Dual Xeon mainboard boot problems

[imported_LupusNoctis]

Greetings Anandtech Folks!

I am hoping you folks can help me figure out what is preventing these Asus Dual Xeon mainboards from POSTing. I've built dozens of systems, but never one based on Dual Xeon / Intel E7320 604-pin processors.

Could someone provide a link to a step-by-step guide specific to 604 Xeon systems?
We've had at least 2 of our techs here attempt to troubleshoot the first mainboard, we ordered a Replacement board (They are Asus NCLV-D(A) boards) and it is showing the same problems.

First question first: Is there some sort of failsafe mechanism that prevents the board from POSTing if the massive heat sink retention mechanisms are not assembled? We are testing the board outside of the case to avoid remounting. the HSF is making good, solid contact with the CPU, so I have trouble believing it is an instant thermal cutoff situation.

Symptoms:
Power supply connected to mainboard, two headers. 3-pin fan header connected to CPU socket 1, relevent jumper set for 3-pin operation. Standby power light is lit. Activate power switch, connected fans start spinning. There is No video signal output from the properly-enabled onboard video. There are no POST beeps from the speaker (tested 2 known good speakers). I attempted to use a PCI POST diagnostic card, and it doesn't display ANYTHING on the readouts. VERY odd.

Just wondering if there's a step we're missing, that's different from Workstation system builds. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[mechBgon]

Welcome to the Forums

Excuse the silly question to start off with, but you're using high-quality EPS power supplies, correct? What brand/model, Delta or ??? Full specs are always helpful so people can get insight, so if you have time to add the details, go for it RAM's another area of particular interest.

Secondly, check your CPU support here and ensure that the board supports the CPUs you're using, with the PCB revision and BIOS revision you've got. It appears there's only one PCB, and you should find the BIOS revision on the sticker on top of the BIOS chip among some other markings.

Hope that helps eliminate at least a few unknowns

 

[imported_LupusNoctis]

The PSU is manuf'd by Sparkle Power, SPI 550W 24PINS EPS PSU. Sparkle Power is the main brand carried by one of the largest Canadian wholesalers of computer parts. We use the ATX ones all the time, and I'd say they were "decent quality" power supplies.

Processor is a retail boxed Xeon2.4 / 53d / R, for more details I'll have to clear the thermal paste off the die.

Ram is Kingston KVR333X72RC24/512 x2 modules. This is from the Kingston ValueRAM series, which might be a problem for a server based board?


*pre post edit*

Why, look at that! a 533 FSB Xeon was ordered, that the CPU support page lists 800MHz FSB Xeons only.
I'll take corrective measures against the system planners as appropriate.

Thanks for the reply!

*post post edit*

Anyone recommend a good, Current, moderately priced Xeon board that supports 533MHz Xeons?

 

[mechBgon]

I'll take corrective measures against the system planners as appropriate.

No pizza for them!