No Post, HELP!

[LongN3ck]

Hi,

I have an ASUS P8Z77-V LE board that I just got from Newegg. I was able to get it up and running with 16 GB (4x4GB) of A-DATA DDR3 1600 RAM (off the QVL list from ASUS) and a fancy new Intel i7 3.5 GHz processor.

I can post the first time i boot up or after I clear the CMOS with quick battery re-seat. BUT, I can't post all the time. In fact, if I use the power button to shut down and reset, I can't post for a while after.

I am using onboard graphics.

I get an 8-beep error code. The only reference I can find to this is some sort of memory issue. I have removed all but 1 stick of 4GB RAM and still have the same problem.

I RMA'd the memory and processor to Newegg. I RMA'd the board to ASUS (newegg said it had bent pins, and wouldn't take it, ASUS supposedly fixed the pins, and potentially any other issues (I assume it passed some sort of QC before they shipped it back to me).

I'm out of ideas. Can anyone help?
This is my first intel board (built 5+ AMD machines in the past), but so far I'm not having a good experience.

 

[Ketchup]

Were any of the parts refurbished? or all sold as new? Have you tried bumping up the memory voltage a tad?

 

[LongN3ck]

everything was new.
I checked the timing and voltage and they read to spec... the times I can get in to BIOS.

 

[ShintaiDK]

What voltage is the memory?

 

[tweakboy]

So what happens if you put everything on stock defaults in the BIOS and try to boot up...

 

[LongN3ck]

With 1 stick of memory in, I get:

DRAM Voltage of 1.5V, can be adjusted up or down in BIOS.

Timing 9/9/9/24

Interestingly, I have to use the "memory ok" button to get it to post, and it reads the 1600 DDR3 as 1333 DDR3. If I "save settings and reset" in BIOS, it will post. If I power off with switch, it will not post and I get my 8 beeps again.

BIOS is AMI, APCI Ver. 0512
I just looked up the latest bios, which is 0706. I had flashed to this before I sent the board to ASUS, they must have downgraded.

Frustrating.:\

 

[C1]

In the past when Ive attempted builds, I would run into combinations of hardware which simply wouldnt play together. Recommend trying different brands of pieces. First try changing out the memory to a different brand. There may even be a website that will tell you what RAM has been found to work best or be compatible with your MB.

 

[LongN3ck]

Thanks, That was my next move. Strange though, that it does not work and is on the QVL for the board. :\

I aim to update bios, retry, potentially inc. voltage some (QVL says 1.55-1.75 should be good for this RAM) and then order some different memory and try that.

 

[LongN3ck]

update:

I tried new memory, the same problem persists. I eventually got a hold of ASUS support, and they were pretty clueless, telling me to check the power supply and that the socket with bent pins that were attempted to be fixed may not be and that I need a new socket or board (roughly the same price).

I have ordered a new board, and will try the same components.

 

[bankster55]

You have to run the memory in XMP profile on these boards
(AI Tweak/AI Overclock)

You should load the Intel VGA drivers for onboard video (Sep 2012 or later) and set IGFX as prim boot in bios graphics config. Use VGA to VGA (no adapters) until you get things going

You also must go into onboard devices and disable anything not currently in use. If you have solid O/S install change default force bios to keep current in boot page

 

[LongN3ck]

yes, but I can't post - so changing the settings proves difficult.

 

[bankster55]

I can post the first time i boot up or after I clear the CMOS with quick battery re-seat. BUT, I can't post all the time. In fact, if I use the power button to shut down and reset, I can't post for a while after.

Interestingly, I have to use the "memory ok" button to get it to post, and it reads the 1600 DDR3 as 1333 DDR3. If I "save settings and reset" in BIOS, it will post. If I power off with switch, it will not post and I get my 8 beeps again.

have a nice day

 

[LongN3ck]

yes, the consistency in posting is very spotty. Thank you for the advise, I will attempt this next time I can get it to post. However, I will try with a board with a fresh socket (no bent pins) first to see if that solves the problem.

-Thanks,
LN

 

[bankster55]

Newegg more often than not claims bent pins
They have been accused of accidentally or deliberately bending them. Some folks are taking high res pics of their grid before sending back the mobo as proof, putting one copy in box and keeping a second.

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1694667

Since ASUS has now (Z77) put the black plastic pin protector on the OUTSIDE of the socket top swivel plate, one can close the plate on the CPU and the protector will pop out or you can raise the plate and use your finger. This was supposed to stop the bent pin issue. But I see no decline in real use situations - people still seem to find some way to touch the pins somewhere along the way. Its baffling to me.

You should always write down mobo ser# before sending anything to ASUS to confirm they didnt send you back someone elses mistake. Its on top line of box sticker and also on sticker on sidewall of upper PCIe/PCI slot - have to take out vidcard to see it. Third letter is M for motherboard.
Another good test is to look on side of 24 Pin ATX header and write down MAC address of old mobo.

You have entered the mobo RMA cesspool and are blissfully unawares. Me, I always use the impeccable Amazon

 

[LongN3ck]

update:

new board, slightly different model - p8z77-v pro works great will all the same components.

ASUS noticed my review on Newegg and paid for the shipping and will RMA my board with a replacement.

But, since everything is out of 30-day return for newegg, I am stuck with an extra board. Oh well.

Thanks for all the help. I did use the X.M.P. mode trick on the RAM to get it up and going at correct speed.

 

[UNhooked]

Let me know if you have no use for the extra board, I'd be happy to take it off your hands.

 

[LongN3ck]

I will hit you up when I get the board back from ASUS. It won't let me PM you, not enough posts.

-

 

[Ketchup]

I will hit you up when I get the board back from ASUS. It won't let me PM you, not enough posts.

-

Go over to P&N or OT, that gets most people's posts going quite well.

 

[tweakboy]

Im sorry your getting this experience. its not cpu nor ram , its the motherboard then !

 

[tweakboy]

Maybe you got a refurbished model. I cant see how a ASUS mobo cant work when its brand new. Something fishy is up def...Did you just bend a pin or two ? Let us know...