Solved New i7 build cycles on and off?

[TVeblen]

You could also do the standard no boot diagnostic:

Completely start over by disassembling the build. (Option: perform this with the motherboard out of the case, on an anti-static surface, power supply connected, using a screwdriver to short the PWR pins to start the system)

• Install only the CPU and heat sink and test. You should get a BIOS beep code for no RAM. Test is good.
• Then one stick of RAM and test. No Video beep code.
• Then Video, monitor and test.

If it loops during that test then you know it is one on those 5 parts.

If it does not give a beep code then it is PS, MB, or CPU.


If all is good after video, then put the MB back in the case and test again.


If you have a multimeter, you can hook it up to one of the spare molex connectors 12v and leave it to observe voltages for dropping or spikes during all tests.

 

[essenbe]

I don't believe this has anything to do with my loop issue but does anyone know if with 2 dedicated 6 pins running to my GPU card would I need the 6 pin to the mobo? See picture, sorry for shaky pen.

From MSI, but usually not required for a single card, I believe.

 

[Britton30]

Do you see a POST screen at all? Check the BIOS version as Steve said, it may still not have the correct BIOS installed.

Did you check the stand offs as suggested and reset the CMOS? Try loosening the CPU cooler screws one half turn. Make sure you don't have an extra stand off on the board tray, I've done that one.

All in all I suspect this board is no good. I've seen the same behaviour on a Gigabyte and ASRock board.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Here are some pictures of the build. I don't suspect the PSU as it has been a rock steady unit. I should have built this up on the mobo box first but hindsight is always 20/20. Good news is the old rig is powered up and running like a scalded ape. Here are the details and still open to idea's but I think the mobo is the culprit with the 4 beeps now coming at start up and this indicates the mobo timer ? which should be obvious what that does but I'm not sure at all, maybe I'll google that to research.

 

[Layback Bear]

Alan you have been given many good suggestions but I really don't know what you have tried and what you haven't tried.
1. I would read through this completely, their is some good information on a few tricks using the bios.
HARDOCP - BIOS - MSI P67A-GD80 Motherboard Review
2. I would also recommend using PS/2 motherboard/mouse connection (I/O back panel)
3. The 8 pin connector to the motherboard is needed. The pictures I found locates that connector in the upper left corner close to the I/O panel.
4. This has been mentioned before but it's very important; check and make sure all 9 mounting holes line up correctly and if their is a guide pin it lines up correctly. You should not have any more than 9 stand off''s. Make sure that nothing is hitting the I/O panel that shouldn't be. Sometimes the tension springs for the usb ports will hit and cause a short to power.
5.I'm presuming you motherboard came with a manual and you are installing the ram as per the manual. It is worth another check.
6. A faulty switch (button) on you case could also be faulty. Your power and reset switch connectors can be switched on the motherboard for testing.
PS. If this motherboard has been installed incorrectly before their is a chance that it is damaged beyond repair. I have seen this happen with miss located stand offs causing a short in the circuits of the motherboard. Lets hope that is not the case.
It would help if you made a list of things in order you have tried and the results. Please don't get in a hurry, step at a time in a orderly fashion.
This post was in process before post #24. Sorry if it mentions things already done.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

LB,
2) All I use is wired usb and the mouse and keyboard light up.
3) 8 pin is used, see pictured
4) Pulled a working ATX AMD mobo out and placed a MSI ATX Intel mobo in it's place so stand off's not the issue.
5) Manual has been read and at first placed all 4 sticks of approved ram then pulled all but first blue ram rail nearest the CPU all with no change.
6) Power switch was fine with both mobo's, no issue there.
7) I've stated the order which I've tried things in this thread but I greatly appreciate the idea's any and all. I can tell that this new (to me) MSI board was likely a returned/retested as it had duplicate stickers on it and other telling items which concern me as this wasn't listed as a re-certified board.

 

[Britton30]

I wondered what you meant by "new old board". With such high end hardware why gamble on someone else's problems?

I had a MSI GPU once and when I went for support they told me their forum had many knowledgeable people who could help.

Some ATX boards have an extra screw about mid-board, under the RAM slots.

I know the mod on GSKill forums who builds PCs professionally and he said he won't even use a MSI board unless the customer insists on it due to their lack of support and crappy products. Your AMD MSI board is a stroke of luck I think.

 

[Layback Bear]

As I stated my last post was in process before you posted your pictures. In post #21 it was mentioned to build your system out of the case. In post #24 you indicated that you haven't done that. It does seem like you have done all the needed checks and balances with you instillation other than building it outside the case. If you believe your motherboard is a return from another user I would not fool with it any more.
RMA if you can.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Britton,
Actually I've built several MSI rigs (5) so far and with this exception been very pleased. New Old board is a reference to the fact it's a new mobo of a older design.
LB,
The logic seems to be pointing that direction and like I said before I've spoken to MSI in the past with excellent results but I'm disappointed that the mobo didn't post but maybe the odds have caught up with me. All Mfgr's. seem to have these problems but it's the good support that separates them.

 

[TVeblen]

Hey, here's something I thought of whilst looking at your pics: Re: Water cooling.

Do you have something plugged into the CPU_FAN socket on the board?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Yes the pump is plugged into three of the four pins of the CPU fan header.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Latest changes making no effect are, changing out the GPU for another known working unit and also changing out the CMOS battery to a new on, again both with no effect. Unit keeps cycling on off on off and beeps four times.

 

[Britton30]

Sure sounds like it's time for RMA Alan.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Disappointing but not the end of the world !

 

[1Bowtie]

Hi Alan, just another thought when installing the motherboard are you sure all the insulators were in place. Since it's looping possibility not grounded properly.

 

[bobafetthotmail]

+1 on the above post,

since in the pics you don't show the CPU and all has been already suggested and tried, I'll go on a limb and ask if you are really sure you mounted the cpu and not just placed thermal paste and bolted the watercooling on the plastic socket cover shown in picture.

I know it's something you should have noticed, but I did worse on my bad days so you never know.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

No I can assure you the CPU is there under the water pump. Also the standoffs are all in the correct positions and no extras were there as I mentioned the AMD MSI mobo removed was also an ATX so nothing was removed or added regarding stand offs. All great idea's and thanks...keep um coming !

 

[Dave76]

Just tossing out some things to try.

Update to the most recent BIOS, regardless of what MSI says about compatibility.
If you can, put a Sandy Bridge CPU in there and see if that will boot.

CPU fan header, you said 3 of the 4 pins were used, re-wire those connections so there is a 4 pin fan in the CPU fan header.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Well all....MSI saves the day. Turns out I was feed a line that the B3 version of my mobo was updated to except the IvyBridge chip.....na na ! So I lucked out as always MSI steps right up and offered me to mail in or special as I was local drive my mobo in. So why remove it from my new rig? Took it all in to them and faster than you can say lickity split they removed the cooler pump, placed a Sandy bridge on did the update and re-installed my Ivy-Bridge and brought down to me as I waited in the lobby. The whole turn around time was under 20 minutes...excellent. MSI is tops in my book and I can't wait to find time Tuesday night to begin the final push with OS,drivers & software on my new Samsung 840 pro SSD.....flat out gonna be wicked. Pictures to follow likely Wed. or so ! Thanks all !!!

 

[essenbe]

Well, good on you, Alan. I'm glad it was such a quick and easy fix. Congratulations.