New
#1
Hardware Problem with New Build
Hi folks
Building a new machine with a Z68 mobo a friend gave to me
Bought i3 3220 (ivybridge), 2x4gb ram, 120GB SSD, CM Elite case & psu
So installed everything powered up got 4 beeps shutdown
Reset mobo as had been used before got 3 beeps
I tried unplugging everything but cpu/fan/ram
Tried each ram stick in each slot etc checked cpu seated properly
Tried everything i could think off got 3 beeps always
Finally i figured mobo might need bios update to run ivybridge chip (which was already supposed to have been done in old system) so i ditched the Z68 and ordered a gigabyte Z77-DS3H, so now all components are brand spankers
Assembled everything 3 short beeps, pause, 3 short beeps shutdown
Same as before unplugged everything same beep combo
Only mobo cpu/cooler/ram same beep combo
Went to my office robbed some ddr3 out of my i7 system swapped it and still got 3/pause/3 beeps each stick in each slot and still the same
And i have noticed on power up cpu fan goes full speed for a few seconds then when beeps start it runs slowly dont know if this is relevant
Now im stuck
the only components i havent swapped out is the cpu & psu, but is it possible the cpu is faulty, is this a common thing ???
PS ive built a few systems over the years and troubleshot a few so have a bit of experience with this
Any input greatly received