How to tell if Mobo is DOA

[Nick_166]

Hi there. I just bought a series of upgrades from my computer. Here's my current system:

**Motherboard: ASRock Z170A-X1
**CPU: Intel i7 7700k
GPU: nVidia GTX970
**Memory: 2x8gb DDR4 3000 G.Skill
Heatsink: Corsair Hydro Series h100i
Power Supply: Cooler Master Real Power Pro 650W

**New components

That said, now that everything is connected, the computer wont boot into the Post/BIOS screen. It starts, stays on for about 18 seconds (no post screen, no activity from monitor) then restarts and stays on without any further restarts (still no post screen or monitor activity).

I don't hear the RAM counting. I tried pulling out the GPU and trying JUST the motherboard and processor with memory and the onboard video but i still got the same thing. I tried both sticks of RAM separately in every one of the 4 memory slots on the Mobo.

The motherboard is getting power, as my CPU fan is on and running (and drawing power from the motherboard).

I have BOTH the ATX12V and the ATX 24 pin plugged into the motherboard.

I double checked my case connectors (power button, reset button, etc.) and triple checked again.

As far as I can tell, the motherboard has no lights, allowing me to see any sort of status.

At this point, I'm assuming my motherboard is dead, but I'm not really sure. Since these are all upgrades, I do not have compatible RAM or CPU to do a process of elimination. Intel is usually a great company, and I would think it's unlikely that both my sticks of RAM are DOA.

Is there any other way to see if my Motherboard is dead? Or do you guys have any ideas otherwise? I've slammed my head against this godforsaken machine for the past eight hours and I've run out of ideas.

 

[Paul NZ]

If it's the Z170A-X1/3.1, it needs a BIOS update for that CPU (the latest 7.10).

If it's not on it now it wont do anything

1151 Core i7 i7-7700K(B0) Kaby Lake 4.2GHz BCLK 100MHz 8MB 91W P7.10

So it's not dead, it's because the BIOS thats on it doesnt support that CPU

Only way to fix it, buy a CPU it supports flash the BIOS then put this one in

Or take it to a shop and ask them to do it

The Z170A-X1 needs the same BIOS

1151 Core i7 i7-7700K(B0) Kaby Lake 4.2GHz BCLK 100MHz 8MB 91W P7.10

 

[Nick_166]

So there's no way to flash the BIOS with my current hardware? I live in the middle of no where and have to order everything online. If that's the case, it seems like it'd just be easier to buy a motherboard that supports my CPU.

Also, does the BIOS not support 7th generation i7? Is that the problem?

It needs a BIOS update for that CPU (the latest 7.10). If it's not on it now it wont do anything


I THINK it's just the Z170A-X1, i don't see a 3.1
1151 Core i7 i7-7700K(B0) Kaby Lake 4.2GHz BCLK 100MHz 8MB 91W P7.10

So it's not dead, it's because the BIOS thats on it doesnt support that CPU

Only way to fix it, buy a CPU it supports flash the BIOS then put this one in

Or take it to a shop and ask them to do it

 

[Paul NZ]

It supports 7th gen cpu's but you have to update the BIOS first.

Nope dont think you can update the BIOS if it wont post. Only mobos I know that can, are ASUS mobos that support BIOS flashback

Since the Kaby CPU's are new, not all mobos support them unless you can flash the BIOS (if the BIOS update exists on the site)

 

[Nick_166]

Wonderful, thank you so much for the answer. I think what I'll do is send the Mobo back and get one that supports the Kaby CPU. Off the top of your head, is there one you'd recommend?

It supports 7th gen cpu's but you have to update the BIOS first.

Nope dont think you can update the BIOS if it wont post. Only mobos I know that can, are ASUS mobos that support BIOS flashback

Since the Kaby CPU's are new, not all mobos support them unless you can flash the BIOS (if the BIOS update exists on the site)

 

[Paul NZ]

Nope. Better if you go to whatever site make sure it's a 7th gen mobo and check what BIOS it needs before you get the CPU

Altho I would wait for a while for whoever to release the BIOS before you decide to get the mobo and the CPU