First system build won't post. Followed PERFORM THESE STEPS; AsusRock Extreme6 Error 53

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Orphic

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Jan 14, 2015
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I built a computer yesterday! It does not post. It boots, all the fans go to maximum, then it settles down. As it first comes on the LED error indicator on the AsusRock motherboard shows error 15, then immediately the error changes to 53 and stays there. The computer reboots every minute or so. There is never any output to the monitor.

Both 15 and 53 are the same kind of error, according to the manual. Error 53 indicates "Problem related to memory. Please re-install the CPU and memory then clear CMOS. If the problem still exists, please install only one memory module or try using other memory modules."

The build below excludes a 2010 model DVD-RW optical drive that I took from my old computer. I will add its details as soon as I am in a position to pull it out and look at it.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($151.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($150.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($184.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital WD SE 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($344.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case ($106.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($139.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($126.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Razer Black Widow 2014
Mouse: Logitech G502 Proteus

What I've done:

    ■ I reviewed previous similar problems posted on this forum, noting the most common factor seemed to be bent pins.
    ■ I have tried booting with a single stick of RAM. I have tried each stick in every slot, clearing CMOS between each boot.
    ■ I have removed the pump from atop the processor, cleaned each with 99% isopropyl alcohol, and then removed the CPU. The CPU showed no signs of damage under magnifying glass.
    ■ I examined the socket on the motherboard, also with magnifying glass. No pins appear bent.
    ■ To confirm, I enlisted someone else to look over the socket thoroughly after telling them what to look for. They confirmed that none of the pins appeared bent.
    ■ I rested the CPU on the socket all four ways, confirming that it only "dropped" into place in one position - the same position I first installed it. I again pulled the little lever that secures it in place (sorry, I don't know the technical term for it).
    ■ I reapplied thermal paste (a N1H1, I believe), replaced the cooler pump atop the socket, rewired everything I had moved out of the way, cleared CMOS, and plugged in the computer. I booted it. It followed the same Error 15 -> Error 53 pattern as before.
    ■ I removed all the RAM (after unplugging the system), then booted it. The same error sequence resulted: Error 15 then Error 53.
    ■ I confirmed that the motherboard supports this CPU on the ASUS website (it does).


What I have not done:

    ■ Take a stick of memory from the old computer and try booting with it in each slot, clearing CMOS between each boot. I plan to do this tonight.
    ■ Disassemble the system and breadboard it.


I really wanted this to be a memory problem, but it appears to me, an ill-informed layman, that the problem lies in the processor or motherboard. I'm not sure what else to try beyond exchanging either of them.

Then again, I am not an expert. I am hoping you folks have a better idea of what's going on here and other ways to determine whether it's the motherboard or processor (or memory) causing the problem. Maybe we can even fix it without resorting to an RMA! I will take whatever advice you give and answer any questions.


I will edit this post and add a post on this thread tonight once I've tested the old memory stick on the new system.

EDIT: I tried a stick of working RAM from my old computer - in every slot, just to be sure. The boot sequence and error numbers were exactly the same.
 
Solution
ronintexas
It is possible that the memory you received is bad - although multiple sticks bad is somewhat rare. Using RAM that worked in another computer would be a good way to eliminate the RAM.

It could also be that you need to update the BIOS to use the newer processor - according to ASROCK's website, you need at least version 1.40 (9/23/2014) to support your processor. (http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97%20Extreme6/?cat=Download&os=BIOS) The fix would be to put an older processor in the system (needs to be a socket 1150 processor) to update the BIOS. If you don't have one - computer stores will usually charge around $25 to install one of theirs and update the BIOS. Last option would be to send it to ASROCK to have the BIOS flashed (you...
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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Dec 10, 2012
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It is possible that the memory you received is bad - although multiple sticks bad is somewhat rare. Using RAM that worked in another computer would be a good way to eliminate the RAM.

It could also be that you need to update the BIOS to use the newer processor - according to ASROCK's website, you need at least version 1.40 (9/23/2014) to support your processor. (http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97%20Extreme6/?cat=Download&os=BIOS) The fix would be to put an older processor in the system (needs to be a socket 1150 processor) to update the BIOS. If you don't have one - computer stores will usually charge around $25 to install one of theirs and update the BIOS. Last option would be to send it to ASROCK to have the BIOS flashed (you will be without for 2-3 weeks probably).
 
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Solution
O

Orphic

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Jan 14, 2015
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I've never been glad to have a computer ignore its memory as I was just now. The BIOS not being up to date seems like the best possible scenario for being up and running soon.

Pardon my ignorance, but computer stores will really pop in another processor for ~$25? I don't trust Best Buy to be competent, but do I need to go somewhere more specialized than a big box store?

I'll see if I can do this tomorrow. Here's hoping it's software.

EDITED: I can't believe I was crossing Asus with ASRock for so long even after reading the manuals. I finally noticed. Thanks.
 
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O

Orphic

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Jan 14, 2015
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4,510
Wanted to double-check before going through the process of installing an earlier processor and updating.

The ASRock website shows how to check which BIOS was factory-installed. Locating the sticker on the motherboard, I've confirmed that it is running BIOS version 1.3.

As ronintexas linked, 1.4 is necessary to work with this processor.

I am thrilled that it might just be a software issue. Will mark solved as soon as I verify that's the only issue.
 
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O

Orphic

Reputable
Jan 14, 2015
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4,510
Found a tech repair place willing to do it for $45. It posted for him.

For me, it did not. Error 55: can't detect memory. I didn't have the RAM in firmly. Reboot, error message changes to one about SATA devices. Unplug those, boot again. IDE/PCI-E error. Take it the graphics card.

With literally nothing plugged in but memory, it worked. So I started plugging things back in, rebooting after each installation. When all the parts were added, it ran fine.

Thanks for the help. Installing Windows now.
 
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