No Post/Beep codes on 3 different motherboards... Lights/fans work fine. Tough problem

[PBenassi2]

Before it's asked, I have indeed tried everything on this list. Very useful, but unfortunately none of them worked.

I have attempted to create a gaming build, and have not been able to get it working after trying two different sets of RAM and 3 different MOBOS.

I attempted to make the following build roughly two weeks ago...

CPU: Intel 4690k
MOBO: Intel Z-97 A
PSU: Corsair RM650, 650 W modular PSU.
RAM: 8 GB G-Skill Ripjaws Series. 1600, 1.5 V
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
GPU: GTX 970
Case: Rosewill R5 Gaming Case

The first motherboard would get beep codes in the case of incorrectly installed RAM, or when the RAM was in a certain slot. Other than that, no beep codes, and no post. After trying Corsair Vengeance 16 GB RAM, 1600, 1.5 V, the issue persisted. Asus suggested this, claiming the RAM I had was not compatible. It did not fix the problem. Determined the MOBO was defective, RMA'd it.

A second Z-97A came, and this time the issue seemed worse. The MOBO would still not post, but now no beep codes were obtained. The lights are still active, and the fans work, but nothing else. We tried troubleshooting according to the list in the link above (breadboard, only CPU/RAM, etc) and still no luck. We RMA'd our second board, and elected to try a Z-97 PRO instead.

The Z-97 PRO came today, and the issue is still persisting. This is alarming, as it is a completely different model of board. There are no beep codes, no post. Even poorly installed or absent RAM elicits no beep codes. The lights come on and the fans spin, but that's it. Notable issues/things we have tried which still did not work...

1. I had heard that the BIOS on the Z-97 boards might not support 4690K right out of the box. Used the ASUS USB Bios Flashback tool (allows to flash/change bios without a CPU or RAM installed) to try and load a version of the bios which would support the CPU. The tool worked fine according to the manual (lights came on/shut off properly). But nothing changed. We did this with the RAM/CPU installed
2. The PSU has 24 and 8 pin plusg which are VERY hard to install. It required significant force, and after calling the corsair rep, he admitted that virtually everyone has issues and to push it in as far as we can. Don't believe this is an issue, but worth mentioning.
3. As is clear from the story, we have tried several different motherboards at this point.
4. All builds power the GPU lights/fans when installed. We usually only boot with the RAM/PSU/CPU/MOBO

Really appreciate any help you guys could offer. Losing our patience with the build. I noticed at link with the recommended troubleshooting tips, one part mentions...

"Pull everything except the CPU and HSF. Boot. You should hear a series of long single beeps indicating memory problems. Silence here indicates, in probable order, a bad PSU, motherboard, or CPU - or a bad installation where something is shorting and shutting down the PSU."

I am perplexed, since I would think a bad PSU would not power lights/run fans at all, ruling it out as a culprit in our case. I am not sure what else could be an issue. A bad CPU should still post/beep code, right? So even if it was DOA, we should still at least get beep codes.

My father and I are making this, and we have both built a few systems. Were quite careful with static/gently seating pins/using proper amount of thermal paste.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Karsten75]

It'e either the PSU or the CPU. Hard to tell. PSU can be defective on some outputs. Or you didn't plug the connectors correctly.

You can buy a cheapish PSU tester to test if you get the correct voltages on all the connectors. As for how to test the CPU - never found a good way.

 

[brispuss]

As mentioned above, a PSU can still be faulty, despite supplying some power. Try another working PSU (at hand or borrow one). If computer boots/runs then original PSU is faulty.

 

[Xibyth]

Just to be sure you have tried the motherboard outside of the case correct? Like on top of it's box.

Another common cause is the CPU cooler may be too tight on the motherboard, what cooler are you using. If it's stock and made of plastic your fine but those metal ones can be a pain if the bare metal comes into contact with any part of the board.

It is actually almost certainly the power supply is the issue here, unstable power can cause all of these issues. One of the first signs your power supply is going out is memory issues. It may just be the power supply connectors. If after you try another power supply (it's clear that a cheap one will not work, your looking at voltage variation here not whether your getting power or not) then the CPU is at fault and will need to be replaced.

Just to be sure you have tried the motherboard outside of the case correct? Like on top of it's box.

 

[SubZed]

I had a very similar issue, check the cpu under side for any damage from a faulty PSU. If there is damage then you need a new CPU as well as a new PSU. However if there is no damage its most likely the PSU.