Problems with new build, just trying to boot to BIOS

[Whisp96]

Just put a new build together, bought a new thermaltake 500w psu, using an asus Z97-A, intel arc a380, intel 4790k, and 2x4 bassilisk RAM. I have an m.2 in as well if that matters. The motherboard's LEDs will turn on, but using the power button, or jumping with a screwdriver won't work...

I'm stumped, I'm thinking it's the cpu since I'm pretty sure the motherboard and psu are okay. Is there anythng I can do? Or any way to know what part is bad?

 

[phillpower2]

using an asus Z97-A, intel arc a380, intel 4790k,

Are you aware that the MB needed a BIOS update before it could recognise the upgraded 4th gen CPUs.

The motherboard's LEDs will turn on, but using the power button, or jumping with a screwdriver won't work...

Does the PSU activate at all as in does the PSUs internal cooling fan spin up.

 

[Whisp96]

Hello, I will try this later tonight thanks will update

 

[Whisp96]

Are you aware that the MB needed a BIOS update before it could recognise the upgraded 4th gen CPUs.



Does the PSU activate at all as in does the PSUs internal cooling fan spin up.

The psu does not activate, the cpu fan doesn't either, or gpu

 

[Whisp96]

I could try updating the bios, but I thought the parts would at least try to spin their fans if I was able to do that...I'm willing to try updating the bios though

 

[Whisp96]

The psu does not activate, the cpu fan doesn't either, or gpu

Can I update bios without having access to bios? The manual only describes updating bios by using bios...

 

[Whisp96]

The psu does not activate, the cpu fan doesn't either, or gpu

Can I update bios without having access to bios? The manual only describes updating bios by using bios

Are you aware that the MB needed a BIOS update before it could recognise the upgraded 4th gen CPUs.



Does the PSU activate at all as in does the PSUs internal cooling fan spin up.

What cpus can I get that don't need the update to post, it doesn't say anything about about it on the compatibility website. In theory I can get a different cpu, use it to post, update, and see if that was the problem on the cpu I have now

Z97-A - Support

www.asus.com

 

[Whisp96]

Are you aware that the MB needed a BIOS update before it could recognise the upgraded 4th gen CPUs.



Does the PSU activate at all as in does the PSUs internal cooling fan spin up.

4th gen should at least be able to boot. Either bad mbo or cpu, need help deciding which.

 

[phillpower2]

The psu does not activate, the cpu fan doesn't either, or gpu

You need to make sure that the PSU was not doa, watch the video here for how to do a basic jumpstart of a PSU, no need for the case fan btw.

There is an example of the two pins to short in the attachment below, see if that helps any.

There are two versions of 4th generation Intel CPU, the board is fine with the original version but not the later upgrade version that you have.

Not around until tomorrow UK daytime now, can I ask that you do not post multiple replies meanwhile, thanks.

NB: Make sure you have a keyboard connected when troubleshooting and if using the USB type make sure that it is connected to a black USB 2.0 port.

 

[Whisp96]

You need to make sure that the PSU was not doa, watch the video here for how to do a basic jumpstart of a PSU, no need for the case fan btw.

There is an example of the two pins to short in the attachment below, see if that helps any.

There are two versions of 4th generation Intel CPU, the board is fine with the original version but not the later upgrade version that you have.

Not around until tomorrow UK daytime now, can I ask that you do not post multiple replies meanwhile, thanks.

NB: Make sure you have a keyboard connected when troubleshooting and if using the USB type make sure that it is connected to a black USB 2.0 port.

Are you saying my cpu isn't compatible with my mbo? This list says it is, and there isn't anything in the notes saying it needs a bios update to post, which it isn't doing

Z97-A - Support

www.asus.com

...I've heard to try using memok

Sorry for the multiple msgs, I'm frantically trying to get this thing ready for Christmas if possible. I just got the psu Friday, so I didn't know this was a problem not too long ago. I'll try jumping the psu I suppose, I'm also thinking that it can't be that the system is too much wattage, not enough twp to go over 500w

 

[Whisp96]

You need to make sure that the PSU was not doa, watch the video here for how to do a basic jumpstart of a PSU, no need for the case fan btw.

There is an example of the two pins to short in the attachment below, see if that helps any.

There are two versions of 4th generation Intel CPU, the board is fine with the original version but not the later upgrade version that you have.

Not around until tomorrow UK daytime now, can I ask that you do not post multiple replies meanwhile, thanks.

NB: Make sure you have a keyboard connected when troubleshooting and if using the USB type make sure that it is connected to a black USB 2.0 port.

Replying again, sorry, but I tried the psu test, didn't have a paperclip had to use 2 staples taped together...idk if I did it right, I send pic, but nothing happened...brand new psu

 

[phillpower2]

Can I ask that you do not quote every reply as we have to read the full post to make sure nothing gets missed,, thanks.

Don`t shoot the messenger but here is proof that the MB needs the BIOS update.

In addition to the above, check your list again and you will see that a BIOS update is required before the board will be able to recognise the CPU, being that this MB was released almost ten years ago there are three things below to keep in mind about what you described as a new build;

1: The MBs BIOS may have already been updated so not the cause.

2: The ten year old hardware comes from various sources with no guarantee that any of it even works.

3: We have no way of knowing if something got damaged when you did the initial assembly.

Regarding the PSU;

Is the PSUs toggle switch in the On position.

The amount of wattage is irrelevant here and for three reasons, there is no add on GPU in your list of parts, a computer will only draw the amount of power that it needs and last but not least you have not been able to activate the PSU in any event.

Because we are not there and you do not have a paperclip to do it properly we don`t know If the correct pins were successfully bridged.

