MSI Z97 Gaming 5 Post Issues

kellamsa

Reputable
Jun 22, 2014
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4,510
I recently purchased a MSI Z97 Gaming 5 motherboard along with a new Intel i5 4690k processor. I put together my computer and it turns on but when it goes to post, it get stuck on the transition between post codes 55 and 56, which are respectively early memory initialization and early cpu initialization. Most of the time, it will just stay on post code 56 indefinitely. I've checked out out my socket pins and the processor connectors and they look fine. I've also tried fooling around with my RAM, putting it in different slots and only using one stick of ram instead of two. I'm at the edge of my sanity here, could someone please help me out?

Build:
CPU: Intel i5 4690k
PSU: Coolermaster GX 750W
Mobo: MSI Z97 Gaming 5
GPU: Sapphire Radeon 7870
RAM: Kingston 240pin DDR3 1333 4GB x 2
 
Solution
Try resetting CMOS and then give it a shot with 1 stick in slot 1 closest to CPU firmly inserted (make sure the locking clips at the ends of the DRAM click in by themselves)


I did reset the CMOS and the stick is in the closest spot to the CPU already and it didn't help. I also borrowed somebody else's RAM to rule that out and still have the same issue. Although after removing, re-inspecting my processor and socket pins, and re-installing the processor, my motherboard displays up to post code 60 and stays stuck at there now. Post code 60 is still early cpu initialization. I'm starting to believe my processor is faulty since my post codes won't exceed early cpu initialization...
 


No video, no beeps
 
I might have found a solution to the problem after giving MSI a call. They said that my motherboard BIOS is version 1.1 based on the date it was made. The Intel 4690k is not being recognized by the motherboard because support for that chip wasn't added till version 1.2. One possible solution is to send the board into the manufacturer and have them update the BIOS. The other option is to find an older, compatible CPU and use that to boot to the BIOS until the BIOS can be flashed to the newer version. I'm going to find an older CPU and flash my BIOS to the newer version. I'll update this thread if I was successful or not.
 
My solution above worked. My computer is up and running with no apparent problems. In the end, I'm not happy with MSI because the first board I purchased was dead and it took me a third motherboard to get the system running along with MUCH tinkering. Will probably go with a different motherboard manufacturer in the future.