Did my Motherboard Die?

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hibjib

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Aug 4, 2013
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10,510
Possibly Relevant Backstory:​
My build is around 5-6 months old, I recently had to RMA one of my 7950's(I have a xfire setup) and they replaced it with a 7970. I installed it, touching the motherboard only to push the release on the 7950 that was in there, and I made sure to touch the metal backing of the case beforehand.

It was working fine for a few hours, I left the room for a while(maybe an hour) and when I came back the monitor was blank, I assumed it just went into sleep mode since I had been gone awhile, but I couldn't wake it up. I reset it: nothing. I tried a couple more times and now it doesn't turn on at all.

The Problem:​
When I flick the power switch on the PSU the power LED on the motherboard flickers on for a split second, but then goes dark. Pressing the power button(on case or on the MB does nothing, not even the fans spin. When the PSU is not hooked up to MB and used with a paperclip the case fans and HDD turn on.

My Specs: (in order of probable relevance) ​
Motherboard: Z77X-UD5H(Rev 1.1)
CPU : i5-3570k (no OC)
PSU: Corsair CX750M
RAM: Patriot Viper 2x4GB
GPU: MSI 7950 + MSI 7970

Some things I have tried:​
- Checked that I hadn't bumped a wire loose when installing 7970; everything was in place.
- [strike]I tested the PSU with a multimeter, and it seems to be fine.[/strike] PSU might have problems under load.
- I tested each stick of RAM; they're either both dead or they're fine.
- Looked for obvious problems on the motherboard, didn't see any. (Although I'm also not entirely sure what to look for)
- Reset CMOS

Pictures:​
http://imgur.com/a/XG4el
I don't have a very good camera, nor very good lighting, but if you need a better look at something let me know and I'll see if I can get a better one. I don't really know what to look for other than damaged capacitors, and they all look fine to me.

Final Notes/Thoughts:​
This is my first build, and I don't know a whole lot about computers, but from my understanding when there's a problem like this it's either the PSU, RAM, MB, or CPU. I also think that CPU problems are a lot rarer than the others, which is why I'm assuming MB issue.

Also, how likely is it that this was caused by something I did? Is it just a coincidence that this happened only a couple hours after installing a new graphics card or did I accidently shock it despite being careful? Should I try and RMA it or just replace it?(Assuming it's broken)

And finally sorry for a long post, I tried to format it so it's not as horrible. I wasn't sure if I should be short and sweet or extra informative.
 
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hibjib

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Aug 4, 2013
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10,510


1. I'm not entirely sure what you mean. However that did make me double check the guide I was using to test my PSU and I realised that I might not have tested it under-load correctly; I'm gonna do that now.
2. Unfortunately all of my close friends that I know would let me fiddle with their computer, have abandoned computers and only use consoles/laptops. I'll ask around a bit though, maybe I can find someone.


I've tried booting it with just the 7950, just the 7970, and with no external GPU's, still nothing.

I'll post an update once I correctly test the PSU under load, hopefully I just made a noob error in testing the PSU. A PSU would be much easier/cheaper to replace...
 
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hibjib

Honorable
Aug 4, 2013
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10,510
Back from testing the PSU more. I used a 4 pin molex to test. I plugged everything except the GPU's in, powered it up. The 12v tested at .56 or so, and the 5v tested at .19 or so. When I unplug the motherboard and use a paperclip to power it on, and using the same molex I get normal readings.

Does that mean it's the PSU or could it still be the motherboard?
 
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hibjib

Honorable
Aug 4, 2013
5
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10,510

I put in the speaker a little bit after I started troubleshooting and it hasn't made a peep, and I don't think it will. I don't think the motherboard is getting the power to boot. The power switch light just flickers for a brief millisecond when I initially turn the PSU on, then it goes dark. Although I don't remember for sure I think the power switch should be lit if it was receiving power. I'm gonna see if I can find a definite answer on that though, looking through manual at the moment, but I'm not seeing an answer.

As for testing the PSU I've asked around and I've found some I could test, but none that are modular... I'm gonna keep looking for a modular one so I don't have to mess with my cabling; I might try some local computer repair shops or something, see if they'd charge much/ if anything to let me use a PSU for just a minute.
 
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hibjib

Honorable
Aug 4, 2013
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10,510
Tested it with another power supply and still nothing, the motherboard shows no signs of receiving power. I sent in an RMA request with Gigabyte, it should still be under warranty.

Anyway, how should I store my CPU while my motherboard is away? I think I still have the that little plastic case it came in, that should be fine right?

Also how should I store my ram? I do have some anti-static bubble-wrap, just wrap them in some of that and stick it in a box somewhere?

Thanks everyone for the help!
 
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