New build powering up issues

Shashman

Shashman

Shashman

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Joined
7 May 2012
Posts
438
Location
Bournemouth
Hi,
Just finished assembling my new rig, everything's all connected up correctly AFAIK, however when I turn it on it only stays on for 4 seconds, cuts out, then powers up again, until I power it off. Also, the case fans spin, LEDs light up, but the CPU fan doesn't do anything but a small twitch :confused:

Specs:

Mobo: Gigabyte Z68X-UD3P-B3
CPU: Intel i5 2550K
RAM: 8GB Corsair XMS3
GFX: Inno3D 560Ti 448 core
SSD: OCZ Agility 3 60GB
PSU: Corsair HX620w
Case: Bitfenix Shinobi black windowed
ODD: LiteOn somethingorother DVDRW
Case fans: 2 x 120mm Xigmatek Crystal white LED, 1 x Xigmatek XAF-140 PWM 140mm white.

Could it be that I've connected the 140mm fan to the "PWR_FAN" 4 pin port? (I connected it there as that was the only 4 pin available on the mobo, the other 2 are 3 pin)

Halp :(

P.S:
The PSU has been used in another system so it's not that, as has the graphics card. Everything else is new/second hand.
 
just put the 4 pin on the 3 pin CPU_FAN, then it should work

edit

their is a 4 pin cpu_fan on the top of the MB.
 
But that's for the CPU fan surely :confused:

I have the CPU fan connected to "CPU_FAN" and 140mm case fan connected to "PWR_FAN"

EDIT:

*facepalm* I've just noticed that I didn't connect my SSD or ODD to the PSU.... :rolleyes: Hoping that's the problem!
 
Last edited:
Ensure you have the RAM seated properly, as well as all cables. If that fails, take the CPU out and reseat it.

Not connecting peripherpals such as hard drives and dvd drives will not affect the boot process in the slightest bit. All the system needs to boot are the primary power sources, 24pin, 4/8pin ATX (CPU) and if required any GPU connections. My bet is on the RAM.
 
Just took out half the ram (2 modules) but no joy :(

It looks like the CPU fan wants to start, it literally twitches when the system powers on, but that's all.

Could it be something to do with the front panel connectors?
 
Last edited:
Shashman said:
Just took out half the ram (2 modules) but no joy :(

It looks like the CPU fan wants to start, it literally twitches when the system powers on, but that's all.

Could it be something to do with the front panel connectors?
Click to expand...

Try with just one module of RAM, if that doesn't work try another until you've tested them all just to rule out the possibility they are dead (it happens).

It could be something to do with the power switch, take off all the power switch headers from the mainboard. Take a metalic object (screw driver works best) and short the pins for the power switch. If it turns on, and stays on then there is your problem.

Also try taking the GPU out completely and booting, if it stays on (and the CPU fan spins up) then that is another possible cause: If so, I would hazard a guess that your PSU isn't up to the job.

[edit] Another thing, try clearing the CMOS to make sure there isn't an overclock on the board preventing a POST.
 
Right then, done some testing with the RAM.

I've tested each individual module, and I've paired them all (every combination).

Individually, I found that one module was faulty. Another observation is that the modules only worked when in slot 1 or 3, not a single one worked when used in slot 2 or 4.

When paired, no combination of every module worked in any of the slots :/

Basically, I can only use one module at a time. What gives?!
 
Very strange. So just to confirm it does boot successfully with one DIMM (in the right slot)?

Also that is typical for DDR memory controllers, slot 1 is a primary and when running single DIMM's it should always go in this one. When running two, it's normally 1 & 3 so give that combo a try: You will need to return the DIMM pair which is faulty for RMA if you can as running 3 sticks can cause errors with certain motherboards/BIOS'.

Did you clear the BIOS yet? Also, what version is it on? You can get the latest version here:

Code: 
Direct:
[URL="http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/BIOS/mb_bios_ga-z68x-ud3p-b3_f8.exe"]http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/BIOS/mb_bios_ga-z68x-ud3p-b3_f8.exe[/URL]

Code: 
Webpage with link:
[URL="http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3850#bios"]http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3850#bios[/URL]

The F8 BIOS also includes this fix:

2. Improve power on issue
 
Last edited:
Yup, boots fine with one of the 2gig sticks.

I can't run 2, no matter which slots I use :( As for the faulty module, luckily there's only one, and even luckier that I got it for £4!

As for clearing the BIOS, and the rest of your post, I'm afraid it's been ages since my last build and I'm a bit out of the loop. Could you explain the process of clearing, plus updating the BIOS with the update you linked me to?

Cheers for the help so far! :)

Edit: Heh, simultaneous post :p

P.S. I'm guessing that just biting the bullet, selling the working modules and buying a single 8GB module could be a workaround?
 
