MSI Z77 MOBO: 3 Beeps no boot! Is the motherboard dead?

[akangatta]

Hello guys,

So I made the jump a designed ala custom waterloop in my Lian Li V351.

I checked everything prior to stuffing it all back in the case. Then, the worst surprise of my builder's life: no boot. Just 3 long pitchy beeps followed by a shut off and back to 3 beeps. It follows that same cycle endlessly.

I did some research and followed some of the directions given in threads about 3 beeps. Result:
- ram is ok from testing on other system
- I tried different graphics card

My question is: is my mobo good for the dumpster, or are there other things to try?

For instance, could the PSU be the cause of the 3 beeps? Or a faulty HDD?

Thanks.

MSI Z77MA G45
INTEL I5 3550P
XFX HD RADEON R7950
RAYSTORM CPU WATERBLOCK

 

[alexoiu]

Hi,
I can't find the CPU on the CPU Support List.
It should work though, but my guess is that it requires a BIOS update.
I suggest contacting MSI Support.

 

[akangatta]

I try contacting MSI, they are yet to answer.

The CPU was compatible. I have had it for a couple of months. I would just want to know which is piece is dead, because replacing will be expensive.

Cheers.

 

[alexoiu]

So it worked. I guess that taking the board outside the case and reseating the CPU would be difficult.
Three beeps is indeed memory fault. Can it be a bent pins issue? Or a CPU memory controller one? What were the CPU temperatures?

 

[akangatta]

Taking everything out was difficult but I did it anyway, since there is no other way to test parts by elimination.
I contacted MSI support and they told me to try to reset the CMOS, which I will do when I get home.

They put their money on the memory, even after I told them it fan he trusted...

 

[alexoiu]

Since the board is outside the case, test it with the Intel stock CPU fan (if available). Have you checked the CPU socket for bent pins?
Test each slot with single RAM stick. See if still 3 beeps.