- Feb 7, 2018
- 2
- 0
- 510
So it's been a while since I've built a computer (mid 2000s... AMD Athlon baby). And it was much easier then.. .guess I'm getting old.
Short version: With 2 different CPUs (both brand new i7 8700Ks) and 2 different mother boards (one used, but one also brand new), I have not been able to boot my computer. Symptoms include red CPU debug light, fans/lights will power on for a second then stop. Have tried many basic steps on here to no avail. So I'm here, begging the internet for guidance.
Long version with details:
Wanted to build a new gaming computer, so went out and spent (way too much) on
1) a new i7 8700k
2) a used MSI z107a motherboard
3) new MSI radeon 5800
4) new 1500w silvertek power supply
5) new 16gb ddr4
6) new case
Put the thing together, get all excited. Nothing. The fans spin for 1-2 seconds, case lights up, then everything is off. I double check all the wiring... both the PWR1 and PWR2 are plugged in, using the right cables, try the ram individually and in different slots, use several different power outlets at my house. No change.
I google the issue and notice numerous people on here find that the issue boiled down to an improperly seated CPU (or ram). So i carefully pull the CPU, try to re-seat, nothing. It should be noted that I never felt the CPU felt properly engaged, but my only point of reference were 12 year old CPUs with much longer pins, so it may be nothing. I spend about 4 hours doing this last saturday, no change (CPU light remains, fans start but stop, etc).
I stop, but try again the next day. Very first power on (no changes to anything, nothing has even moved), something on the motherboard smokes. I don't have it next to me, but it was in the corner near where you plug in the power/reset buttons. I'll grab a picture tonight.
So for the time being that was the end of that.
I decide to order a new motherboard of the same type. I get one from amazon, both because it's fast shipping and because they have an option for "expert installation". I had no idea what that meant, but hey, chances are this 'expert' has probably built a computer in the last decade, which is more than me, so why not?
Well, last Friday, the good lad puts it all together (noting that a "motherboard" install does not mean "comptuer assembly"... although, essentially... doesn't it? I had disassembled everything to save him some time). Anyway....
...same thing. No difference at all.
So he tells me he thinks the CPU is bad, and since I had accidentally touched it, I figure okay, I'll get a new CPU.
Well it came in yesterday, and I installed it. EXTREMELY carefully.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems?_ga=2.108470658.1024754426.1518022304-1367972030.1516739493
In addition to the earlier noted debug steps, i tried the following last night (using the link above as a guide)
* Different/external power/reset buttons
* ensuring cpu fan is plugged in, even if not installed just for test purposes
* verified no thermal paste on mobo/cpu
* no bent pins
* no screws loose
* installed a system speaker (haven't heard anything out of it yet)
etc.
No change.
I do have a few ideas to at least try still:
* clear CMOS (got some jumpers a few days ago)
* verify PSU works (i have an old one that might be enough to simply get it running, though i don't think it can do the GPU); I migh tneed to buy another
* properly grounding the PSU and/or mobo (i have standoffs installed in the case, but if it helps to ground to something beefier... sure. could use advice on where/how)
It has to be something dumb, but would someone please help me get my stupid gaming rig running before I throw a few grand of components out a window?
Thanks!
Ben
Short version: With 2 different CPUs (both brand new i7 8700Ks) and 2 different mother boards (one used, but one also brand new), I have not been able to boot my computer. Symptoms include red CPU debug light, fans/lights will power on for a second then stop. Have tried many basic steps on here to no avail. So I'm here, begging the internet for guidance.
Long version with details:
Wanted to build a new gaming computer, so went out and spent (way too much) on
1) a new i7 8700k
2) a used MSI z107a motherboard
3) new MSI radeon 5800
4) new 1500w silvertek power supply
5) new 16gb ddr4
6) new case
Put the thing together, get all excited. Nothing. The fans spin for 1-2 seconds, case lights up, then everything is off. I double check all the wiring... both the PWR1 and PWR2 are plugged in, using the right cables, try the ram individually and in different slots, use several different power outlets at my house. No change.
I google the issue and notice numerous people on here find that the issue boiled down to an improperly seated CPU (or ram). So i carefully pull the CPU, try to re-seat, nothing. It should be noted that I never felt the CPU felt properly engaged, but my only point of reference were 12 year old CPUs with much longer pins, so it may be nothing. I spend about 4 hours doing this last saturday, no change (CPU light remains, fans start but stop, etc).
I stop, but try again the next day. Very first power on (no changes to anything, nothing has even moved), something on the motherboard smokes. I don't have it next to me, but it was in the corner near where you plug in the power/reset buttons. I'll grab a picture tonight.
So for the time being that was the end of that.
I decide to order a new motherboard of the same type. I get one from amazon, both because it's fast shipping and because they have an option for "expert installation". I had no idea what that meant, but hey, chances are this 'expert' has probably built a computer in the last decade, which is more than me, so why not?
Well, last Friday, the good lad puts it all together (noting that a "motherboard" install does not mean "comptuer assembly"... although, essentially... doesn't it? I had disassembled everything to save him some time). Anyway....
...same thing. No difference at all.
So he tells me he thinks the CPU is bad, and since I had accidentally touched it, I figure okay, I'll get a new CPU.
Well it came in yesterday, and I installed it. EXTREMELY carefully.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems?_ga=2.108470658.1024754426.1518022304-1367972030.1516739493
In addition to the earlier noted debug steps, i tried the following last night (using the link above as a guide)
* Different/external power/reset buttons
* ensuring cpu fan is plugged in, even if not installed just for test purposes
* verified no thermal paste on mobo/cpu
* no bent pins
* no screws loose
* installed a system speaker (haven't heard anything out of it yet)
etc.
No change.
I do have a few ideas to at least try still:
* clear CMOS (got some jumpers a few days ago)
* verify PSU works (i have an old one that might be enough to simply get it running, though i don't think it can do the GPU); I migh tneed to buy another
* properly grounding the PSU and/or mobo (i have standoffs installed in the case, but if it helps to ground to something beefier... sure. could use advice on where/how)
It has to be something dumb, but would someone please help me get my stupid gaming rig running before I throw a few grand of components out a window?
Thanks!
Ben
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