New build problem. Bad memory? MB?

denisdarsie

Commendable
May 11, 2016
5
0
1,510
New Build: all new parts

Antec GX500 case
ASRock Z170A-X1/3.1 MB
i5 6500K 3.20 GHz, using Intel fan
16GB (8X2) GSkill DDR4 3000 memory modules
Corsair CX600M full module PS
no video card, using intergrated video
no other expansion cards

As yet no HDD or SDD or ODD hooked up.

When power is turned on the Power LED on front of case lights, cpu fan spins PS fan spins. No case fan spins (see below). No post sounds (see below). No video.

the 2 PS connectors to MB are firmly connected.
Have reset memory modules a couple of times and reduced to only one memory module.
Have removed and reinstalled cpu and fan. (BTW, am using Arctic Silver)
Cleared CMOS
Removed battery to clear Bios

Re case fans (1 rear, 2 top) the wiring is preinstalled on this case. I cannot find any connector to attach to motherboard. For the 2 top fans the wires get routed to top of case, I believe to fan speed control switches. For the rear fan the wire also disappears into top of case.

Removed MB from case. Bread boarded. With no memory installed and everything disconnected except the 2 main MB power plus I get 3 beeps. Yay, progress!
Installed memory and back to no beeps regardless of whether 1 (tried both, in all 4 slots) or 2 memory modules used A1/B1, A2/B2 slots.

Should i presume that means bad memory or bad MB??? Is there anything I can do to narrow down choices. I do not have any other DDR4 modules to test with. BTW, used both DDR4's in single module install with same result (no beeps) so am tending to conclude the MB is bad as it doesn't seem likely that both modules are bad.
Is there any chance using the 3000 speed modules is a problem even though the MB is rated for well above that? If I RMA them should I opt for the more basic 2400 (given my set up would I really notice any difference - I don't play games?)

I appreciate any and all thoughts or help, thanks

Denis