ASUS Maximus VI Impact boot up prob

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

Newly built PC with ASUS Maximus VI Impact. Initially set up fine, booted no prob and installed Windows 7. Now, it won't boot up with Q code 15. This happens quickly in the boot up sequence, when the PS appears to be 'ramping up.' By this, I mean its audibly noticeable that its 'working harder' as the PS fan's RPM is higher than normal. It stays in this state, no signal to the monitor or anything else. Does anyone know what Q code 15 represents?
Thanks for any help.

Tradesman1 · Oct 30, 2013

Have you checked in your manual? Think it might be to do with System initialization, take a look and let me know

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

Yeah, manuals been checked. There's no 'Legend' or 'Key' regarding what a particular Q code means...kinda frustrating. Began a chat session w/ASUS techs online from their webpage earlier, only to have it timeout and say their techs were no longer available...even more frustrating.

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

Wow, okay upon a SECOND go thru of the manual, I found the code key...<facepalm>....gonna dig into it a little more now....will comment later when I find something.
Thanks!
-CC

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

Yeah, says this is a 'Pre-memory System Agent Initialization has started' code....does this suggest an issue w/the RAM? Gonna crack it open and check the seating of the RAM sticks....

Tradesman1 · Oct 30, 2013

If it's systems agent, the voltage may be low, try the VCCSA (System Agent Voltage) voltage at 1.1

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

Reseated the RAM, still Q code 15...Um, how does one change the System Agent Voltage? IDK how ....would this had been an issue from the start? The system had been booting before....

lp231 · Oct 30, 2013

Change power supply or remove CPU and then reinstall it. While you're at it, look for any damaged or bent pins.

Tradesman1 · Oct 30, 2013

VCCSA is a voltage in the bIOS normally on the advanced or tweaking page of the BIOS

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

But I'd need to be booted up to access the BIOS, no?

Tradesman1 · Oct 30, 2013

Power on and start tapping the DEL key slowly

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

I know how to get to the BIOS, my prob is that the boot sequence is hung up prior to when the monitor display kicks in...I've no monitor at the moment. I REALLY think this is RAM related also, as the MB DRAM_LED next to the EATXPWR connection is lit up. According to the manual, these LEDs are used to pinpoint where issues are coming from.

Tradesman1 · Oct 30, 2013

Try with a single stick in slot 1, no joy try it in 2...still nothing try a different stick in the same manner

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

Okay, I'll give that a shot. If no joy is found, I'll have to pick up another stick of RAM tomorrow and try it....I'll post what I find out.
Thanks for all your help tonight, Tradesman1!

Cheers!
-CC

Tradesman1 · Oct 30, 2013

No worries

calvin_coolidge · Oct 30, 2013

So, I checked both DIMMs w/only one stick at a time, same prob...BUT, with only one stick in, it was easier to see the MB LEDs and it turns out the CPU_LED is the one lit up. So, I'll be removing the CPU to check it now...is this a delicate procedure w/the thermal paste being on the CPU? I've never had to remove/check a CPU for probs before so I'm a little apprehensive...

Tradesman1 · Oct 30, 2013

Will want some thermal compound, always best to put new on, simply remove your cooler, then clean the bottom of it (rubbing alcohol works well, loosen the clip holding the CPU in and lift the CPU gently from a corner, best to hold the CPU by the edges, clean off the top and maybe even bottom, chek socket for any pins that look bent

calvin_coolidge · Oct 31, 2013

So, I removed the cooler from the CPU and noticed how non-uniformal the thermal compound layer was on the CPU. (Bunched mostly on the left side, next to nothing for compound on the right edge of the CPU). I've attached a pic to show what I mean. Would this cause my CPU to work fine in the beginning, but then not work after awhile? Here's the link to the pic http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/163/bhrl.jpg/

calvin_coolidge · Oct 31, 2013

Also, I inspected the CPU back and the socket, no pins appear to be bent. Cleaned of the cooler surface and will now clean off the CPU. When originally set up the thermal compound, I followed a procedure from the Arctic Silver website. It showed to just apply a line of compound down the middle of the CPU, which I did. Maybe I used too much? It didn't seem like it at the time....<shrugs>

calvin_coolidge · Oct 31, 2013

So, the clean-up/reinsert CPU to the socket made no difference...still CPU_LED lit up....just finished sending out the CPU for RMA. Hopefully, better luck w/the next one.

lp231 · Oct 31, 2013

CPU rarely dies out. It could be your motherboard, if it's actually the CPU. Then time to buy a lottery ticket

raja@asus · Oct 31, 2013

Code 15 can also appear if the memory is very unstable. What's the memory kit being used?

calvin_coolidge · Oct 31, 2013

Memory used is G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866. The MB's onboard 'issue' LED was lit up for the CPU and the MB socket had no bent pins etc upon inspection, that's why I RMA'd the CPU.

raja@asus · Nov 1, 2013

The CPU LED will light up if the POST codes fall early on after the microcode is initialized - this does not necessarily mean the fault lies in the CPU cores - the System agent will halt if there is instability over the memory bus as well. If the CPU memory controller is weak, that would cause it, but that can usually be rectified assuming one can get the system to POST.

calvin_coolidge · Nov 1, 2013

Well, I guess I'll find out when I get the new CPU. So it sounds like if, when the new CPU arrives and the code 15 remains, the only solution is to RMA the MB as I can't fix the weak mem controller w/o being in the BIOS. I hope this isn't the case....I just wanna use my new rig!

ASUS Maximus VI Impact boot up prob

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