First Time PC Build- DRAM LED on ASUS mobo (potential issue with mobo or RAM)

[l0stUser]

I recently put together a PC for the first time under supervision only to find myself in a troubleshooting nightmare. I used the following components

Corsair Carbide 500r
SeaSonic Platinum 860w
Intel Core i7 3770k
Cooler Master Hyper 612
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 16GB 997050
ASUS P8Z77-V Pro
Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 OC 3GB
Crucial M4 256GB SSD
Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 1TB

The problem that arose is that the system did not POST, with the dreaded dram LED lit continuously. I tried all possible troubleshooting procedures including pressing the MemOK button with no success in getting the computer to POST. Given that the DRAM LED was lit, and the Mushkin memory not being listed on ASUS' QVL for the motherboard, my helper (who is a computer expert) and I concluded that the memory was incompatible with the motherboard. I RMAd the memory and switched to Corsair Vengeance Low Profile 16 GB (4x4GB) Dual Channel DDR3 Memory (CML16GX3M4A1600C9B). This memory is guaranteed compatible by Corsair on the Asus p8z77-v pro. I installed this memory only to get the same error, DRAM LED continuously lit. After this I attempted to reset the CMOS according to the procedure in the manual, with no success in getting the system to POST. My helper and I concluded that the motherboard is defective and I had it RMA'd with the motherboard sent back to newegg. When my helper and I assembled the system, we made the mistake of mounting the motherboard into the case first before installing the CPU. I then had some trouble inserting the CPU into the socket hearing some scraping against the edges of the CPU socket before I finally managed to get the CPU inserted. Then again we carefully inspected the the CPU and CPU socket for damage and found nothing (no bent pins etc). Another problem that was encountered is that the back exhaust fan would not work. We are not sure, but we think that back fan did initially work. I received the replacement motherboard and reassembled the system, only to encounter the same exact problems (DRAM-RAM LED continuously lit, back exhaust fan not working.) I called ASUS tech support and performed a multitude of troubleshooting tests to no success. The ASUS tech support rep concluded that the problem is incompatible memory. Even if that is the case it does solve the problem with the back exhaust fan. ASUS does not have my memory listed on the Qualified Vendors List of compatible memory. However, Corsair on their website has my memory listed as guaranteed compatible with the ASUS P8Z77-V Pro. I am very frustrated and stumped on what is causing my problems with this computer, which I need to have up and running so I can use the software that I need to be able to use. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

With just the CPU and RAM installed, will it POST? Have you tried one stick of RAM, in different slots if necessary? Can you try another PSU? Can you test the RAM in another PC?

 

[paul878]

take the motherboard out of the case, install cpu and 1 stick of memory.
clear the bios and try to boot up with the integrated graphic.
DO NOT connect or install anything other than the bare minimum for the system to post.

 

[l0stUser]

With just the CPU and RAM installed, will it POST? Have you tried one stick of RAM, in different slots if necessary? Can you try another PSU? Can you test the RAM in another PC?

Almost all of that has been tried to no success when I got on the phone with ASUS. The only thing that was not tired was putting the single stick of RAM in multiple slots. The ASUS tech support rep had my helper and I test the RAM in a specific slot. Trying another PSU means having to buy another one which is not feasible. I certainly would not be allowed to use my parents PC to test the RAM, and the computer I am typing this from is a six year old Intel iMac. That said there is no other computer I can use to test my memory.

 

[l0stUser]

take the motherboard out of the case, install cpu and 1 stick of memory.
clear the bios and try to boot up with the integrated graphic.
DO NOT connect or install anything other than the bare minimum for the system to post.

When I was on the phone with ASUS tech support. They had my supervisor and I do just that with the exception of taking the motherboard out of the case. What difference would taking out of case make? Is it that there could be a problem with the way it was mounted in the standoffs? If I was to test the motherboard outside of the case, I might have to wait till Friday evening as the person who supervised me in building the system is only available on weekends. That is unless my family permitted me to go head with removing the motherboard out of the case alone. My question is how to turn the motherboard on without a power button on the motherboard itself. I not only need to get this system to POST but also to get the back exhaust fan working which is hooked directly into the motherboard.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Trying another PSU means having to buy another one which is not feasible.

I understand the situation you are in, but it is very likely that this could be the culprit. Considering you've tried two sets of RAM and two motherboards and still get the same results, it's very likely your PSU is DOA.

 

[paul878]

When I was on the phone with ASUS tech support. They had my supervisor and I do just that with the exception of taking the motherboard out of the case. What difference would taking out of case make? Is it that there could be a problem with the way it was mounted in the standoffs? If I was to test the motherboard outside of the case, I might have to wait till Friday evening as the person who supervised me in building the system is only available on weekends. That is unless my family permitted me to go head with removing the motherboard out of the case alone. My question is how to turn the motherboard on without a power button on the motherboard itself. I not only need to get this system to POST but also to get the back exhaust fan working which is hooked directly into the motherboard.

Beginners often put too many motherboard post in the case and short out the motherboard, causing it not to post.

You can test your exhaust fan by connecting it to another fan header on the motherboard or connect it to the power supply.

You can turn on the motherboard without the power button by shorting our the pins that the power button is connected to.

With respect, you and your supervisor don't seem to be too knowledgeable. You must have the basic skills to use a screw driver before you can successfully build a computer. The only way to acquire those skills is to do it.

All the parts are under warranty, explore to your heart's content.
Read + Read the instructions before you doing anything, if thing don't fit, don't force it.

If you break a thing or two, hey that how we all learn and gain experiences. :biggrin:

ps, take the cpu out and check for bend pin in the socket.

 

[l0stUser]

I understand the situation you are in, but it is very likely that this could be the culprit. Considering you've tried two sets of RAM and two motherboards and still get the same results, it's very likely your PSU is DOA.

Can you further explain the potential connection between the PSU and the problems that I am having?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Can you further explain the potential connection between the PSU and the problems that I am having?

Well, you haven't gotten a single POST yet, have you? If the PSU isn't working properly, or isn't installed properly, it won't boot. Check all connections, then check them again. It's not all that uncommon to get a DOA PSU.

 

[l0stUser]

There is something I did not mention as I did not think of it. The CPU LED turns on for a second or two then goes off when the power is first switched on. This has occurred with the replacement motherboard I have now. I do not recall this happening with the mobo I sent back. ASUS tech support told me that if the CPU LED goes on and then quickly goes off, there is nothing wrong. However, I need to ascertain if there could be some other culprit.

 

[l0stUser]

Here is an update. The individual who helped me put the computer together brought two power supply testers and a cheap power supply. We tested both power supplies. The cheap power supply passed the testing while mine failed. The -5V light on first power supply tester would light up on the cheap power supply (along with all the other important lights) but when hooked up to SeaSonic PSU, the -5V light would not light up. A key light on the second power supply tester lit up bright red (as opposed to green) when hooked to my PSU as well, indicating a bad PSU. However, when I spoke to SeaSonic they told me the following: "That current psu won't have the -5V anymore since Intel v2.2 design guide. Also, you see there is a missing pin which indicate the -5V.
http://www.pearsonitcertification.com/content/images/chap4_9780789749802/elementLinks/04fig05.jpg

Given the information from Seasonic it does not look like the PSU is the source of the problems I am having. Seems I will have to look elsewhere for the solution.