New Build PC Won't POST, Keeps Restarting.

LUCKYDENVERMINT

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Apr 7, 2013
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Hi all,

New to the forum, I apologize if this is in the wrong place - hope you can help.

Just built a new PC and having issues getting it going.

When turning it on the fans all start up including the processor fan, the phase LEDs light up and the monitor comes on showing the Gigabyte Motherboard set up screen. So far so good.

However within about 15 seconds the computer turns off before restarting and continues in this loop. Furthermore none of the USB ports are working and so I can't use the keyboard at all to enter the BIOS for the few seconds available before the restart loop. I also receive no beeps but this may be down to the Mobo I'm using not having an internal speaker.

I've followed the steps from TomsHardware to no avail;
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems

I've now resorted to bread boarding the system and only attaching the power (20pin and CPU 8pin) cables to the motherboard, the CPU + Fan with one stick of RAM (also tried with no RAM) and the system continues to restart as before. I've used the cable from the PC case to start the PC and also a jumper just to confirm its not a case issue.

I've also cleared the CMOS using a jumper and removing the battery for a few seconds. I have also tested the PSU with another system and it works fine which makes me doubt it is the PSU at the root of this.

My part build is the following;

Intel i5 3570
Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3 Motherboard
Corsair CX430

I'm feeling it could be a faulty motherboard? anyone have any ideas?
 

LUCKYDENVERMINT

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Apr 7, 2013
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I thought it was compatible, would this cause the issue I'm having?

Didn't even think to check for Ivy/Sandy compatibility issues - Do I need Gigabyte to flash the BIOS or is this something I could do myself?

 
1. You need to be able to use the keyboard and get into BIOS to flash the board.

2. I'm not sure about your particular board but I know with ASRock boards the BIOS ROM is easily removed and replaced. Gigabyte could send you the most recent ROM chip and you could put it in yourself.

3. Send the board to Gigabyte and have them do it for you.

4. Return the board to the retailer and get a Z77 motherboard. Do you have 3570 or a 3570K? If you don't have the K then you could get something like a H77 or B75.
 

LUCKYDENVERMINT

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Apr 7, 2013
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Thanks stickg1 - really appreciate your reply and help.

I have a friend popping over tomorrow with an i3 processor (not sure which one) - if I replace my i5 briefly and download the BIOS update I should be able to do it myself hopefully?

F9 update here I'm guessing?
http://uk.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3978&dl=1#bios

 
Yes if you have a friend with a Sandy Bridge processor then that is actually the best solution. Put that chip in, make sure everything works right (the problem could still be elsewhere but how you described it seems like it needs a BIOS flash) and then flash the BIOS using his chip. Then put your chip in and you should be good to go.
 

LUCKYDENVERMINT

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Apr 7, 2013
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Cheers stick - apart from supporting Man Utd you're a top man!

I'll check tomorrow and then update this thread on how successful it is for anyone else experiencing similar problems.

Funnily enough I originally ordered the i5 2500 which turned out to be out of stock and so they offered me the 3570 for the same price - didn't think to check the whole ivy/sandy compatibility issue and just agreed. Spent all weekend trying different solutions as well!

 

LUCKYDENVERMINT

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Apr 7, 2013
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Ok still having problems. Switched in an i3 which allowed me to access the BIOS and had USB working for keyboard etc

Began process to install Windows and after setup had loaded the files and the Windows logo appeared the computer turns off and restarts itself - it then does this loop endlessly turning off at the same place each time.

I've checked the temps of the motherboard and CPU and both are in early 30s, nothing amiss.

I've tried switching in a standard HDD instead of the SSD I originally intended to install to but I doubt this would have an effect as it shuts down and restarts before even letting me choose an installation drive.

Any ideas?
 
Damn. Now it could be a number of things. Can your friend bring over any other parts? You're going to need to try RAM, PSU, motherboard would be nice too. If you could check all of your parts in a different motherboard, that should be able to tell you if it's the board or not.

But if not, you could try different parts in your motherboard and that should weed out the problem too.

So you tried all of your sticks of RAM, one at a time, in each individual slot?
 
the pc of our cousins next door is having the same issue, looping restarts. before we were able to install windows. then after installing gpu driver, bam! problem creeps up. now we cant even get to bios long enough. tried basically everything except breadboarding(?)
but i have work in day time so i cannot really spend too much time with it.
hope i can learn some solution here.
i even removed the hdd, when in bios it restarts (a lot shorter time now than before), but if you allow it to boot (it wont cuz no hdd), it just sits there, no boot device message.
weird
 

LUCKYDENVERMINT

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Apr 7, 2013
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Thanks for the reply again Stick.

Had a mammoth testing day today. Borrowed friends fully working PC and did the following;

Switched in his working PSU - same problem.

Switched in his working ram as well as trying my own again in different channels or different sticks at a time - same problem.

Tried another CDROM, changed windows discs - same problem.

With his i3 and using Q-flash I also managed to flash the BIOS to the latest that supports my Ivy Bridge i5 - still same problem.

So in that case by the process of elimination I'm assuming it has to be a faulty motherboard?