and they both work. tried my gpu (EVGA 560 gtx) and the hdmi port on the mobo with no video and like I said no usb power either. sent it back as DOA got same mobo again and have same exact results. Ive also tried running the pc with no hdds no ssds no fans no cd drives nothing but bare essentials to POST. and nothing. is there a chance I got 2 dead boards in a row or is there a better chance the cpu is bad? I dont know anyone I can test the 1150 cpu in but from what ive read its very rare to get a DOA cpu. also I know the psu and hdds are good because I installed my original mobo, psu and ram and im on it now. any help would be great, thanks.

 

[plywrlw]

Normally I'd say it's unlikely to get 2 DOA boards but it's not a good manufacturer and I think that you'd be better off with a better board.

Your main issue is probably that you're trying to use a Haswell Refresh CPU with a Z87 board. You want a H97 or Z97 board with that chip or you'll need to somehow update the BIOS for the Z87 board by getting hold of a non-Refresh Haswell processor to just flash the BIOS.

My best advice is return the ECS as faulty and get an Asrock H97 Pro4 or an MSI Z97 PC Mate or similar budget but better quality board.

 

[NeverOOM]

I felt that the 4th gen CPU was the problem but the ECS website swears up and down it will work with it out of the box... im actually looking now hoping to find something on sale. I got the ecs on sale on amazon for $80 regular price $170.. so it will be tough. will look into those two you suggested thanks.

 

[plywrlw]

$75 on Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157512&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

If you want one from Amazon.com then this one is $89 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7807IK/?tag=pcpapi-20

 

[NeverOOM]

whats the difference between h97 and z97?

 

[plywrlw]

Z97 allows overclocking and usually Crossfire, sometimes SLI. Your i3 can't be overclocked so I don't see much advantage between Z97 and H97.

 

[NeverOOM]

what do you think about this one? http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Z97-A-DDR3-2600-Motherboards/dp/B00K2MAU5Q/ref=zg_bs_1048424_1

 

[plywrlw]

It's a fantastic board, far too nice for an i3 😉 Are you going to change processors in the future?

 

[NeverOOM]

idk maybe if its needed. my current pc is a gigabyte mobo an core 2 duo e8400 and just got a 560 gtx, had an 8800 gts for 7 years and it ran every game on the market. new games coming out though require more than 4gb of ram is the only reason im upgrading.

 

[plywrlw]

There's nothing wrong with the much cheaper boards I suggested. I'd happily put either of them in my own machine. No point spending a fortune on a flashy motherboard when you won't benefit from any of the extra features.

 

[NeverOOM]

well i got the asus z97A, convinced amazon to give me a $40 credit for 2 doa boards so it was only $90 : ) thanks for your input man. I just couldnt pass up on a board you said was awesome..

 

[plywrlw]

Haha, well at least if you decide you want an overclockable i5 or i7 or to SLI/Crossfire in the future your board is ready Enjoy! Hope this fixes your problem