i7 4790k w/ H81i PLUS mobo?

Anthony_194

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Mar 23, 2017
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I recently upgraded my computer from the following

i3 4160
gtx 750 ti
corsair 430
mini itx
h81i mobo asus

i7 4790k
evga gtx 1070 SC
evga 600b psu
nzxt h440
h81i asus mobo

As you can see I kept the same motherboard.
The problem here is that I've had some slight issues after completing the build regarding the startup. After the computer starts up it works fine. However sometimes the computer does not start up initially when pressing the power button. The light on the mobo is lit up> there just isn't any reaction to pressing the power button. I can usually resolve this issue by pulling anything I have plugged in via USB and then completely powering off the computer and restarting. This is a hassle though, an inconvenience I would like not to have. Furthermore, the computer will turn on sometimes and boot directly to the splash screen showing the American Megatrends/logo, with my specs etc. I really don't like that. My wish is to have consistency when I turn on the computer. I'd like it to turn on every time, and boot straight to Windows. My other concern is that the motherboard I have may not be a good suit with my CPU. Its compatible but I'm not sure if I should get something different. Maybe a mobo that supports overclocking. I don't really plan on overclocking too much. Also I am not sure if the mobo I have is ideal for the entire system as well.
I spent a lot of money on this computer. Not to brag. I worked my ass off to pay for it. I guess my question is whether or not I should invest in a better motherboard or if I could get by with the one I currently have ? Any insight is much appreciated.
 
I have little doubt that your psu is to blame.
EVGA recommends a 500w unit for that card:
http://www.evga.com/products/Specs/GPU.aspx?pn=81e0fb30-3f35-469c-b0c5-548cf1de28d7
Your symptoms are those of insufficient power.
At startup, there will be a surge of power.
When gaming under load, even more.

I suggest you look at a stronger/better quality psu.
Seasonic S12II 620w $45
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

And... the use of a I7-4790K is very reasonable and smart. You get a high stock clock, even if you can't overclock.


 

Anthony_194

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That actually makes a lot of sense. My only concern with the CPU is that I read it was factory overclocked. I don't know if My motherboard is a quality motherboard. I read somewhere not to get a "crap" mobo with a good system. This had me worrying. Can the motherboard handle 4ghz stock speed?

And Regarding the PSU; the 600b is bronze certified with a good Amazon rating. Wouldn't that suggest it is at least an OK PSU?
 
Sorry, missed that you have the evga 600b psu, I was thinking the 430w corsair.
I really doubt that the psu is the issue so ignore my comments along those lines.
It is an excellent unit and should not be part of the problem.
It is modular, so check that the cables are securely inserted at both ends.

The i7-4690K is not factory overclocked. It comes with a stock clock of 4.0 and will boost higher.
Really, no overclocking is required, and in your case, not possible.
Your i7-4790K is supported as of bios 2001
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/H81IPLUS/HelpDesk_CPU/
CPU-Z or your initial bios screen will tell you what your current bios level is.
Bios 2305 is current.
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/H81IPLUS/HelpDesk_Download/

If you are not at that level, consider flashing to current level.
Updates past the 2001 level seem to be geared towards improving system stability.

I generally do not advocate updating bios on speculation unless you have a specific fix to a problem that you are having that is impacting you.

But, here, if you are not current, consider updating.
Be careful, a failed flash can brick your motherboard.
Be prepared to see nothing much happening during the process.
Resist the urge to stop the process prematurely.


 

Anthony_194

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Mar 23, 2017
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My bios is revision 2201. Also my PSU is non modular. I've checked before that the cables are properly inserted. Again when the problem of the computer not turning on happens the motherboard light is on which I don't understand. This problem is usually fixed soon after unplugging my USB connections and restarting the computer. Another thing to point out is when I first set everything in the bios, my bios did not detect my keyboard. I had to use a different one. I still wish I knew why the computer boots to the splash screen at times too. I wish I could go straight to Windows all the time. Does it pay to have a better motherboard? like an ATX motherboard. Or just a more expensive one?
 
1. Possibly bios 2305 may help.
2. Your motherboard has only a 4 pin aux power plug. That may be marginal to support a strong cpu as well as a strong graphics card in the pcie slot.
Your symptoms are those of insufficient power so I can't discount that your motherboard can not handle all of the power add on items demanded of it.
3. ATX is a size format it has 7 expansion slots. M-ATX has 4 and your ITX format motherboard has only the one pcie x16 slot.
You would need to know how large you can fit in your case. If you have a small ITX case, there are some better Z97 based motherboards with a 8 pin aux power connector.
Here is an example:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6BM56U9443
4. It is not unusual for a usb keyboard to not get detected by a motherboard.
Read your manual; there may be a specific port to use, or you can use the lavender/green port.

5. In the bios, you can usually select how long the splash screen displays, or turn it off.

 

Anthony_194

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The problem is that when the splash screen appears I have to manually exit it. This is a hassle because the splash screen won't detect my keyboard. I have to switch to a different USB keyboard . The USB keyboard that works, works on any USB 2.0 port. I just really hope to diagnose what's wrong and be sure of it before investing in a new motherboard ya know?
 

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Hi Geofelt.
I have some relevant experience, and a related problem.
I have a Gigabyte H81HD3 motheboard running a 4690k overclocked to 4.2Ghz with no problems, so you can overclock with a H81 mobo, and at least some H81 are capable of supplying power to a fast processor.... My mobo has only 3 phase power and since there is no heatsink on the VRM, I need a cooler which blows air on the motherboard.
BTW, the power supply is a Corsair 500W, which I know has a bad reputation, but actually works fine

Meanwhile, I also have a PC with a Gigabyte Z77 D3H, with a 2600k overclocked to 4.3Ghz. I also get the problem where the computer crashes when attempting to boot. This is odd, as I have had the processor running stable at 4.6 GHz, and almost at 4.7Ghz. I previously had a 3570k on this motherboard, and again had a very disappointing overclock of only 4.1Ghz.
My power supply is a 600W OCZ which previously did duty running a Phenom II quad core at 1.43V and 4GHz, and never had any problems with that even though the AMD CPU required more power than the intel...

In summary, I am confused about how I had such success with a budget mobo, power supply and a 4690k, but such a bad experience with my much more expensive Z77 mobo set up...