The software version 77ma-g45 refuses to proceed.
The software version 77ma-g45 refuses to proceed.
your motherboard (msi z77ma-g45) refuses to boot with your i7 3770k. it powers on but displays either aq0 or d7 error codes. you've tested all ram sticks—2x4gb and 2x8gb in different configurations—but nothing works. it seems the chipset or firmware might be faulty. consider checking the motherboard's power delivery, testing with a different cpu if possible, and consulting the manufacturer's support for further guidance.
Has this CPU ever worked in this particular motherboard? If you bought it used, there's a chance it still has a BIOS from before support for the 3770k was added. https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z77MAG45/support#cpu You could always get the cheapest CPU you can find that's supported by the earliest BIOS for that motherboard, and see if it can POST with that. If it can, update the BIOS and swap your i7 back in. (If you tinker a lot with computer hardware, it's handy to have "lowest common denominator" parts like that around for troubleshooting.)
Previous experiences with this motherboard have proven successful, and the BIOS is completely current.
I borrowed your neighbor's i5 2500 and it functioned properly, but when I tested it with my SSD, it kept crashing. Using a Windows USB worked too, but the same issue occurred. It would load briefly before the PC restarted again. Have you tried different USB ports or SATA connections?