Question No working PCI-E slots on my Asus Maximus VIII Ranger ?

[Whello]

Hello!

Recently bought an older i7-6700k and Asus Maximus VIII Ranger combo from my friend. It was working fine when he sold it. I just can’t get the computer to boot with ANYTHING in any of the 2 full PCI-E slots. It just goes into a bootloop. If I remove my GPU and plug display into MOBO it boots fine. I know my GPUs are fine, tried them in a testrig. Here’s what I’ve tried and know so far. Appreciate all help.

• Restarting pc
• Switching outlet
• Reinstall windows
• Update BIOS (offline and online)
• Remove integrated GPU(disabling driver, thought it might have been clashing idk)
• Switch PCI-E slots
• Switch to another working GPU(same result)
• Putting in a card when on (Ik ik big nono, but just instantly goes bootloop even then)
• Changing ”gen” on PCI-E slots
• Enabling/disabling CMO
• Reset computer (power button when unplugged)
• Reset CMO
• Searched every forum on the internet, many faulty PCI-E slots but not a single case of all being broken.

Pc specs:
i7 6700k
Maximus VIII Ranger motherboard
Gtx 1660 ti
2x8 2133hz ram (corsair)
700 silver rated PSU

I know that my GPU works fine because I tried it in my friends test rig. I also placed my older OEM GTX 745 (it has no power pins needed, thinking it was a PSU issue) but to no awail. As soon as anything goes into a PCI-E slot the computer refused to boot and just bootloops. I am at a loss on what to do now. English is not my first language. Help is greatly appreciated as I can’t work rn.

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

700 silver rated PSU
700W is the advertised wattage of the unit, while silver is the advertised 80+ efficiency rating on the unit. What is the make and model of the PSU and it's age?

 

[Whello]

Ocz stealth x stream 2.
Just to clarify, I was able to install windows from a flashdrive and get in, but only without my GPU connected, not to power but connected to PCIE. I also thought psu issue, but it’s giving power fine (i think). Without GPU I can properly boot. Thanks for your reply! Edit: it’s old. But because I managed to get it to boot without GPU I think it’s a motherboard issue.

 

[Whello]

Update: put ”new” processor into old motherboard (LGA1151) and new weird stuff happens. Boot is now longer but still a bootloop, it loops twice then stays on but no visual from GPU and this motherboard has no built in hdmi.. I think it’s safe to assume the following:
i7 6700k + Asus Maximus VIII Ranger = bad PCIE slots/firmware (have reinstalled drivers twice)
i7 6700k + my Lenovo OEM motherboard = compatability error..?

The i7 works, I know this because as I stated earlier I got past bios into windows just without GPU in slot.. The motherboard ”works” except all PCIE slots seem faulty..

Why would the i7 not work on a motherboard with same socket? Do you need something else when you just switch processor like that? Problem still persists. Thankfull for all help!

 

[Whello]

Update 2. Buying schematic for my OEM motherboard tells me that it was made to only use a select few processors, not including my i7 6700k. So that explains why OEM Mobo and my i7 6700k doesn’t work. Still doesn’t explain my weird PCIE problem on the Maximus VIII Ranger… still appreciate all ideas. This could just be a motherboard issue and all I need is a new one. But buying one where I live could buy me food for several months. I need pc to make living wage.

 

[Whello]

Update 3. I have isolated the problem to my PCI-E slots. Again, as soon as it feels a card being there it bootloops. I have now also tried another PSU, same result. I thought I was onto something when I saw in device manager that the bus and controller drivers for the PCI was missing, but when I install all drivers the problem is the same.