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Clearing the BIOS is very simple and there is two ways to do this:

Please refer to this document for the location of the battery and/or the CLRCMOS header (17):
Code: 
[URL="http://www.manualowl.com/m/Gigabyte/GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3/Manual/207346?page=22"]http://www.manualowl.com/m/Gigabyte/GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3/Manual/207346?page=22[/URL]

1) Move the CLRCMOS jumper into the position to clear the BIOS. Leave it in position for at least 1 minute, then return to its original position.

2) Remove the battery for at least 1 minute, then replace (I prefer this method, just be careful not to damage the board removing the battery).

Try this first before flashing the BIOS. If you still have problems try the flashing procedure:

Put the BIOS file onto a PC and run the exe, with any luck it will prompt you to insert a USB stick or floppy. Allow it to copy the files over, then take the disk/drive over to the motherboard. Press Del to enter the BIOS and go over to the QFLASH utility, follow any instructions to flash the BIOS. Be very careful not to disrupt power to the board for any reason, loosing power during a flash can brick the board.

Your board looks to have dual BIOS chips so you're fairly safe anyway, and the backup BIOS will kick in if anything did go wrong.

If you do need to flash and can't for some reason just post back and I'll try figure out why :)

[edit]

Oh here is a list of supported memory, make sure the stuff you're using is listed:

Code: 
[URL="http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-z68x-ud3p-b3.pdf"]http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-z68x-ud3p-b3.pdf[/URL]
 
Shashman said:
Yup, boots fine with one of the 2gig sticks.

I can't run 2, no matter which slots I use :( As for the faulty module, luckily there's only one, and even luckier that I got it for £4!

As for clearing the BIOS, and the rest of your post, I'm afraid it's been ages since my last build and I'm a bit out of the loop. Could you explain the process of clearing, plus updating the BIOS with the update you linked me to?

Cheers for the help so far! :)

Edit: Heh, simultaneous post :p

P.S. I'm guessing that just biting the bullet, selling the working modules and buying a single 8GB module could be a workaround?
Click to expand...

I would personally go with 2x 4GB modules simply because they are cheaper and tend to be faster too, and generally run on a lower voltage too which means less heat and longer life. But yes, unless you are buying more identical RAM then sell what you have and go with all identical DIMM's.
 
snedie said:
Clearing the BIOS is very simple and there is two ways to do this:

Please refer to this document for the location of the battery and/or the CLRCMOS header (17):
Code: 
[URL]http://www.manualowl.com/m/Gigabyte/GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3/Manual/207346?page=22[/URL]
1) Move the CLRCMOS jumper into the position to clear the BIOS. Leave it in position for at least 1 minute, then return to its original position.

2) Remove the battery for at least 1 minute, then replace (I prefer this method, just be careful not to damage the board removing the battery).

Try this first before flashing the BIOS. If you still have problems try the flashing procedure:

Put the BIOS file onto a PC and run the exe, with any luck it will prompt you to insert a USB stick or floppy. Allow it to copy the files over, then take the disk/drive over to the motherboard. Press Del to enter the BIOS and go over to the QFLASH utility, follow any instructions to flash the BIOS. Be very careful not to disrupt power to the board for any reason, loosing power during a flash can brick the board.

Your board looks to have dual BIOS chips so you're fairly safe anyway, and the backup BIOS will kick in if anything did go wrong.

If you do need to flash and can't for some reason just post back and I'll try figure out why :)

[edit]

Oh here is a list of supported memory, make sure the stuff you're using is listed:

Code: 
[URL]http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-z68x-ud3p-b3.pdf[/URL]
Click to expand...

Yup, I've seen the battery and the clear cmos pins, however there isn't an actual jumper, so how would I set it to clear?

I've read (in the past) that you had to leave the battery out for 20mins? Has the method changed then?

Thanks for the step by step guide, I'll give it a go tomorrow and let you know how it went :)

As for the single 8GB module, it was a workaround for the problem of not being able to use more than one module, should all this fail. They're not cheap though :/
 
Shashman said:
Yup, I've seen the battery and the clear cmos pins, however there isn't an actual jumper, so how would I set it to clear?

I've read (in the past) that you had to leave the battery out for 20mins? Has the method changed then?

Thanks for the step by step guide, I'll give it a go tomorrow and let you know how it went :)

As for the single 8GB module, it was a workaround for the problem of not being able to use more than one module, should all this fail. They're not cheap though :/
Click to expand...

If you wanted just take the battery out tonight and leave it out until tomorrow, suppose it guarantees it to work then :D. I think the older CMOS chips held their charge for quite a bit longer due to the materials used, but with modern board's I've found even 30 seconds is often enough to get a clean wipe, but a few minutes isn't exactly a long time to wait, good excuse to make a cuppa if anything.

And yer 8GB DIMM's cost a bomb and will do for a few years until they become mainstream like 4GB DIMM's. When you do buy some more memory check it against that list to make sure it's compatible.
 
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