Recent PC Build Fails to Boot or POST
Recent PC Build Fails to Boot or POST
Hello everyone,
I recently assembled a new PC using the components listed below, but I’m having trouble getting it to function properly. Here’s what I have:
Parts:
Motherboard:
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X version 1.0
CPU:
Intel Core i9-14900K
RAM (should fit) x2 for 96GB total:
G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series (Intel XMP 3.0) DDR5 RAM 48GB (2x24GB) 8200MT/s CL40-52-52-131 1.35V
GPU:
NVidia RTX 4090 Suprim (liquid cooled).
PSU:
Corsair AXi Series, AX1600i, 1600 Watt, 80+ Titanium
Symptoms:
- The power supply activates and everything appears to start up (fans, GPU, RAM lights, LEDs on the board, etc.).
- CPU LED flashes briefly, then the DRAM light turns on and stays lit for a few seconds before shutting off. It flashes again and the DRAM light comes back on.
- The machine powers off and restarts itself periodically.
- When I connect the PSU, the CPU cooler lights up. This suggests power is coming through either the micro USB port or via the CPU_OPT connection.
- The CPU cooler illuminates even when the PC is off.
- All wiring seems correct based on my observations.
What I have attempted so far:
- Updated BIOS using Q-Flash while the PC was off. Tried BIOS F3 and F4, but neither resolved the problem. After updating, the LED flashes followed the same pattern.
- Reset CMOS by shorting the clear jumper for up to 30 seconds (unplugged), removing the battery for 30 seconds, then leaving it off for up to 35 minutes. Also reset CMOS after each BIOS update—no improvement.
- Tested with RAM installed one at a time in different slots (A0, A0+2, B0).
- Used various monitors and HDMI ports.
- Removed the GPU entirely.
- Removed M.2 SSDs (two identical in the main slot, then tried removing both).
- Inspected all cables—appear fine.
- Checked for bent pins—everything seems intact.
Any suggestions could be extremely helpful. I’ve seen similar issues from others using this motherboard with a 14th generation CPU. In fact, several reports mention fixing these problems with a BIOS update and CMOS reset. For me, that didn’t work (I’ve tried about 5–6 times).
I’m hoping to resolve this but am starting to suspect a faulty motherboard, CPU, or power supply. I’m unsure what else I can try. My next step is to either replace the motherboard or look for a compatible model with a 14th gen CPU. I’m already exploring other boards that support 14th gen Intel GPUs and offer similar features. This situation is really frustrating.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 ARGB White Edition.
But I have an update: I actually figured it out: number 1. I had been testing the RAM modules individually and in pairs in the wrong slots, I had been using A1 for single stick tests and A1 and B1 for dual stick tests, instead of A2 and B2 and number 2. It turns out that one of the RAM modules was actually physically damaged and that one was preventing me from booting up. I got the good RAM sticks into A2 and B2 after doing a BIOS update and clearing CMOS and it FINALLY booted up.
Anyway, I'll be returning these G.Skill ram sticks for a replacement set and then hopefully I'll be able to get my 96GB of RAM working on this thing. I must say, these particular G.Skill RAM modules have kind of a poor design, the casing does not grip the PCB of the RAM module... it instead hangs on by the actual transistors, capacitors, etc. so even pressing the RAM into the motherboard could potentially destroy it and that might be what happened here. I've built a lot of custom PC's over the years and had never seen this happen to any RAM module. Then again, it may have been damaged before it got here, not sure. But I definitely didn't force anything to a point where it should break.