Question What is incorrect about my setup? None of the three motherboards are sending output to the monitor.
Question What is incorrect about my setup? None of the three motherboards are sending output to the monitor.
I realized my DDR3 RAM was damaged, prompting me to switch to a new motherboard and move to DDR4. Although this upgrade doesn’t make me completely current, I prefer sticking with LGA1151 since my i7 6700K is still working well.
I’ve been navigating an unusual journey to assemble a functional system for about two months now.
My initial setup was:
- Motherboard: ASUS PRIME Z390M-PLUS
- CPU: Intel i7-6700K
- RAM: 2x 8GB Corsair Vengeance Pro DDR4
- CPU cooler: Corsair H100i ELITE CAPELLIX WHITE AIO Cooler
- Case fans: 3 Corsair iCue SP120
- PSU: EVGA 500W
I also own an Nvidia 1660 and have tested booting it both with and without the graphics card.
For the display, I’ve used a Samsung TV and an older DVI monitor; both recognize the connection but don’t receive any data.
The board attempts to power on three times. On the third attempt, fans and lights stay on, yet no signal reaches the monitor. You can watch the process here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFVr4Yjp2mI
I shared this video with Chinese aftermarket sellers who inspected it but didn’t offer solutions. A local repair shop also examined it and tried swapping parts, yet couldn’t pinpoint the cause.
My suspicion is that some LGA1151 pins were damaged during installation (I accidentally handled the CPU cooler carelessly). Despite careful repositioning, the issue persists. I’ve replaced nearly all components except the case, but nothing has changed.
I’ve also tried other motherboards—ASUS Prime B360M-A and ASRock B365M Pro4—and both behaved similarly, suggesting another underlying problem.
The CPU I used (i3-6100) didn’t change at all.
RAM: Fanxiana 2 x 8GB DDR4
CPU cooler: Noctua LH-9i
PSU: Corsair RMx 850x
I’ve also tested with and without the graphics card. The repair shop mentioned the i7 lacks built-in graphics, though others claim it does. I recall using onboard graphics on my previous system.
The most likely cause is a mistake in connection—perhaps something I overlooked. Could you review the video above for any missteps? It might point to a simple oversight.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Your setup includes a motherboard: ASUS PRIME Z390M-PLUS with an Intel i7-6700K processor.
If your details are correct, the issue likely lies in mismatched components—your CPU isn't compatible with the wrong motherboard or vice versa. The Z390 chipset is designed for 8th and 9th generation Intel chips.
Check the official support page at https://www.asus.com/motherboards-c...pl...Z390M-PLUS to confirm compatibility.
Trying other motherboards like the ASUS Prime B360M-A and ASrock B365M Pro4 didn't resolve the problem either.
Always verify the CPU's supported motherboard before proceeding.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Motherboard: ASUS PRIME Z390M-PLUS
CPU: Intel i7-6700K
If your specifications are correct, the issue lies in mismatched components—either the wrong processor for the wrong motherboard or an incompatible board. The Z390 chipset is designed for 8th and 9th generation Intel processors;
https://www.asus.com/motherboards-c...pl...Z390M-PLUS
it doesn’t appear in the supported list for that board.
I’ve tried swapping it with ASUS Prime B360M-A and ASrock B365M Pro4, but the same problem persists. Check the motherboard’s support page, find their CPU compatibility, and you’ll see no entries for 6th or 7th generation Intel models.
If you wish to keep the 6th generation Intel chips, consider Z170 or Z270 boards with the correct chipset.
PSU: EVGA 500W
EVGA is the brand, and 500W is the advertised power rating. Could you confirm the model number? I also think it might be a used unit—how old is it and what was its performance during service?
None of these boards are compatible with i7-6700K. They only support CPUs from the 8th and 9th generation.
ASUS PRIME Z390M-PLUS
ASUS Prime B360M-A
ASrock B365M Pro4
User mistake is forgetting to review the CPU compatibility list for these boards.
It's fascinating to consider how the PC shop would have fully understood the situation, knowing the system was running on the incorrect platform.
Wow, I never imagined the same socket would be used for different CPUs. That's really strange, and definitely something I'd have noticed during the repair process.
If I had known I was getting a new CPU, I would have switched to Ryzen instead. Probably my next project would involve creating a spreadsheet to compare costs and decide whether to return as much of this new equipment or upgrade to a 9th generation Intel processor.
Consider it this way, perhaps not what you anticipated, but you've positioned yourself on the right track toward meeting the native requirements of Windows 11 with just one part of the solution in place. Now you're closer to having your 9th generation Intel CPU ready.
I shared this video with aftermarket sellers in China who inspected it, but they didn’t offer any guidance. A local PC repair shop also examined it and attempted component swaps, yet they couldn’t clearly identify the problem.
Honestly, if I’d known I was getting a new CPU, I would have switched to a Ryzen. Maybe my next project should focus on calculating whether returning as much of this new equipment as possible and replacing everything makes sense, or if it’s better to purchase a 9th generation Intel CPU instead.
Just some advice for the future—ask first before buying. It’s less stressful for you and your budget.
Their post seems to suggest they were trying to clear out their stock and then shift blame onto me, showing a lack of responsibility. Many people are taking advantage of those who aren’t fully informed.
Keep the Z370 motherboard, and consider getting an i7-9700K. Your PSU and aftermarket cooler will need significant upgrades. Using DDR4-3200MHz to DDR4-3600MHz dual-channel RAM with low latency will improve performance.