My computer will start for 10 seconds, and then shut down. Please help!

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

This is my first computer build. I assembled it this morning, and upon completion, noticed that whenever I boot up, the computer will run for 10 seconds exactly, and then shut down. Oddly enough, 5 seconds later, it will boot up again, only to shut down 10 seconds later. This issue persists until I switch the PSU off.

In order to trouble shoot, I:
1.) Removed GOU
2.) Removed 2nd GPU
3.) Removed Audio Driver
4.) Ensured that all plugs were properly seated
5.) Reseated all parts including RAM and CPU
6.) Unplugged all unnecessary parts, leaving only the CPU and MoBo plugged in.
7.) Unplugged system fans

I also ran the PSU tool that came with my PSU to ensure that it was running. It ran for 5-10 minutes with no problem.

After performing all of the above steps, the issue persisted.

My specs:
CPU- I7-4790K
GPU- GTX 660 x2 (to run in SLI)
RAM- Corsair Vengance x2
WD Caviar Black 2 TB HDD
SSD- Samsung EVO SSD 120 GB
PSU- EVGA 850 G2
MoBo- Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H LGA 1150 Z97
Audio Driver- Asus Xonar DSX

Also, this is the first time booting so there is no OS installed, no drivers, nothing.

I don't own a POST tool, so as far as I'm concerned, there is nothing else I can do, I just wanted to check here to make sure I didn't skip something.

Thanks in advance!

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

It might be a heating issue, but also board's BIOS version not supporting the CPU.
What revision is the board and what are the 4 digits after SN in the board's serial (SN14....)?
Is the Intel stock cooler installed or different one?

Mattios · Dec 25, 2014

Are you sure there aren't any shorts near your IO pins (power LEDs, buttons etc.) that could be causing the system to be turned on and off repeatedly?

Loose metal shavings (can be tiny), screws etc.

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

alexoiu :

All the research I did pointed towards the I7 being supported by this MoBo. The sockets are the same, etc.

I'm not sure what you mean about the serial number

I have a stock CPU cooler. I don't see how it could be a cooling issue because I can't even get it to boot the first time all the way.

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

Mattios :

I can't see any, and I went over it three times with a flashlight, and several times without

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

It's not about socket, it is about CPUs released after boards were manufactured and that require a BIOS update in order to work.
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=4960
Check the last column with "Since BIOS version"

Then, when starting the board, CPU gets power and starts heating. Even if not getting video signal, it doesn't mean that CPU is not powered (CPU fan spinning proves it).

There are no magic solutions to these issues (or there might be, but I'm not aware of). It's troubleshooting and testing.

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

alexoiu :

Ok so if I understand correctly, my BIOS version is not compatible with my processor because the processor was made after the BIOS.

So because of this, my computer cannot boot correctly?

And finally, you don't know how to fix this?

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

Firstly we have to find out when your board was manufactured.
That's why I've asked the first 4 digits after SN in the serial. They tell the date.

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

alexoiu :

Ok the SN on the box is SN142900015345.
I couldn't find an SN on the MoBo itself.

Also, thanks for the help!

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

No problem.
Board was manufactured in July, whereas BIOS released in May. Theoretically, board should have the right BIOS.
What I would do:
Check the Clear CMOS jumper if in right position. Try reinstalling CPU and CPU cooler (checking also the socket for bent pins) with the board outside the case.
Start it with only CPU and CPU fan and see if still restarting after 10 seconds.

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

alexoiu :

An amazon user also said that it was usable with the 4790K stright out of te box.
I already reinstalled the CPU once, but I'll do it again.
What is the clear CMOS?

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

It's the jumper near the front panel connector (bottom right corner). It should be open (2 pins).

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

alexoiu :

Ok I found it and I'm about to go reset it. Once I reset it, I will power it back up, and see what happens. After that, I'll post again, and then reset the CPU/Fan

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

I turned off the power, contacted both pins with a screw drive for 3 seconds, removed the screw driver and powered it back up. The result was still the same. I'm going to go and redo the CPU/fan now

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

I suggest doing it outside the case. Better control and you'd rule out a short.

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

Ok on a whim I checked my RAM. When I removed my second 8 GB stick of RAM, it worked beautifully. Now I get to go rebuild everything. Thank yuooou very much!

Also, what should I do with this RAM now? I'm going to return it to Amazon if I continue to have issues with it, but can I configure the BIOS for 16 GB RAM ?

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

Test with single RAM each slot. see if all of them working. If yes, test with the second one too.

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

so slots are ordered
1
3
2
4
I had the RAM in slots 1 and 3, it did not work. If I put the RAM in slots 1 and 3, it works just fine. Will it still register the RAM?

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

I guess that you meant 2 and 4. It might be a bent pins issue in the CPU socket, or some standoff shorting the board. Have you checked the CPU socket and all pins are OK?

Anaximandros · Dec 25, 2014

Yes the CPU pins are good to go. I am finally installing my OS and I am going to check the RAM once I can get logged in. Thanks for the help!

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2014

You're welcome. Good luck!

My computer will start for 10 seconds, and then shut down. Please help!

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