New Computer Build Will Not Boot

[Eblim]

Computer will not boot. Fans are running, including PSU and graphics card fan. DRAM LED light is off. Display will not get a signal. My power light (external) is flashing as if it's hibernating or asleep.

Everything is properly connected as well!

I have tried the following:

-Unplugged power cord (with computer off) and held the power button for 1 minute, which gives the computer a hard reboot. Plugged back in and started it up again.

-Removed the motherboards battery for 10 minutes, attempting to reset the BIOS.

-Changed around my RAM sticks between slots, also trying different sticks.

-Reseated CPU

-Switched out my hardrive.

-Moved power connectors on my PSU unit.

I'm at an absolute loss of why my computer doesn't boot up. My fans are also low RPM, which indicates it hasn't started up all the way.

Any other suggestions or something I should try again at a different angle? Thanks!

 

[Solarstarshines]

did you re check the connects to the MB HDLED USB PWSW RESETSW etc.......?

 

[Eblim]

did you re check the connects to the MB HDLED USB PWSW RESETSW etc.......?

Not USB, but I don't think that would keep it from starting up would it? And yes and yes everything else. I'm may take it in. My first guess is a failing motherboard.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

It would be my guess that the mobo's bios needs updating. Contacting ASUS's tech dept. will answer this question. This was the issue with my MSI mobo as the system won't post past the CPU as it can't detect it. I hope I'm wrong but you won't know as you can't see what bios your currently running. You should be running ver. 2003

 

[dsperber]

Does the board/bios "beep" when you power it on? Does it beep once, or is there a "beep code" indicating a hardware problem?

Are the several PSU cable connectors to the motherboard snapped in firmly?

If your P8Z77-M board is like my P8Z77-V Pro board and you are looking DOWN at the board (lying on its side so that the motherboard is horizontal) there is a red "CPU LED" light just to the lower-left of the memory DIMM's. Is it on? That would indicate a CPU problem, such as not all pins properly seated (or maybe a bent pin).

There are other onboard LED's to indicate status. You say your DRAM LED is not on, but are any of the other lights lit?

The blinking external power light on your case, as if the system was in some sort of hibernation or sleep is a curious clue, that I'm sure is very relevant... though I don't know what could be causing it.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I'm wondering if the PSU could be the problem? By chance can you get your hands on PSU tester or another PSU to try on the mobo?

 

[Solarstarshines]

did you re check the connects to the MB HDLED USB PWSW RESETSW etc.......?

Not USB, but I don't think that would keep it from starting up would it? And yes and yes everything else. I'm may take it in. My first guess is a failing motherboard.

That was sorta an example if you get what I mean there all around the same area somewhat just saying sometimes it might not be in the right place

 

[Eblim]

Does the board/bios "beep" when you power it on? Does it beep once, or is there a "beep code" indicating a hardware problem?

Are the several PSU cable connectors to the motherboard snapped in firmly?

If your P8Z77-M board is like my P8Z77-V Pro board and you are looking DOWN at the board (lying on its side so that the motherboard is horizontal) there is a red "CPU LED" light just to the lower-left of the memory DIMM's. Is it on? That would indicate a CPU problem, such as not all pins properly seated (or maybe a bent pin).

There are other onboard LED's to indicate status. You say your DRAM LED is not on, but are any of the other lights lit?

The blinking external power light on your case, as if the system was in some sort of hibernation or sleep is a curious clue, that I'm sure is very relevant... though I don't know what could be causing it.

I don't have my system's speaker hooked up, so no beeping sounds! It would come in handy most definitely, however. Yes, the power light on the motherboard is on and it's green, which does mean a go in this case. My first guess on the problem is my motherboard has a short or it was fried.

I'm wondering if the PSU could be the problem? By chance can you get your hands on PSU tester or another PSU to try on the mobo?

I did try my 540W ThermalTake PSU, it get the same results. Also tried a 600W ThermalTake PSU, and once again same results. I'm sure my 850W ThermalTake PSU is working as it is intended to. Like I said above, I'll bet anyone it's my motherboard failing.

This time, I bought a full sized motherboard with a full size case. My current case only fits micro-motherboards that are no bigger than 9.4in x 9.4in. Also, instead of myself installing it, I'm going to have Best Buy's Geek Squad install it for $99.99. That $99.99 is a service that will install my hardware, also an insurance for completely replacing my parts if they fail to install my hardware successfully. Because I'm already on my second replacement motherboard and my pockets are becoming empty.

My purchases include:

Motherboard: Asus ROG Maximus V Formula ATX Motherboard 2800MHz Socket 1155 MAXIMUS V FORMULA - Best Buy
Case: NZXT SWITCH 810 Gun-Metal CA-SW810-G1 Steel / Plastic ATX HYBRID Full Tower Gaming Computer Case - Newegg.com

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Well those are both killer purchases, the case is off the hook great and you'll enjoy working with and the expansion capabilities of the ROG MaxV. Sorry that it came down to this but regarding the purchase you're going to be over the flippin moon with the new gear !

Phase II or III you must start planning and full water cooled rig as that ROG mobo is crazy ready for what ever you throw at it !

 

[Eblim]

Well those are both killer purchases, the case is off the hook great and you'll enjoy working with and the expansion capabilities of the ROG MaxV. Sorry that it came down to this but regarding the purchase you're going to be over the flippin moon with the new gear !

Phase II or III you must start planning and full water cooled rig as that ROG mobo is crazy ready for what ever you throw at it !

Thanks you. I was going to get this case NZXT Phantom 820 FullTower Case PHANTOM 820 GUNMETAL - Best Buy but I think people may mistaken it for an Alienware computer, which I personally frown upon those computers.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I built a rig for my girl out of a Phantom 410 and it's a smokin great case as well.

 

[Eblim]

I built a rig for my girl out of a Phantom 410 and it's a smokin great case as well.

Is it white? And I've never had a clear side panel on a case before, I may purchase me some lighted fans to install later on.

 

[DavidE]

Maybe a screw or something got dropped between the MB and case?
You could try breadboarding to test for shorts, and test each component does not get an error when added.
Basically this where you build the PC outside of the case.
You do need a speaker to verify the beep codes for this.
It's most common to use the MB cardboard box for the breadboard.
This article has a pretty good explanation of breadboarding.
Breadboarding - Homebuilt - Systems

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Here's that build in the 410 case.

 

[Solarstarshines]

Maybe a screw or something got dropped between the MB and case?
You could try breadboarding to test for shorts, and test each component does not get an error when added.
Basically this where you build the PC outside of the case.
You do need a speaker to verify the beep codes for this.
It's most common to use the MB cardboard box for the breadboard.
This article has a pretty good explanation of breadboarding.
Breadboarding - Homebuilt - Systems

Good Idea it probably isn't grounded to the case properly

 

[Eblim]

Maybe a screw or something got dropped between the MB and case?
You could try breadboarding to test for shorts, and test each component does not get an error when added.
Basically this where you build the PC outside of the case.
You do need a speaker to verify the beep codes for this.
It's most common to use the MB cardboard box for the breadboard.
This article has a pretty good explanation of breadboarding.
Breadboarding - Homebuilt - Systems

That's actually something else I tried that I didn't mention. I removed all my hardware from the case and set it up around my desk. I put my motherboard on my motherboard box. I still got the same results. I think the motherboard is fried.

 

[jgiels]

I had that happen once and it was a jumper on the bios reset pins on wrong posts.

 

[DavidE]

It's also possible RAM is not compatible with a Motherboard.
Can you test with different RAM?
Can you test this RAM in a different PC?