System won't post

[J_I_M_M_Y]

Hi guys

Just “finished” my first build:

i5 3570K
Asrock Z77-PRO3
G Skill Ripjaws 8G(2x4G) DDR3 1600Mhz
Radeon R9 270 GPU
Antec HCG 520W PSU
Seagate Barracuda 1TB HDD
Zalman Z3 Plus Case
TP-LINK wireless card
LG optical drive

When I first switched it on I was getting a loop: 4 beeps, all fans (incl CPU) and LEDs powered up for about 5 secs, powered off, then restarted. I read that it might be a RAM issue so I took one stick out and I stopped getting the beeps.

The problem is, now I get no beeps. The fans and LEDs will all stay on, but the system won’t post and I get no video. I’ve looked at the recommended thread and tried just about everything on there – checked all PSU and other connections 7 times (incl. GPU and both mobo power connectors), swapped RAM slots, switched video outputs from GPU to mobo, etc. Nothing.

The only obvious thing I haven’t tried is pulling everything out to (a) check the standoffs (although I was pretty careful with them when I mounted the mobo) and (b) breadboard the mobo to see if I can bring a basic system to life out of the case.

I hope I’m not sounding lazy in asking for assistance first, but I’m a novice and I’m hesitant to undo all my hard work until I’m sure I’ve exhausted all of my other options.

Can anyone help? It seems odd that I would get a 4-beep code when there was a RAM issue, and now nothing.

Thanks

 

[shortstuff_mt]

This checklist was created for this type of problem. Perform all the steps in the checklist and let us know how it goes.

 

[alexoiu]

Hi, Using a monitor or TV? What ports? While testing, remove the graphics card and connect the monitor to the onboard. Test with single RAM module each slot.

 

[J_I_M_M_Y]

Thanks for the replies

I've been through the checklist and the only things I haven't really tried involve taking the system apart. I tried HDMI and VGA in the GPU and the mobo ports, no difference. I haven't removed the GPU yet (I checked that it is properly seated) but surely I should be getting an error beep if it is faulty?

I'm almost resigned to the fact that I'm going to have to take it apart and breadboard the mobo, assuming that taking the mobo out doesn't reveal something loose behind it that was causing a short. Maybe it will be character building.

 

[alexoiu]

For testing with the onboard video, remove the graphics card.
TV or monitor?
No beeps if no errors found.

 

[J_I_M_M_Y]

TV (LCD), but I've used it as a monitor before. I'll try it without the GPU first.

Isn't there normally one beep for a healthy system???

 

[alexoiu]

No beeps with newer boards if no errors. For first boot, try with the monitor, without the graphics card. The TV might not support low resolutions.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Are you using HDMI? Some boards require a driver to be installed before HDMI will work. Have you tried using a DVI cable? Your TV may not have a DVI connection, so you might have to try a monitor if you have access to one.

 

[J_I_M_M_Y]

Ok, thanks, hadn't considered the TV/monitor issue.

I've tried both VGA (D-SUB) and HDMI, but not in a regular monitor or w/out GPU. Sounds like that is my next step.

Thanks guys! I'll let you know how I go.

 

[J_I_M_M_Y]

Hi guys

Just wanted to say thanks for your help. I was able to get video when I removed the GPU and ran a VGA cable to a monitor. Now that I have the system up and running I've installed the GPU and drivers, connected the GPU to the monitor with a DVI cable and fixed the resolution, and the video seems to be working just fine. Next step is HDMI to TV.

Unfortunately I'm still getting the 4 beep timing error when I try dual channel RAM and it appears 2 of the RAM slots aren't working. I've started a new thread on this if you know of anything that might help!

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1981669/ram-slots-working-booting.html

Thanks again

 

[alexoiu]

Hi,
Usually this kind of issue is related to CPU socket bent pins.

 

[J_I_M_M_Y]

I don't think my CPU has traditional "pins" as such - just contacts. I was also pretty careful about putting it in correctly too.

Thanks tho.

 

[alexoiu]

Not the CPU, but the socket.

 

[J_I_M_M_Y]

As in, pins on the mobo that go into the CPU? Hmm, I hadn't considered that.

I'll take the CPU out and have a look if I can't fix the problem through the BIOS and Asrock aren't any help.

 

[alexoiu]

OK. Please post back the result.

 

[J_I_M_M_Y]

Just an update - I ended up sending the motherboard back and received a replacement, which is now running dual channel RAM without any problems. So it was just a fault after all.

Thanks for your help, everyone.