New build start up issue

[yanosh457]

Hello all,
I am new to the forums here, but I seem to find myself always browsing this website with questions, or problems that I have run into, so I thought it would be a good idea to introduce a problem I am currently facing.

My current build:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128508

CPU: AMD FX-8350
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284

Memory (x2): G.SKILL Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

Video Cards (x2): GeForce GTX 660
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125443

SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 VTX4-25SAT3-128G 2.5" 128GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227791

HHD: Western Digital WD Black WD1002FAEX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

My problem:
I started the computer for the first time. All fans started, lights on the motherboard started, but I did not hear any beep at all (I installed the beeper on the board). The monitor is not receiving a signal from either video card. I read up in the motherboard manual for troubleshooting and check every cable, checked to make sure the memory was installed all the way, and also checked if the video cards were installed all the way. I found no issues. I however did find that some memory is not compatible with this motherboard, and the memory I bought is not on the list.
Link to compatibility list: http://download.gigabyte.ru/memory/memory_ga-990fxa-ud7.pdf

I recently emailed Gigabyte but I wanted some other input from experts like yourself.
Do you think its not starting due to the memory?

Thanks

 

[alexoiu]

Hi, The CPU requires a BIOS update.
Check the board's serial number
The first four digits after "SN" determine the year and week of manufacturing date. For example:
"4719331822101 SN082540084966" represents the 25th week of 2008
this way we'll figure out the board's BIOS version.

 

[yanosh457]

Hi, The CPU requires a BIOS update.
Check the board's serial number
The first four digits after "SN" determine the year and week of manufacturing date. For example:
"4719331822101 SN082540084966" represents the 25th week of 2008
this way we'll figure out the board's BIOS version.

SN1251

 

[alexoiu]

That means the board was manufactured in December 2012 and most probably it has the F10 BIOS version that does support the CPU.
Try starting the board outside the case with only CPU and CPU fan installed. See if you get the beeps signaling that no RAMs are installed.
Edit: You can edit the previous post and leave only SN1251.

 

[yanosh457]

Thanks for helping

I removed the video cards, memory, and all other items that were plugged into it (minus the speaker). Then set the board on the box it came with. Hooked up the two power cords and turned it on.
There is no beep once again. The board lights are on, and the CPU fan started. The digital display was flashing F2 twice quickly then C1. My manual says nothing about these numbers.
I'm still waiting for a response from Gigabyte.

 

[alexoiu]

Try reinstalling the CPU. Check for extra paste and CPU socket bent pins. If all's OK, clean the old paste and reapply new one. Check on youtube for the right method to apply thermal paste.

 

[yanosh457]

Removed the CPU fan and removed the CPU. The CPU was in all the way and I think its fail proof to install at a different angle (The Triangles were aligned). No pins were bent. Installed it back in, made sure it was down all the way. Attached the Fan again and tested. I have an aftermarket CPU fan cooler I will be installing when I get the computer running.
Same problem, the motherboard lights come on, no beeps.

How do I know if the CPU is bad or if the Motherboard is bad?
Thanks again

EDIT: There is no Paste on the motherboard

 

[alexoiu]

It might be a problem with the speaker. Try installing only one RAM stick, one graphics card, DVD drive, keyboard and mouse. See if it does POST.

 

[yanosh457]

It might be a problem with the speaker. Try installing only one RAM stick, one graphics card, DVD drive, keyboard and mouse. See if it does POST.

WOW! The computer beeped once, and I got a post! I am not sure where the problem is still. All I did was install the motherboard back in the housing, added only one video card, and one stick of ram.

I am going to continue to add cables and parts until the problem shows. I will get back to you.

 

[yanosh457]

I think my problem has been found! Thank you for your help!

I added all memory - Tested - Good!
Added all screws to the motherboard, and aux motherboard power and PCIe power- Test - Good
Added SATA cables from the HHD, SSD, and CDROM - tested - Good
Added Case SATA cable, Case Audio, Case USB, and all Front Panel wires - tested - No beep, no post.

Removed everything step by step backwards with no success until I removed the motherboard from the case.

I noticed 4 small scratch marks on the rear on the case just under the reset button on the motherboard. The scratches line up exactly with the back of the motherboard. I did install the spacer bolts but it looks like it still is within a millimeter of touching the back of the case. Would this be a design flaw? Ill take a picture of it and upload it for anyone who cares.

Thanks

EDIT: This is my Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

 

[yanosh457]

 

[alexoiu]

Outside the case, try clearing the CMOS (unplug the power cord and remove the CMOS battery for few minutes). Press the power button for 20-30 seconds while the power cord unplugged.
Try starting it again with a minimum configuration.
If it does start, use some washers or longer standoffs.

 

[yanosh457]

The motherboard was working so I did not reset the Cmos, but I installed everything back together, and started her up. I am currently on the computer I just assembled. Time to over clock and install some games!

Thanks again.