Based on prior postings about this issue, I can confirm the CPU cooler was the issue.
I do not believe this cooler is compatible with the 1150 socket.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2)
Removing this and insalling the cooler that came with the CPU solved the issue.
Notes:
I spent a long time trying to adjust the 212 EVO, but it would never work. After closer inspection the bottom plate seems to large for the 1150 socket on the motherboard and causes uneven pressure to the CPU, which in turn causes a lot of issues with the system.
Now... my motherboard could also be not within specs to I suppose. Maybe someone else with the exact motherboard would not have this issue?
Summary:
Don't use
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2)
with
ASUS ATX DDR3 2600 LGA 1150 Motherboards SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK2
Lastly, I wish I would have done a little more research. I probably would have purchased the MARK 1 version.