First build, red CPU light blinks once quickly then doesn't boot.

califronia · Aug 27, 2016

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/list/Ltsbhq)

**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-6600 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor]
**Motherboard** | [MSI B150M MORTAR Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard]
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory]
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive]
**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB SC GAMING Video Card]
**Case** | [NZXT S340 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case]
**Power Supply** | [EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply]

The red CPU light on the "EZ-Debug" panel on the mobo lights up once for 0.1s then goes away - nothing happens. The back fan (stock) does the same thing.

First off, I've done a bit of research and tried troubleshooting on my own to no avail (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems).

I've checked the power connection (8-pin) to for CPU as it is clearly marked on the mobo. I've also checked all other connections to the mobo and they all seem stable.

The only connection on the mobo that I'm not 100% about is the front panel connections, but I've tried only plugging in only the two power button pins and booting. Got the exact same issue.

I can't really think of anything else I might have done wrong. When I was installing the CPU, I did take the plastic bit off after placing the CPU and before closing the hatch (instead of letting it pop off by itself), but from what I've researched, it doesn't sound like that's a huge issue.

This is my first build so I'm a bit at a loss as to what to do. Any help would be appreciated - thanks!

alexoiu · Aug 27, 2016

It looks like a short. Have you installed the standoffs between case and motherboard? If yes, check if each of them does match a board screw hole.

califronia · Aug 27, 2016

alexoiu :

I double-checked the manual, and it looks like all the standoffs are pre-installed in the s340. I screwed the motherboard directly into those standoffs.
https://sta3-nzxtcorporation.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/download/attachment/488/S340-manual-multi-language-5.pdf

Any other ways it can short that I should check for?

alexoiu · Aug 27, 2016

Try removing the motherboard and testing it outside the case.

califronia · Aug 27, 2016

alexoiu :

Thanks for your reply.

Before I saw your reply, I took another look and discovered some of the standoffs were out of place (different mobo size I think)? and for the places in the motherboard that didn't have standoffs, I didn't use any screws. I just took it apart to remove any standoffs that weren't being used, and placed standoffs where there needed to be. Still same problem... have I damaged my motherboard? In the meanwhile, I'll try taking it out of the case and booting.

alexoiu · Aug 27, 2016

Yes, post back if working or not outside the case.

califronia · Aug 27, 2016

alexoiu :

Ok thanks a lot for your help. I have to head out now but I'll post back in a few hours.

If it doesn't work outside the case, would you say I have to replace the motherboard at that point, or are there other options? How would I tell that the motherboard has short circuited?

alexoiu · Aug 27, 2016

If still not starting outside the case, we'll further troubleshoot - like testing the power supply, then starting the board with the CPU power cable disconnected and then decide.

califronia · Aug 27, 2016

alexoiu :

Just tested outside case - same issue. What should I move to next?

alexoiu · Aug 28, 2016

Can you post a picture of the motherboard?

califronia · Aug 28, 2016

alexoiu :

http://imgur.com/a/BJzEm

Some images of the out-of-case test as well as the first completion at the link above. I've been looking all over the build today and I still feel like there wasn't any point at which the mobo was touching the case while the power was on.

Also, the RAM is in slots 2 and 4 because a note on the mobo says to use 2 and 4 first, and I tested out-of-case without the GPU which is why you don't see it in the dissected views.

alexoiu · Aug 29, 2016

Try removing the memory modules, USB drive and the connector bottom left. Leave only CPU, CPU fan, 24 and CPU (not PCIE) power cables connected to the motherboard. Start the board and see if the CPU fan does spin.

califronia · Aug 29, 2016

alexoiu :

It spins! The CPU red light is gone and instead (understandably) replaced by a solid DRAM light. The power light on the case is now lighting up too (it didn't before). This is so exciting! Next steps?

alexoiu · Aug 29, 2016

Insert single RAM module and test again (monitor connected to motherboard via VGA). See if getting signal.

califronia · Aug 30, 2016

alexoiu :

I'm away for business until Thursday but I'll try this as soon as I get home. I have a few questions though...

1. When I do the RAM, I guess try first with 1 stick, and if it works then power off and try again with 2 sticks?
2. The mobo says slots 2 and 4 first - should I also try using 1 and 3 if I don't get anything with 2 and 4?
3. How will I know that I'm "getting a signal" on the screen? BIOS?

I did order another identical motherboard in case it turns out this one really is defective in some way. I will return it later otherwise.

Thanks again!

alexoiu · Aug 30, 2016

1. Yes
2. Yes, but it should work in both cases.
3. Yes. The logo and usual starting screen.
You're welcome.

califronia · Aug 31, 2016

alexoiu :

Trying to think ahead so that I have a list of things to try as soon as I get back...

Assuming it works with 1 stick, then 2 sticks of RAM, what should be the next test? Do you think there's a certain point of failure in the series of tests that signals I should just swap to the new motherboard?

alexoiu · Aug 31, 2016

I suggest waiting until Thursday and then testing and going further.

califronia · Aug 31, 2016

alexoiu :

Ok - I'll reply back after trying the RAM test on Thursday evening

alexoiu · Aug 31, 2016

No problem.

califronia · Sep 1, 2016

alexoiu :

Working with two sticks in slots 2 and 4!

First stick - auto booted into bios.

Both sticks -

"CPU or memory changed !!! Please enter setup to configure your system. Press f1 to run setup. press f2 to load default values and continue"

Weird note - I don't have the sysfans plugged in but both stock fans in the case are currently spinning.

Goal is to get this rig running tonight - what should I do next?

=======================

UPDATE:

Issue seems to be happening when the case fans are hooked up to "sysfan". Does this mean that the case fans are supposed to be hooked up to PSU only and not to the motherboard?

alexoiu · Sep 2, 2016

Are you connecting the fans to both motherboard and power supply? If yes, disconnect them form the power supply and connect only to the motherboard.

califronia · Sep 2, 2016

alexoiu :

I did have it connected to both, but because there was no other way.

The fan cables are connected to a molex plug from the PSU, which has a sysfan-type of pin at the end. Having this connected to the motherboard was preventing the system from running.

I currently have the fans connected to molex/PSU and not the motherboard. I've already set up Windows and am currently running with it like this - is there a problem if I keep it this way?

alexoiu · Sep 2, 2016

The only problem would be that the fans run at full speed. By disconnecting them from the power supply molex and connecting to the motherboard only, their speed would be controlled by the board.

califronia · Sep 2, 2016

alexoiu :

Got it. I'll try to get that fixed sometime this weekend when I have time. In the meanwhile, the desktop is now working perfectly minus the fans going ham... Thanks so much for your help Alex! Really appreciate you walking me through the debugging process.

============

Ended up just fixing it on the spot. The source of all this was that the PSU came with a molex adapter, which as a first builder, I assumed you were supposed to use. Not using the grouper/adapter and plugging the two stock fans into sysfan 1 and 2 separately, and everything is running beautifully. Thanks again!

First build, red CPU light blinks once quickly then doesn't boot.

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Commendable

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Commendable

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