Motherboard No post- Bios can't use my CPU?

[perpity]

Original Post

Background: System is about 12 months old.

RAM: 3x2 GB Corsair Dominator (DDR3 1600; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224)

PSU: Corsair 750Wv2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021

CPU: Intel i7 930 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225

Case: HAF X

Heatsink: Xigmatek Dark Knight

Video Card: PNY Geforce GTX 470 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133341&Tpk=pny%20470)

New Mobo: EVGA x58 FTW3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188065)

I decided to switch motherboards (was using a Gigabyte) to a new one due to dead SATA ports. I originally chose to use an ASUS Rampage III formula (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131666).
Board arrived, I installed. I got no post (no beep codes). Bummed, I followed the Tom's Hardware instructions for a no post. I switched to some old RAM (timing matched), an 850 W Corsair PSU, and still no post. I removed and reseated my CPU. No post. My case fans would begin to move when I powered on, but my CPU fan wouldn't move (nor would the LED on it light up). Asus had me boot up with no memory, and still no beep code. I removed the board, tried to breadbox, and no post.

I decided then to RMA to the EVGA x58 FTW3 (listed above). As I waited for it to arrive, I reinstalled my old motherboard. I posted on the first try (however, dead SATA ports, so couldn't do anything with it).
The EVGA motherboard arrived. I installed. Boom. No Post. Same issues as above (no post, heatsink fan/led did not light up), and no beep codes (this board has a built in system speaker).

Does this sound like a CPU that I messed up when removing my original motherboard?

New Ideas
So, I decided to dig around in the interwebs, and I stumbled upon this thread ( http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/284247-31-problems-boot-asus-p6x58d-intel ).

This poster's problem was word for word, the exact same problem as mine (with a different setup). The common factor? The i7 930.

Further below, someone mentions that

The Asus P6X58D Premium does not support Intel i7 930 out of the box. You need to put a 920 or CPU that supports base BIOS version and upgrade it and then put 930. I got to know this hard way.

I believe that this was my problem with the Rampage III Formula and my EVGA board. How can I go about proving this?

 

[jaquith]

IMO - it's not the equipment {though you may have damaged components} - it's probably its' installation and in particular that of the HSF. Your XIGMATEK uses a metal backplate, in the original package it had a 3M non-conductive adhesive to insulate from shorting/grounding.

On the backplate: Screw -> | Backplate | Plastic Washer | [ MOBO ] | etc...

In addition, IF your Case has bent {pseudo standoffs} to support the MOBO then cover them with (2) two layers of electrical tape. IF conventional standoffs then verify that they ONLY line-up with the MOBO screw holes and remove/realign those that don't.

Try the Stock HSF and Breadboard - when Breadboarding remove: ALL Headers, ALL Peripherals, ALL HDD/SSD/DVD/etc, 1 stick of RAM in the 2nd DIMM slot from the CPU, GPU, and use ether a screwdriver or looped wire to the PWR+ & PWR-/Ground to start. Once started install only the GPU and add (1) Peripheral at a time per boot.

 

[perpity]

Trying this shortly. Just moved, so I'm balancing unpacking with this. Thanks!

 

[jaquith]

Oh what fun! I hate moving - I feel for you!

Let me know & Good Luck!