ASRock B450M Pro4 - Stuck on POST (sometimes)

Sep 23, 2018
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Hello everyone,

I am in process of building my first Ryzen PC, but I am having a strange issue with what I believe is the mobo (ASRock B450M Pro4).

Here are the specs:

  • CPU - Ryzen 2600X @ 3.6Ghz (Stock, auto settings)
    CPU Cooler - Wraith Spire
    Memory - 4x8GB Corsair 32GB DDR4 @ 2133Mhz (CMK16GX4M2A2666C16)
    GPU - EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB FTW2 Gaming iCX
    Primary Storage - Samsung 970 Evo 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive
    PSU - EVGA BQ 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
    MOBO - ASRock B450M Pro4 (Running 1.20, latest version at time of post)

The issue occurs during the following steps:


    Turn on PC - This works... Boots into Windows 10 just fine, no issues.
    Turn off PC - This works... Just FYI - all fans stop, computer is off as far as I know.
    Turn on PC (right after turning it off, like 5 seconds later) - Makes it to the ASRock screen, but just sits there. I disabled graphical POST (with AsRock Logo), in attempt to see any messages. Only status code on screen is 'A0'


So far, here's what I tried to fix the 'stalled POST screen':

  • Reset CMOS with jumper
    Reset BIOS to default settings
    Put in PSU from my other PC (which is working)
    Unplug and reinstall all ram.
    Install just 1 DIMM of Ram
    Unplug and reinstall GPU
    Verify front case headers (power button, light, hdd light, reset switch).
    The only remedies to the 'stalled POST screen' after a shutdown are the following:
    Unplug PSU (or flip switch on back of PSU)
    Press the reset switch on front case when stalled (this causes a reboot, and it works)
    Wait 2 minutes after shutting down. Then a boot up works normally.


Does anyone have any advice? Not sure what to do (or try) next... Could it be a bad board? This is my first ASRock board - I normally buy ASUS.

Thanks -

Mark
 
Sep 23, 2018
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Ok - But aside from more connectivity options, what would an upgrade in MB be do for my setup (or for that matter, the issue)? I am not using RGB lighting - this setup is in a corporate environment.

 
Sep 23, 2018
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DrivinFast247 -

I have verified I'm on the latest BIOS version - 1.20.

I have also tried combos of 1 stick, 2 sticks, 3, and 4 sticks of RAM.... All at 2133Mhz.

But not avail.

Thanks
 
May be a dud mobo. I have the same model and 2600x and G.Skill 3200 cl14 RAM and it boots up perfectly with XMP enabled. Also, be sure to use RAM that's on the QVL for Asrock.

Even though that is an issue, how many times do you shut down your PC only to immediately power it back on?
 


Overall build quality.
- Better capacitors
- Better VRMS
- Wider compatibility range
- Quality parts
- Literally runs parts like RAM, CPU and GPU better
- Better voltage control
- and the list goes on...

Cheap mobo's just tend to fail more often and have more defects. Also breaks down very easily if u overclock or do literally change any setting.

I would suggest going for a higher end B450 motherboard like the ROG strix or the MSI Carbon Pro. Or at least a Gigaby Aorus.

It will make a difference. (You'll even gain 5-10fps on some games. This happened to me as CPU was running smoother and clock speeds were slightly higher as well as much more stable).
 
from a building issue can be the mb at reboot has an irq or memory range issue with a device in the mb. if the mb has after market sound card if it too close to the main video card it can cause a hang at post some times. some pci slots share irq and memory range. in the bios turn off printer port and serial port free up and irq or two. the other issue is the ram/mb ram controler not clearing itself or not setting the ram speed up right on reboot. some mb on power up if you see a power up and down then on the mb having issues setting the ram speed or ram...low voltage on the ram sticks. with 4 ram sticks try turning off xmp set it to 2133 and up the dram voltage.
 
Sep 23, 2018
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I ended up contacting ASRock support. A day later, I received a response with some troubleshooting ideas. Their main recommendation was to remove the board from the case, and only plug in 1 RAM module, only the power button for the system header, and CPU/GPU. It turns out that this made no difference in resolving the issue. I am going to pursue an RMA on this board from NewEgg.

I purchased an MSI B450M Mortar Titanium Mobo, replacing the ASRock B450M Pro4. I have to admit, the MSI board looks, felt, and seems to be an overall better board. The replacement board works flawlessly, and doesn't have the issue.

 


That's a good choice for a board. You will feel the difference in quality in your hands.