New build won't POST

What exactly happens after you see the Gigabyte Splash screen? Can you boot to BIOS by tapping DEL or F2 key? What happens if you let it pass the splash screen, do you get any error message on the screen?

Bread board the system with the motherboard outside the case on an insulated surface like the box it came in. With just the CPU/cooler, 1 stick RAM in 1st slot, monitor in the on-board HDMI port, and PSU connected... see if you can boot to the point where it just presents a flashing cursor on the screen due to no HDD/operating system. (start the system by shorting the 2 pins that the pwr sw. would connect to)

The Splash screen comes up, then the system turns off then re-starts. I am unable to get to the BIOS. I've tried DEL and everything else. I did bread board the system and got the same result (I built it anyway because i didn't know any better). I've tried remove all of the RAM, and the system just doesn't do anything. I've tried one stick of RAM and I get the same result.

Have you updated the BIOS to be compatible with the 3570K?

If not, I'd say that's your problem. Z68 boards aren't compatible with Ivy Bridge CPU's without a BIOS update.

how would I update the BIOS if I can't get it to POST?

Well, that's the thing. You can't. At least not without a Sandy Bridge CPU installed. There's no way to do it with an Ivy CPU installed.

You have 3 options, though. You can buy a cheap Sandy Celeron, you can borrow a Sandy CPU from someone, if someone you know has one (or even a local computer shop), or you can just return the Z68 board and get a Z77 board.

Personally, I would probably just return the Z68 board and get a Z77 board.

You can send it back to Gigabyte and ask them to upgrade your BIOS to support Ivy Bridge CPU.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

Best answer selected by brich_us.

Thanks. I upgraded to the GA-Z77x-UD3H and it works! Now my problem is that it only recognizes 16GB of the RAM. Any ideas? I have 32GB. Thanks.

Thanks. I upgraded to the GA-Z77x-UD3H and it works! Now my problem is that it only recognizes 16GB of the RAM. Any ideas? I have 32GB. Thanks.

Windows 7 Home? If so, that's why. You need Pro or Ultimate to use more than 16GB.

Btw, the 'best answer' belongs to DJDeCiBeL, not me. But the main thing is you got your answer(s).  

Thanks, and yes, I gave the best answer to the wrong guy. Sucks being a newbie. You guys are awesome

New problem: Upgraded to Windows Ultimate and my system still won't recognize the full 32GB of RAM. Only 16GB. Any idea? Gigabyte GA-Z77x-UD3H, Intel i5-3570k LGA1155 CPU and 4x G.SKILL F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR RAM.