New build, components power on, but won't POST.

[TDMIA]

I just finished building my 5th rig. I've checked my connections, tried running it without the graphics card, I switched out the PSU (Rosewill Quark 850 for NVIDIA 1200, both are sufficient) and the motherboard (ASUS X99-a for ASUS Sabertooth) and I'm still not getting anything beyond lights on the mothreboard and on my cooler (Kraken x61). If it was my CPU (i7 5390K) the motherboard would at least POST. No beeps, no POST, no nothing. PCPartPicker checked my components (new and old), but something is up. My RAM (Corsair 32GB DDR4) and GPU (980 hybrid) should be fine too. HALP!

 

[alexoiu]

Try starting the board by shortly touching with a screwdriver the 2 pins on the motherboard corresponding to the case power button. See if still no go.

 

[TDMIA]

I gave that a go (and tried using the MoBo 'power switch' on the X99-A) and nothing. I'm wondering if the CPU isn't seated correctly, but even if that were the case, wouldn't it POST?

 

[alexoiu]

Try testing the power supply: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FWXgQSokF4
See if a fan connected to it does spin.
If it does, try leaving only the 24 pin power cable and a case fan connected to the motherboard (disconnect all other cables, graphics card, storage drives, USB devices). Start the board by using the onboard button and see if the case fan does spin.
If it doesn't, try testing the board outside the case. If still no go, it might be a defective motherboard.

 

[TDMIA]

I've already tried switching out the MoBo and powering on with the components disconnected. I used my PSU tester on both PSUs (it's got 6, 8 and 20 pin). it was fine, but switched out the 850 for a 1200 since the former only gave me 55 to spare.

 

[alexoiu]

It might be the board, then, if all tests performed.

 

[TDMIA]

That means I've had the rotten luck to get 2 bad MoBo's in a row. :/

 

[alexoiu]

Then I suggest performing again the tests I've described above. It might be also that there's a faulty component damaging the board.
If replacing the board, I suggest testing it firstly outside the case, only PSU and case fan connected.

 

[TDMIA]

I've rebuilt the thing from scratch once for each MoBo (just finished the second for the new Sabretooth). The MoBo lights come on fine, but no POST. I am trying putting in the RAM one stick at a time. I'm on the 4th one and I doubt all 4 of the sticks are bad.

 

[alexoiu]

Is the CPU fan spinning when starting the board?
What CPU using?

 

[TDMIA]

i7 5390K (as stated in the initial question along with the rest of the components if you're curious)

I'm using a liquid cooler (NZXT Kraken x61). It's lit up, but the fan isn't spinning.

 

[alexoiu]

"I'm using a liquid cooler (NZXT Kraken x61). It's lit up, but the fan isn't spinning. '
If the 8 pin power cable is connected to the motherboard and the fans do not spin, then the CPU does not get power.

 

[TDMIA]

I'm not sure that liquid coolers spin up unless they reach their temperature threshold, but I'll replace the cable (just checked and it's seated) and see if that fixes it.