Asus Z270E won't boot

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

I upgraded an old build with these new parts(https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8fQMNN) but am having some issues. I got the computer to POST and started upgrading drivers, but after it installed the drivers and I shut it off for the time being, I was unable to get it to power on at all. I plug it in, turn the PSU power switch on, and then the motherboard standby LED lights up orange and the rainbow light on the other side of the CPU lights up. I then press the power button on the front of the case and nothing happens. The lights glow without me pressing the power button, and not even the fans turn on. If I hook up a monitor to my graphics card, it recognizes that it is connected (A "Cable not connected" message appears when the monitor is disconnected) but if I plug in the mouse or keyboard to the rear USB neither seem to be receiving power. I've already tried to troubleshoot with this guide (http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1893016/post-system-boot-video-output-troubleshooting-checklist.html) to no avail. Any help to solve this would be greatly appreciated.

PSU: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/MvJwrH/cooler-master-power-supply-rs500pcard3us
Graphics Card: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bbPfrH/xfx-video-card-hd687azhfc

Here's a diagram of where everything currently is and the LEDs I mention http://imgur.com/a/YmKSc

UPDATE: It looks like the issue has to do with the CHA_FAN2 Header, the Chasis Fan itself, or something related to that area.

helpstar · Jul 11, 2017

Which power supply i it? brand and model please

unplug the power from the wall, press power button, replug the power, try booting

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

helpstar :

It's Coolmaster 500W Exreme Power Plus. (https://pcpartpicker.com/product/MvJwrH/cooler-master-power-supply-rs500pcard3us)

Just tried your suggestion and nothing different happened. The motherboard standby LED and the rainbow light both glow when I plug in the power cord and switch on the PSU power, but pressing the power button does nothing.

helpstar · Jul 11, 2017

get a new power supply, e.g.:
SuperNOVA NEX 650W

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

helpstar :

But the computer had turned on for a while and was running fine when I was updating the drivers which leads me to believe the PSU is still fine. I checked and the PSU I currently have should be fine for everything I have. I also don't have the ability to order a new one right now, and we aren't sure that's the problem to begin with.

RobCrezz · Jul 11, 2017

Breadboard it. Check RAM is seated correctly (try another slot), double check all PSU connections to motherboard.

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

RobCrezz :

When it worked, I had the single stick of RAM in B2. I've had it in B2 and A2 (what the motherboard instructions recommend). I can try the other slots too.

Does the CPU power 8 pin (I have two 4 pins) "snap" in as far as the 24 pin one? They are not in as tightly as that one, but I've tried to push them in more and they won't go in more.

mbilal2 · Jul 11, 2017

1. Either your PSU can't handle the new load.
2. Ram is not seated properlt.
3. Processor is not seated properly.
4. (And my best guess) The CPU cooler is plugged into the wrong header. Make sure the header says cpu_sys or something similar not Aux_fan or anything. It looks like THIS.

5. Your CPU cooler is defective. (Chances of processor being defective are slim).

Your mobo won't let your system start if it doesn't detect a cpu fan.

Cheers.

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

mbilal2 :

1. The PSU handled it for a few hours while I began updating the drivers. If it couldn't handle the new load, it would have worked for that long and then refuse to boot like it's doing now?

2. I've now tried the RAM in each slot (I can't put in it A1 due to the fan protruding a little too far over it), and nothing has changed.

3. I'm confident the CPU is seated properly, otherwise it wouldn't have worked to begin with. I haven't played around with it after I put the fan on top of it, so unless it could somehow get misaligned while it's all locked down under the clamp and the fan I think it's fine.

4. Here's a diagram of where everything currently is and the LEDs I was talking about. http://imgur.com/a/YmKSc

Please let me know if you need any more information.

mbilal2 · Jul 11, 2017

Asus recommend you install the RAM in A2 and then B2 slot but I would try A1 as well (remove your fan and place the ram. Keep the fan plugged. Shout down immediately if it works.) ... If that doesn't work I suggest you return the board. I have had 3 other people with similar issues and it ended up being a damaged Socket.

otherwise it wouldn't have worked to begin with

NOTE: It worked the first time sure. Once your processor gets heated, it can damage the socket or, your processor got damaged. Either one could be defective.
BTW that's a beautiful mobo.

Cheers.

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

mbilal2 :

I have tried it in both the A2 and B2 slots. When it worked, it was in the B2 slot. Asus recommends you put in in the A2 slot, so I tried that too but it didn't work.

I ordered the motherboard a few months ago and only now had time to put it together, so unless there is a warranty for the motherboard itself I don't think I'll be able to return it because I am past the return period on Amazon where I bought it.

mbilal2 · Jul 11, 2017

Standard: 3 Years
TUF series: 5 Years
Tinker Boards: 1 Year

See here.

