I'm here to assist with your build troubleshooting.
I'm here to assist with your build troubleshooting.
Yesterday I received my components for the PC from Micro Center. Today I assembled it with my cousin after turning it on. We noticed all the fans—case, AIO, GPU, and CPU fans—were running. I think the hardware is getting power from the PSU. The motherboard (MSI Z-690 A WiFi DDR4) passed its check and a read light appeared next to the CPU. I’m puzzled because when we inserted the CPU everything went smoothly with no issues. The system displayed red lights, fans spinning rapidly for about 15 seconds, then shut off for 5 seconds and repeated. I’m really confused and need help. Here’s my PC parts list: CPU – Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz, 10-core; CPU Cooler – Corsair iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT 75 CFM; Motherboard – MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4; RAM – G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB); DDR4-3200; Storage – Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVMe; SSD – Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVMe; Graphics – MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB VENTUS 2X; Case – Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB ATX Mid Tower; PSU – EVGA SuperNova 850 GT 80 Plus Gold Fully Modular. If everything fails, I’ll probably take it back to Micro Center since I have a CPU warranty, MOBO, and other protections.
Checked if the BIOS was updated for that CPU and verified the monitor was connected to the correct video port.
I understand your concern about updating the BIOS. It seems you're unsure about which version to use since you thought it was already updated for the 12600k model. Also, you mentioned testing the HDMI port and using the CPU HDMI port without an IGPU, which might affect compatibility.
I’m not sure about it, but I’m a bit nervous about handling my PC. Could you get some help and encouragement?
Updating the BIOS applies more meaningfully to AMD systems. Often the CPU indicator light signals several issues. Verify the power connector is securely connected on both ends of the cable—PSU and motherboard. Ensure you're using an EPS/CPU 8-pin connector, not a PCIe type, as they won't connect properly. Check if the CPU is fully seated in the socket or if the pins are bent. If the board's BIOS is damaged, consider flashing a new version (BIOS flashback may help). If the hardware is faulty, return it to a repair shop like Micro Center for expert inspection. For first-time builders, this process can be challenging without proper tools and components.
1. Should I skip troubleshooting and go straight to the micro center this Saturday?
2. If I swap the PSU cables with the spare ones, would that prevent any issues with my board?
3. Which BIOS version should I use when I do a flash before visiting the micro center?
4. With the MOBO warranty in place, do you think they’ll fix it or charge me if it breaks? (Assuming it did)
It depends on how comfortable you are with the process. It’s a good idea, but would it really help if you wait a week for your system to stabilize? I’d rather handle it myself, though these kinds of problems keep me stressed until I resolve them. I’m used to fixing things on my own, but when issues arise, I rely on others with different hardware to help if needed. Just remember, unless the power supply matches exactly, there’s a risk of damage. Whatever version is available, non-BETA BIOS updates are best. Based on my past experience, Micro Center is quite supportive and they’d likely not charge for diagnostics.
Sorry I have some more questions/to talk, if you don't mind. 1. I think what I'm planning to do tomorrow after school is Maybee a bios flash update. 2. When I say which version I mean is that in every update you know how they fix something new, do they previous bios versions stack up in the new update or not. (For example I the image; the January 3,2022, does the December 13, 2021 update stark up also or not. 3. And I'm not planning to mess with the cable NGL. What I might do is take out the radiator and make sure if the CPU cable is plugged in, because it looked a bit tiled to me, and check if CPU sockets are broken. 4. One last thing. So you know the cables right you know how there is 2 sides one is where the cables are combined, and one is where you can break up the cables. Which sides does the cable go in. Or it doesn't matter? Honestly if you could take a look at this link and tell me which which version to pick might make my life easier... https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z690...R4/support
You're asking if everything needs to be installed together. No, just download the newest update—it contains all the data. They don't offer incremental updates for motherboards mainly because of two factors: BIOS files are compact and flashing requires writing everything at once, making gradual updates impractical. Get the latest BIOS and follow a guide. Your manual may have different naming conventions for your board; check it if needed. For the 4+4 pin EPS cable, it's usually okay to plug both in simultaneously, though some systems prefer doing them separately. As long as both are connected, it works fine. Even a single 4-pin connection should provide around 200W, which is sufficient for most 12V systems.