Question MSI z790 + 14900k = instant red CPU light

[PatrickPowers]

Hi all, This is my second build.

My components are:
MOBO: Mag z790 Tomahawk wifi
CPU: 14900k
GPU: GeForce RTX 3060
AIO: icue link H170i RGB
RAM: 4x32 GB Kingston Fury Beast
PSU: DeepCool PX1000G
Storage: Samsung 970 EVO + 990

What's happening:
I put the build together, powered up for the first time, lights, fans, etc. all work, but I get the RED CPU light with no posting to Bios. The light comes on instantaneously and remains steady. The fans and lights all come on and run, but obviously nothing more than that happens.

What I've tried:
1) Taking out all RAM except in the 2nd slot closest to the PC / checking each stick in this slot
2) Starting without the GPU
3) unplugging all cables except one CPU power cable and the Mobo power
4) reseating the CPU (2 times)
5) checking the CPU / bed for bent pins
6) Flashing Bios to newest update (with intel's final microcode)
7) Removing CMOS for 5 min + starting without CMOS

So, that's my situation -- any ideas? Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[PatrickPowers]

Hi all, This is my second build.

My components are:
MOBO: Mag z790 Tomahawk wifi
CPU: 14900k
GPU: GeForce RTX 3060
AIO: icue link H170i RGB
RAM: 4x32 GB Kingston Fury Beast
PSU: DeepCool PX1000G
Storage: Samsung 970 EVO + 990

What's happening:
I put the build together, powered up for the first time, lights, fans, etc. all work, but I get the RED CPU light with no posting to Bios. The light comes on instantaneously and remains steady. The fans and lights all come on and run, but obviously nothing more than that happens.

What I've tried:
1) Taking out all RAM except in the 2nd slot closest to the PC / checking each stick in this slot
2) Starting without the GPU
3) unplugging all cables except one CPU power cable and the Mobo power
4) reseating the CPU (2 times)
5) checking the CPU / bed for bent pins
6) Flashing Bios to newest update (with intel's final microcode)
7) Removing CMOS for 5 min + starting without CMOS

So, that's my situation -- any ideas? Thanks for any suggestions!

UPDATE:

Ok, So -- I took the MOBO out of the case and set it on the cardboard box it came in. I had only ATX power, CPU power, the CPU, and the start switch plugged in (The AIO pump wouldn't reach and, just for this test, I went ahead and left it out) and I still got the red CPU light immediately upon start up.

I also checked the back of the CPU and the tray on the board again under direct light for any bent pins--nothing there.

So...does this mean I have to RMA the board? I've only done one PC build before this and had no issues, so I'm not really sure where to go from here.