You need a paperclip to be sure of this test, figure 5 here shows clearly how to identify the correct two pins.

Fwiw, Thermaltake PSUs are rated as – Tier E • Avoid and – Tier F • Replace immediately here so don`t be surprised if the PSU was doa.

 

[Whisp96]

Can I ask that you do not quote every reply as we have to read the full post to make sure nothing gets missed,, thanks.

Don`t shoot the messenger but here is proof that the MB needs the BIOS update.

In addition to the above, check your list again and you will see that a BIOS update is required before the board will be able to recognise the CPU, being that this MB was released almost ten years ago there are three things below to keep in mind about what you described as a new build;

1: The MBs BIOS may have already been updated so not the cause.

2: The ten year old hardware comes from various sources with no guarantee that any of it even works.

3: We have no way of knowing if something got damaged when you did the initial assembly.

Regarding the PSU;

Is the PSUs toggle switch in the On position.

The amount of wattage is irrelevant here and for three reasons, there is no add on GPU in your list of parts, a computer will only draw the amount of power that it needs and last but not least you have not been able to activate the PSU in any event.

Because we are not there and you do not have a paperclip to do it properly we don`t know If the correct pins were successfully bridged.

You need a paperclip to be sure of this test, figure 5 here shows clearly how to identify the correct two pins.

Fwiw, Thermaltake PSUs are rated as – Tier E • Avoid and – Tier F • Replace immediately here so don`t be surprised if the PSU was doa.

I jumped the psu successfully, i did the wrong pins the first time. How am I supposed to update bios with no flashback or, you know, access to bios?

I tried booting with keyboard plugged in aaaaand, my fans spin! But there's a catch

With cpu one ram stick and cooler, xmp light blinks on, fans spin for a second, stops, starts again, and repeats this until I shut it off

It will do this even if there is no ram

The mbo/cpu can't recognize ram in the board. I've tried reseting the cmos both with the pins and by removing the battery for 10 mins. It still does this, and that's where I'm at now. But I feel like I'm making progress to knowing something at least

If its the bios update, I'm not sure how that is possible to do in my situation since I can't even post, and this mbo can't flashback

 

[Whisp96]

I jumped the psu successfully, i did the wrong pins the first time. How am I supposed to update bios with no flashback or, you know, access to bios?

I tried booting with keyboard plugged in aaaaand, my fans spin! But there's a catch

With cpu one ram stick and cooler, xmp light blinks on, fans spin for a second, stops, starts again, and repeats this until I shut it off

It will do this even if there is no ram

The mbo/cpu can't recognize ram in the board. I've tried reseting the cmos both with the pins and by removing the battery for 10 mins. It still does this, and that's where I'm at now. But I feel like I'm making progress to knowing something at least

If its the bios update, I'm not sure how that is possible to do in my situation since I can't even post, and this mbo can't flashback

Edit: the link you sent didn't work, but i put the parts in myself, no warnings

 

[phillpower2]

Polite reminder;

When you next reply can I ask that you do not quote the whole post as it means I must read it in case you have inserted any info in there, snippets are fine though as they do help with highlighting important info you need to put across

You can`t update the BIOS without an earlier compatible CPU.

The link works perfectly fine for me but try this one instead.

The stop start behaviour sounds like something is shorting out, this is why any new build should always be done outside the case first and on a non conductive surface like the lid of the MB box or large piece of cardboard.

 

[Whisp96]

I'm starting to think my ram isn't compatible, i can't find it in the manual, model is BLS4G3D1609DS1S00

 

[PeterOz]

I'm starting to think my ram isn't compatible, i can't find it in the manual

Please follow the advise given by @phillpower2.
Whilst you are waiting. The ram you have should allow you to boot. @phillpower2 will advise if I am incorrect.
Have you tried booting with the intel arc a380 removed from the motherboard.

 

[Whisp96]

I have tried booting without gpu yes. I have tried booting without ram, same thing happens, fans go on and off. I have tried booting with cpu power cut off, the cpu fan spins continuously. I have successfully jumped my psu, I have reset the cmos.

I will try taking the mbo out of the case and booting with one stick of ram cpu cooler only.

However, if you guys can't find my ram in the compatibility list in the manual(I cant) I'm starting to think that the ram may be the problem. I will link other posts I have posted, if you have more questions:

Problems with new build, just trying to boot to BIOS

linustechtips.com

https://www.reddit.com/r/pchelp/s/mxWCDgXgqt

https://www.reddit.com/r/pchelp/s/TAsYl30hN3

https://www.reddit.com/r/pchelp/s/c9VB0JtEzt

I have posted more than thus but didn't always get replies.

Also PS, I don't know what he's talking about with the reply thing, this is my first time posting here, I'm on mobile most of the time, if you can tell me what I'm doing wrong with that I'll try to reply correctly

 

[phillpower2]

When you next post, do not click on the Reply tab first, enter any info into the dialogue input box and when you are done just click on Post Reply like you have been doing, this will avoid you quoting every reply.

However, if you guys can't find my ram in the compatibility list in the manual(I cant) I'm starting to think that the ram may be the problem.

There is zero wrong with the RAM specifications

For the best and most stable performance you should where possible purchase a CPU and RAM that have been tested and approved by the motherboard manufacturer, this is referred to as the QVL ( qualified vendors list ) understand though that there are too many products released for them all to be tested so other hardware will be compatible but not proven to be by the manufacturer of the motherboard.

.Something not mentioned in your OP, did you properly clean the heatsink and atop of the CPU before correctly applying a good quality thermal compound such as Arctic Silver.

 

[Whisp96]

I did what you suggested, took out mbo onto cardboard. Yeah, doesn't look like it was a short, I still think it's a ram problem buddy