I7 2600k z77hx-a2x Post code 72

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arteyoats

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Dec 27, 2012
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Hello

I have an older mobo ( ecs z77hx-a2x golden) and an i7 2600k. Now I am fairly well acquainted with OC and have built 3 previous systems with OC specs that all ran just fine. Ive had this system OCed to 4725mhz for the longest time. I could never get it past 4.8ghz with just pushing the multiplier. It would always not boot the operating system causing a restart. Recently, I tried upping the bus a bit but lowering the multiplier. I got to 4790mhz so I decided to give it a try and hit 4.8. As soon as I saved changes and exited my bios, it started to boot back up again but now the mobo is throwing code 72 (southbridge devices initializing).

I have literally unplugged everything except for 1 stick of ram, cpu and mobo pins, and also tried a different psu, cleared bios, yet still no avail.

I decided to take the cpu off the mobo to see damage and I did notice 1 point on the cpu appear to be "burnt" and a few others, light bronzing. Put it back in, out of the case this time yet still get the same 72 code when I power on the system. As soon as that 72 code appears, the cpu fans go full speed then the system attempts to restart itself. I even re pasted the southbridge chip with arctic silver, the old stuff was hard and crusted.

I am now convinced it is a problem with cpu/mobo. If it is one or the other or even both, I dont know nor am I able to tell since everything else in the house is AMD. :(

If anyone has the slightest clue on what could be wrong, dont hesitate to let me know its time to upgrade. Thx

Specs are:
Ecs z77hx-h2x golden
I7 2600k
G.skill sniper 1600 16gb 4x4
Evga gtx 980ti ftw
Evga 1000p supernova
(Also tested with) 750w rosewill capstone
256gb mushkin ssd

 
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Flyfisherman

Flyfisherman

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May 29, 2012
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Post code 72 stands for "pch devices initialization"
It could mean that the Graphics device is out of sync.

Well it sounds that You exaggerating the CPU - voltage or the memory's.
Pull out your graphics card and just borrow your neighbors - just to check.

It could very well be your CPU or the mobo, I'm sorry to say but it will take more effort to say for sure.
Best Regards from Sweden

Ps. upgrade Your BIOS,
Get the very good s/w free of charge: WhoCrached http://www.resplendence.com/whocrashed
Start the "analyze" button > then scroll down and tell us of what is saying.



 
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arteyoats

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Dec 27, 2012
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10,510
Thanks for shedding light but this is currently not the issue. As my motherboard's user manual https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://download.ecs.com.cn/dlfileecs/manual/mb/Z77H2-A2X/Z77H2-A2X%2520V1.0_manual.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjrvJWw6OjPAhUHYyYKHchyCtIQFggdMAA&usg=AFQjCNFKyx5ca26lDSNIdnjTo5fUVLcXMA states, post code 72 is "south bridge devices initializing." Apparently, some other different than others.

I stated earlier that I had tested it with everything unplugged except for the cpu and mobo pins, therefore it cannnot be a gpu issue.
 
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arteyoats

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Dec 27, 2012
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Would it work if I were to take the ssd out and plug it up to another machine? I cant get anything to pop up on screen with the gpu back in. Not even the mouse and keyboard are showing signs of life. Its as if it is stuck in pergatory between being off and the bios before it resets.
 
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Flyfisherman

Flyfisherman

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But You need to check this:
Unplug every USB-device like mouse, keyboard, printer etc.
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Then, open up the chassis, perhaps there will be a side panel or something.
- check absolute every connector there is. Both from the PSU and all of the connectors - carefully.
Then, assembly everything and start the commuter.

Best regards from Sweden
 
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arteyoats

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Dec 27, 2012
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I have the mobo sitting outside of the case on an inside out anti static bag. Mobo and CPU pins are the only ones thoroughly connected. One stick of ram has been tried in every dimm slot. I know the ram works because if I do not have it in, it throws a code 15 before it does 72 and constantly beeps.

The only to know for sure is to test the cpu in a different mobo and vice versa. I have my mind set on one of the two components have gone bad (hopefully this chinese made mobo) and not both. Thank you for providing all of this useful information.
 
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arteyoats

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Dec 27, 2012
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10,510
I found out the solution to my own problem. I jumped the ME_UNLOCK pins located on the motherboard and it booted right past 72 and into the bios. Once in, it was apparent that clear cmos did not even work, everything was set the same before it had malfunctioned. Set to default, restarted and booted right into windows.

Here I was about to drop $600 on Skylake.
 
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Flyfisherman

Flyfisherman

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Greetings! I wish you all of the best,
Sincerely, from Sweden
 
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