Can't POST new x58 build. CPU dead?

[erkzh]

I've been working on this build for a month replacing parts and such but I just can't get it to POST!

Currently I have:
MSI x58 Platinum
i7 920
4x1gb OCZ DDR3-1333
GTX 280


Alright so after everything is plugged in I turn it on, everything spins up to full speed, stays for 10 seconds or so, and then it turns off and restarts. Nothing ever shows up on screen and there are no beeps.

I have switched out the mobo with an MSI x58 Pro, same results
I have tried using only 1 of the sticks of ram (in the 2nd slot as instructed) and 2 sticks an 3 sticks.
I have tried using my backup 6200LE instead of the 280
I have tried a different power supply and also the current power supply on a diff computer. The power supply is fine and has plenty of 12v amps
I have cleared CMOS
I have installed the stock heatsink fan correctly
I have tried both with and without extraneous cables (sata, ide, front usb etc.) plugged into the mobo

Nothing gives me different results.
If I run with no ram at all it'll give me beeps

So I'm thinking it's time to RMA the cpu, discuss?

 

[NXIL]

The power supply is fine and has plenty of 12v amps

Brand/model/wattage of power supply?

Short circuit somewhere, i.e. screw or something between motherboard and case?

Why 4 sticks of RAM for a triple channel motherboard? Putting in four is going to slow you down, not speed you up.

Can you try your mobo with a different CPU?

Also: CPU properly placed, no bent pins; and, you are sure heatsink is correctly mounted?

Double check of HDD light, power, on/off wire leads? It's easy to be off by one pin on those.

GL

 

[2March]

Originally posted by: erkzh
So I'm thinking it's time to RMA the cpu?

Agreed.

 

[TuxDave]

How about the "almost nothing build".

CPU/Motherboard/VideoCard (assuming no onboard)/PSU sitting on a box outside the case.

No RAM, no HDD, nothing else.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: erkzh
I've been working on this build for a month replacing parts and such but I just can't get it to POST!

Currently I have:
MSI x58 Platinum
i7 920
4x1gb OCZ DDR3-1333
GTX 280

Use 1 stick in all the slots and try it out.

Also the MSI is the one board we warn people NOT to get for the i7.

 

[Termie]

I put together an i7 920 system on the MSI Platinum motherboard for a family member. No problems, other than a hot chipset. And knowing to use the second ram slot, rather than the first, which you already figured out.

One thing that comes to mind...if you have a set of 4x1GB sticks, are you sure they're intended for use with an x58 motherboard? Remember that you must use sticks rated under 1.65v, rather than 1.8 or 1.9. If you bought a set of 4x1GB, it's very likely they need more volts than the motherboard is designed to deliver, since ram sets for x58 only come in 3x1GB or 3x2Gb.

 

[aigomorla]

no his problem just hit me as i was thinking about it.

OP what ram do you have? whats the votlage requirement for them?

I dont care if they were super expensive ram or not, if the operation voltage on your ram is not specified to 1.5V-1.65V your DDR3 is FUD on an i7.

Im guessing right now your ram is raited at 1.7+ so your ram is not getting the required startup voltage to boot into post.

I7 ram usually comes in triplets.

 

[faxon]

yea i would tend to agree on the ram idea. it's the only thing you havent tested yet and it looks like a very real posibility that that's what is messed up.

 

[daw123]

I think it's the RAM as well; if the OP is using OCZ dual channel RAM in a X58 MB, then he won't be able to give the DIMMs enough juice for them to run properly.

I checked the OCZ website and the only series, which comes close to running at 1.5 - 1.65V is the Fatal1ty and Special OP Edition DIMMs.

For those that are interested, the following are the voltages the OCZ dual channel DIMMs run at:
Fatal1ty Edition: 1.7V
Flex II: 1.9V
Flex XLC: 1.9V
Flex EX: 2.0V
Reaper HPC: 1.9V
Intel® Extreme Edition: 1.9V
Gold Edition: 1.9 Volts
Titanium XTC Edition: 1.95V
Platinum Edition: 1.8V
Value Series: 1.9V
Special Ops Edition: 1.7V

btw I used OCZ Gold and Platinum Edition DIMMs in my X48 MB and they were really fussy about voltages.

Edit: you can get OCZ 3GB (3 x 1GB) Dominator RAM (7-7-7-20) 1333MHz for $55.00 or OCZ 6GB (3 x 2GB) Dominator RAM (7-7-7-20) 1600MHz for $75.00 MIR assuming you want to stick with OCZ. Personally, I would pay the bit extra and get the 6GB.

 

[erkzh]

arghh sorry for neglecting the thread a little.

good point!@ totally forgot about ram specs. I took a look and they are 1.7v which is... BAD. even if it booted i7 not supposed to be over 1.65v

hehe back to drawing board on ram then.

 

[Minerva]

CPU is alive if you hear beeps when memory is pulled. When stripping down a system I usually hook just a power supply and cpu to the board and if I get a beep the CPU is usually OK or at least good enough to post.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: erkzh
arghh sorry for neglecting the thread a little.

good point!@ totally forgot about ram specs. I took a look and they are 1.7v which is... BAD. even if it booted i7 not supposed to be over 1.65v

hehe back to drawing board on ram then.

credit goes to this guy tho:

Originally posted by: Termie
One thing that comes to mind...if you have a set of 4x1GB sticks, are you sure they're intended for use with an x58 motherboard? Remember that you must use sticks rated under 1.65v, rather than 1.8 or 1.9. If you bought a set of 4x1GB, it's very likely they need more volts than the motherboard is designed to deliver, since ram sets for x58 only come in 3x1GB or 3x2Gb.

 

[Termie]

OP - let us know how it goes when you are able to get some lower voltage ram. Hope this solves the problem.

Aigomorla - thanks for the shout out. Just trying to help based on my very limited experience!