ASUS Z97M won't POST... MOBO DOA?

slt223

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Jul 3, 2012
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System:
Core 7 4790k
ASUS GTX780
GSkill 8gb (4x2)
ASUS Z97M PLUS
Seagtate 1TB HDD
Windows 7
Corsair HX850

The Corsair PSU was dead on arrival. Nothing even lit up. I installed an old Thermaltake 850w and at least got LED's to light up and fans to spin. That's all that happens though.

There's NO POST beep, and zero video output. LED'son both the mobo and the gpu light up, but those are the only signs of life along with the fans spinning. I'm leaning towards defective mobo, but my knowledge is pretty limited. I built a PC before, and had not issues, so I'm not sure where to start for diagnosis.
 
If 0330 of the BIOS isn't on it now , which it needs to support that CPU, it wont post.

If this is the case, (I think it maybe because this is a devil's canyon CPU), you'll either have to install a lower spec CPU flash it then install this one. Or take it back to the shop where you brought the parts, and ask them to do it

Thats if you think you've connected everything properly

This is the first thing you should take into account when buying parts. That the BIOS on the mobo (when you buy it), supports the CPU you're going to install on it
 
Start with a good brand PSU 600 watts minimum and 42 Amps on the 12 Volt rail. This is the bare minimum; I suggest something between 650 watts and 850 watts depending on prices and promos. Seasonic, XFX, Corsair HX, AX.

If you still experience problems use "Tom's Trouble shooting guides" available in the 'New Builds' section.
 

slt223

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Jul 3, 2012
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Paul, sorry for being ignorant, but what do you mean by a devil's canyon CPU? I can return the mobo, but not the cpu. If you have sec, would you be so kind as to suggest a mobo for this cpu?.....I thought I had everything matched up, but obviously not.

 
Its just a name given by Intel which was released earlier this year. Its a Haswell-refresh CPU

It you wanted an ASUS you would have to look on the site (for whatever mobo), first under the CPU support list to see what BIOS is required for the CPU youre going to get.

It sounds like the CPU you've got may have been released after the first 1-2 releases of the BIOS.

And because the CPU you've got now needs 0330 so it'll support this CPU, it wont run or even post. Unless its on that mobo already

I cant tell you what mobo to get, because I dont know which one you want and what features you want to use. That it may have

I would if you purchased both locally take it back and ask if they can put a lower spec CPU in and flash it. Because the mobo doesnt support the CPU you've got. Most shops are happy to do this for customers
 

slt223

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Jul 3, 2012
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I'll have to call ASUS to see when this MOBO was made, but it looks like the 0330 BIOS came out May 30, 2014. I would hope this Z97M purchased a week ago would have the latest and greatest BIOS, but who knows. Could have been sitting in inventory. By the way, got the parts from newegg. Could always find a shop and see if they can help I suppose.
 
Usually the parts you buy at a big-box store and/or online retailer are 6-9 months old prior to you getting them (unless it is a new release item)...

The big box stores probably won't be of much help - if you do have a local repair shop - they should have a processor laying around that will allow them to flash the BIOS.
 

slt223

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Jul 3, 2012
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OK, looks like the shops around me don't stock CPU's or hve any used ones laying around, they only order what they need for builds. So...looks like I have two options:

1) Buy an older haswell CPU, and try to get this machine to POST...but which CPU do I get to do this?
2) I can return the MOBO to newegg and possibly replace it with one that is out-of-the compatible with the 4790k, but what mobo would that be for gaming build witha gfx780, and 8gb of RAM?

Looks like I really stepped in it this time....

Edit: Looks like I can return the 4790k and replace it with a 4770k...so I guess I'll try that route tomorrow.
 

slt223

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Jul 3, 2012
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Update: I got a new ASUS Z97M, new G.Skill Ripjaw RAM, new GTX780x. G3240 Pentium processor is installed, and still no POST. There's some campatibility issue going on. Anyone have any insight? Does the G.Skill memory not work with the G3240? All plugs are firmly, fully seated on the mother board. Here's some pics of my connections, might help to diagnose in the event I'm missing something obvious. There was a fan on there. It was removed for pictures.




 

slt223

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Jul 3, 2012
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Thanks for the advice Paul. I just tried as you suggested, but no dice. Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong here. Maybe the hard disk is no good? That's only component along with the DVD player that hasn't been RMA'ed.