Build completed, but I could not power up the system.

Calabrel

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CPU - i5 Haswell 4670k
MOBO - ASUS Sabertooth Z87 (Open Box)
PSU - CORSAIR HX Series HX750 750W 80+ Gold
GPU - ASUS GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST 2GB (from a previous working build)
RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1866
Cooler - ZALMAN CNPS9900
Case - RAIDMAX Agusta ATX-605BT Full tower
SSD - SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series 240GB (from a previous working build)

My two previous build components are about two months old.

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I've built at least ten other PCs, and while I realize it could be user error, it wouldn't be my first choice. I used an anti-static wrist band and was on a flat, wood surface while building. When I flipped the PSU switched to on, the passive MOBO LED and the GPU LED both came on green. Next, I hit the power switch which caused nothing to happen, no new LED or fans powering on.

Troubleshooting steps I've already taken:

1. Tried each RAM chip one at a time.
2. Tried disconnecting all peripheral devices from the PSU. Only things connected were 1 RAM, CPU and MOBO.
3. Re-seeded both the CPU and MOBO connectors, albeit it's very difficult to see if the CPU is properly seeded due to the MOBO/Case/CPU cooler being relatively cramped. However, I definitely can't remove the connector without opening the connector clamp.
4. Verified that the power switch jumper was properly seeded to the MOBO, however, I did not verify that it was properly connected to the case power button, the case came with those connected and routed, I didn't verify whether that was done properly.
5. Shorted the power switch pins on the MOBO to attempt to bypass the case in restarting, didn't work.
6. Attached a completely different PSU from a previously working system, no change.
7. Removed the MOBO and attempting to power it up by "breadboarding," still no change.

What are my most likely suspects? I'm at work now and cannot troubleshoot right this moment, so if I could have a list of things I can try sequentially, eliminating variables, that would be ideal.

Thanks for the help in advance guys.
 
Solution


You've already done quite a bit of troubleshooting, but this troubleshooting checklist may give you a few more ideas.

Calabrel

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Sorry, I was incomplete with my troubleshooting, I added this to the OP, I believe it addresses your response.

4. Verified that the power switch jumper was properly seeded to the MOBO, however, I did not verify that it was properly connected to the case power button, the case came with those connected and routed, I didn't verify whether that was done properly.
 

ImPrettyIrish

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Like Laviniu said, it is probably the motherboard at fault. It could also be bad soldering on the case where the Power button is. I would check that as well. Just pull off the front panel and you should be able to see it there
 
only by testing the cpu on another board or the board with another cpu... there's no way to tell really.

or try this autobios update feature:
USB BIOS Flashback
Simple plug and press hardware-based BIOS flashing

Hardware-level USB BIOS Flashback allows users to update to new UEFI BIOS versions even without a CPU or DRAM installed. Just plug in a USB flash drive containing the BIOS file and press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds with the power supply connected. Hassle-free updating for ultimate convenience!
 

Calabrel

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Tried some additional troubleshooting things:

1. Shorted the power switch pins on the MOBO to attempt to bypass the case in restarting, didn't work.
2. Attached a completely different PSU from a previously working system, no change.
3. Removed the MOBO and attempting to power it up by "breadboarding," still no change.

I didn't attempt to flash the BIOS or reset the CMOS, do you guys really think it's possible for the motherboard not to power on at all due to this? It doesn't even attempt. The only sign of life I have seen with the MOBO is the passive power LED.

Other than this, it's becoming more apparent I'm going to need to RMA some items, I ordered from Newegg, should I attempt to RMA both the processor and the MOBO as there isn't really any way for me to differentiate which isn't working? Need some advice on this.
 


You've already done quite a bit of troubleshooting, but this troubleshooting checklist may give you a few more ideas.

 
Solution

Calabrel

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Just got my RMA motherboard in the mail and installed. It was the motherboard. Thanks for the help guys.

Also, my other issue here was corrected with this new motherboard. Getting 5-10 second boot times.