They have an awesome support. Got my RoG laptop replaced due to ssd issues. If you have access to another computer with similar specs, add a different processor and see if it works. Add your processor to a different mobo and see if it works.

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

mbilal2 :

So if the motherboard really is an issue, how do I go about this? Do I just email their support and say it won't boot and they will believe/understand me or do I need to do something else to get the process started? I'm assuming Asus will send me a new one themselves and not that I have to go through Amazon or something.

I can't shake this feeling that there is something missing/something I can do to fix it still, so I want to keep trying to see if there is anything more I can do while I get the return process started.

Also, since you said it might be a CPU issue instead, how do I know which I need to try and replace? Or should I contact Intel too and see if they can send me a new one?

mbilal2 · Jul 11, 2017

Lawnop :

I updated the previous answer please read it. It was quite unfortunate you had to go through this process.
You will contact Asus directly. I suggest you make sure it's the mobo and not the processor using methods I mentioned in the previous answer before contacting Asus. The chances of having defective processors are very very low but still possible. 99% of them are in perfect condition.

First Asus will ask you to do some troubleshooting. Nothing major just ask what the issue is and stuff. They will give you an address where to ship to and that's pretty much it. A replacement (or repaired) mobo will be sent to your address.

mbilal2 · Jul 11, 2017

Also, since you said it might be a CPU issue instead, how do I know which I need to try and replace? Or should I contact Intel too and see if they can send me a new one?

You can add an LGA2011 processor and see if your rig works (if you have a second processor or a friend does).
See here for processor diagnostics suggested by intel.

And here for warranty info.

COLGeek · Jul 11, 2017

mbilal2 :

What does a Socket 2011 CPU have to do with this thread? Was this answer meant for elsewhere? Just checking.

helpstar · Jul 11, 2017

did you try without video card? just onboard graphics?

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

mbilal2 :

Lawnop :

I updated the previous answer please read it. It was quite unfortunate you had to go through this process.
You will contact Asus directly. I suggest you make sure it's the mobo and not the processor using methods I mentioned in the previous answer before contacting Asus. The chances of having defective processors are very very low but still possible. 99% of them are in perfect condition.

First Asus will ask you to do some troubleshooting. Nothing major just ask what the issue is and stuff. They will give you an address where to ship to and that's pretty much it. A replacement (or repaired) mobo will be sent to your address.

Thank you, I read your update. Unfortunately, I do not have access to anything with similar specs to try to test either component with. I'm still trying to fix it, so I am not picking an answer yet as I get more suggestions and see if they work.

mbilal2 · Jul 11, 2017

Thank you, I read your update. Unfortunately, I do not have access to anything with similar specs to try to test either component with. I'm still trying to fix it, so I am not picking an answer yet as I get more suggestions and see if they work.

Sure thing. Glad to help. Just make sure you don't do anything that voids your warranty. Cheers

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

helpstar :

Just tried to without the video card like you suggested and no luck. Nothing changed.

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

Attention to those who have already answered and those who may answer in the future: I've updated the OP with some more information and may continue to do so as suggestions arise. Please double check the OP as it may contain a clue with the updated information as to what my problem might be.

mbilal2 · Jul 11, 2017

Wait it says you turn the power on using the button on the case.. Maybe the wires to that button are not connected in the right order or place! Refer to mobo manual to see where exactly each wire goes and what each header on the mobo does.

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

mbilal2 :

I have HDD LED, POWER SW, RESET SW, POWER LED +, and POWER LED - . I have referred to the manual and believe I put them in the correct spots, but I've updated the diagram picture in the OP to show where I currently have them connected. The only thing with that is I can't tell what orientation the words on the wire should be facing when I plug it in. It looks like I can push them in just as easily no matter which way I turn it before pushing it into the pin.

mbilal2 · Jul 11, 2017

Lawnop :

Orientation shouldn't be an issue. I hope your HDD is disconnected while you are troubleshooting... Just to make sure the case is not the issue, touch the two PW Switch connecters with a screwdriver and short them.

Lawnop · Jul 11, 2017

mbilal2 :

Nothing happened when I touched the POWER SW pins together nor the RESET SW pins. Like other people were saying though, if it won't turn on because it doesn't detect a CPU fan or something, wouldn't that still be an issue as to why shorting it with the screwdriver does nothing as well? Not that the CPU fan should be an issue because it should be plugged into the right spot, but the point is there might be another reason that is keeping the screwdriver trick from working.

Asus Z270E won't boot

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