PC won't POST after installing CPU cooler

[Alex Kelly]

So I just installed my new Dark Rock 3 from be quiet and uninstalled my Kraken X61. I also took my PSU out to change one modular cable from a 4 way SATA to a 2 way SATA.

Now, my PC won't post at all, just shows 'A2' in the corner of the screen and tries to reboot every 20 seconds or so. All fans spin including the Dark Rock 3 fan but it will not post.

What have I done? Could I have put too much pressure on the CPU and broke it? Did peeling the foam pads off the back of the CPU socket damage the motherboard?

Stresssssin hard. Help please.

 

[20salmon]

Make sure both power cables from PSU are properly plugged in, and make sure no metal is touching the motherboard where it isn't supposed to (like a loose screw) If that's not the case then it sounds like you might have damaged your motherboard.

 

[i7Baby]

A2 is an IDE error - drive. Make sure you plugged the sata cable in properly.

 

[Alex Kelly]

I always got A2 for a split second before boot, but it never stayed there. I checked the SATA cables, it's all fine. Happens even with no drives connected.

And yeah, everything is plugged in and there is nothing touching the mobo. It really sucks that a simple cooler install followed properly could break something so expensive.

I'll check for bent pins soon. I was always worried about getting an air cooler because of the pressure on the CPU but I was told many times not to worry about that.

 

[i7Baby]

Bent pins? - did you pull the CPU out?

 

[20salmon]

Have you tried using a different SATA plug for your HDD on the motherboard?

 

[Alex Kelly]

No I didn't but surely if too much pressure was put on the CPU it would have caused a pin to bend?
Just realised that's impossible. I suppose when I bumped the PCB on the mobo with my finger I shocked it. :/

 

[i7Baby]

Putting pressure on a CPU just crushes the casing edge that it's supported on.

 

[i7Baby]

You can also fit an internal speaker and disconnect the OS drive to see what post/beep code you get per http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm.

It might give you a few more clues.

 

[Alex Kelly]

Ah. I think I know what I did.
I was trying to scrape the felt pads that come with AIO backplates off the back of the mobo, and stupidly used my finger to rub the residue off.
Do you think that would have caused this?

 

[i7Baby]

No. Were you using a wrist strap and grounding you and the case?

 

[Alex Kelly]

Wasn't using a wrist strap, and grounding kind of confuses me, all I did was touch the metal bit of a screwdriver and hoped that was enough. Don't judge me hahaha
I just tried to boot with a stock intel cooler, same result.

 

[20salmon]

You've most likely given the motherboard a static shock.

For future reference: when working with the motherboard you want to ground the case by having power cable plugged into the wall but power switch turned off on the PSU, and perferably a wristband for yourself which is attached to somethign which is grounded (like the case for example). Also avoid wearing nylon or wool whilst working inside the computer.

 

[Alex Kelly]

Thank you so much guys, but I figured out what went wrong.
My motherboard decided it didn't want to boot with my keyboard an mouse plugged in.
Took them out, booted.
Plugged them back in, booted.
Makes no sense.
Thanks again.

 

[20salmon]

Thank you so much guys, but I figured out what went wrong.
My motherboard decided it didn't want to boot with my keyboard an mouse plugged in.
Took them out, booted.
Plugged them back in, booted.
Makes no sense.
Thanks again.

Thats good news. Glad it wasn't anything more serious. Updating bios and motherboard drivers may fix this problem for you. good luck

 

[Alex Kelly]

Running the latest Bios, hopefully the next one will fix the problem.