New gaming rig wont POST

W

wrxdrunkie

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 23, 2007
Messages
461
Hey guys, hoping to get some ideas from you guys. My new gaming build will not post.

I have tried going down to 1 RAM stick and resetting the CMOS. The computer boots up, all the drives turn on and spin up, and all of the fans, the power and reset switch works, but my monitor is just blank, and my logitech g15 keyboard never lights up orange (it normally does when posting)

Parts I have:

CM storm scout case

Intel core i7 920

MSI x58m motherboard

ATI diamond 5850 GPU

OCZ ProExtreme 1000W power supply

Patriot 4gb Ram, (2x2gb) PC3-12800 1600mhz

Any suggestions/ideas?

Could it be the 1600mhz ram?

These parts were a christmas present, originally I was getting an MSI GD65 MB and Core i5 processor for a total of 360.

I returned that and jumped on the i7 at frys with the X58m motherboard. I did not even think this thing might not support 1600mhz ram, hopefully this is the problem so I can get this thing running!!!!
 
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Follow "A Barebones bench test - Procedures to follow if your system does not POST" described in the Basic Troubleshooting sticky and report back.
 
wrxdrunkie said:
Should I first try getting slower clocked RAM? I noticed my MB only states it supports DDR3 800/1066/1333+ in the specs.
Click to expand...
RAM may be the issue, but the speed shouldn't. I have seen monster rigs running DDR3 at 2000MHz on 1366 boards rated for 1333MHz. Apparently, the ratings are fairly conservative. If anything, you may have a voltage issue—I believe 1.65V is the recommended maximum for 1366 boards—since you didn't list the model or voltage of your kit. All of that said, I don't even know if these problems would prevent your system from posting. As Danny Bui said, it will be best when you are able to eliminate some possibilities by running the above tests.
 
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Are you running an aftermarket heatsink? If so, check to make sure that the backplate isn't shorting the motherboard out. You should have inserted some sort of padding between the backplate and motherboard during the installation process.
 
dual channel on lga1366? eh... i guess it doesn't really matter, lol, but yah, get some 1.5v sticks and a triple channel kit for 1% better performance, lol.
 
Find out the temperature of the X58M's northbridge.

A common problem with microATX X58 motherboards, including the X58M, is that the northbridge tends to get very hot during operation. You may need to purchase a third-party chipset heatsink -- I use the Thermalright HR-05 IFX with my X58M.
 
Outside of the case I have gotten it to post with the bare minimums. 1 ram stick, 5850, HDD, different power supply, ima try the other one. I will post updates

Original power supply works now, 3 sticks of ram, 5850, HDD

time to go back into the case? this is weird
 
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just a ? you said it will post with the New Power supply. so you cant use all your Ram with the new PSU?
 
wrxdrunkie said:
Outside of the case I have gotten it to post with the bare minimums. 1 ram stick, 5850, HDD, different power supply, ima try the other one. I will post updates

Original power supply works now, 3 sticks of ram, 5850, HDD

time to go back into the case? this is weird
Click to expand...

Yeah sounds like something in the case was shorting the motherboard, therefore no POST. Look for any loose screws, wires, cables, standoffs, washers, etc.
 
PC posted with all of the ram outside of the case. I reinstalled everything, I feel like i got a slightly better motherboard seating, and I was also less aggressive with the cable management.

She is off and running now!!!!

I am so excited. Thanks for the help guys!

I would connect something, test, connect the next thing, test, simply making sure the pc was still posting, I am happy to say it was a success!

Thanks again guys!!
 
Good to hear that it's working again.

But seriously, get a new heatsink for your northbridge. Or, apply direct cooling (read: place a fan directly) on top of the NB.
 
Would you happen to have any pictures of your setup?

I am also going to install a zalman 9700 CPU cooler.

I am curious what the new NB heatsink looks like.
 
Read the Upgrading season thread for the pictures.

But get a different CPU cooler, particularly one with a Socket 1366 mounting kit.
 
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are you saying the zalman 9700 cpu cooler is not an adequete cooler? I already have the mounting bracket for it.

The NB cooler is pretty involved huh? take out the MB etc?

Sorry but I have never replaced the NB cooler so it is kind of intimidating.
 
wrxdrunkie said:
are you saying the zalman 9700 cpu cooler is not an adequete cooler? I already have the mounting bracket for it.
Click to expand...

If you already have the 9700 on hand, use it. However if you don't have it already, select another HSF. There are significantly better cooling HSF for the money:
$30 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus HSF for LGA 1366 and LGA 1156
$40 - Thermalright Cogage TRUE Spirit HSF
$45 - Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm HSF
 
Go ahead and use the Zalman 9700, since you have the mounting kit for it. But get a 40mm fan to place directly on top of the northbridge heatsink.
 
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