4790k processor from Ebay DoA?

[net42]

G'day, 

 

So I decided to try upgrading my CPU myself for the first time (I mean I've watched enough LTT videos over the last few years), I bought an i7-4790k to replace my aging i5-4440 on Ebay from a trusted seller. Thought was that it was better than upgrading processor, mobo, ram, and cpu cooler.

 

It arrived 1 day early but no POST when I swapped out the CPU; the CPU_LED light is red as well.

 

I then swapped back to my i5-4440 and updated my Z87-A motherboard BIOS to version 2103 (appears to be the most recent version for that board). CPU_LED light isn't lit for my old processor either.

 

As far as I can tell, my motherboard is compatible, is still working (as my old processor still works), is this a DoA CPU, am I missing troubleshooting steps (I don't have another 1150 motherboard to test), or am I out to lunch on anything?

 

On the plus side, my thermals seem better after after re-doing my thermal paste multiple times.

[i_build_nanosuits]

30 minutes ago, net42 said:

G'day, 

 

So I decided to try upgrading my CPU myself for the first time (I mean I've watched enough LTT videos over the last few years), I bought an i7-4790k to replace my aging i5-4440 on Ebay from a trusted seller. Thought was that it was better than upgrading processor, mobo, ram, and cpu cooler.

 

It arrived 1 day early but no POST when I swapped out the CPU; the CPU_LED light is red as well.

 

I then swapped back to my i5-4440 and updated my Z87-A motherboard BIOS to version 2103 (appears to be the most recent version for that board). CPU_LED light isn't lit for my old processor either.

 

As far as I can tell, my motherboard is compatible, is still working (as my old processor still works), is this a DoA CPU, am I missing troubleshooting steps (I don't have another 1150 motherboard to test), or am I out to lunch on anything?

 

On the plus side, my thermals seem better after after re-doing my thermal paste multiple times.

first off, turn off the machine, unplug it from the wall and remove the CMOS battery for about 30 seconds.

This will clear any config stuff that might be in there...then try to boot with default optimised settings.

If you have multiple sticks of memory i would try to boot with only 1 stick in Dimm 1.

Also maybe try to re flash the board bios to make sure? Z87 DOES require an update for 4790 CPU

 

Good luck!

[Whiro]

3 minutes ago, net42 said:

On the plus side, my thermals seem better after after re-doing my thermal paste multiple times.

Well I’m not surprised about it, if you didn’t done it before. 
Back to the main problem, it’s possible that cpu is dead, try clearing cmos on the mobo. It may help.

[Whiro]

10 minutes ago, CircleTech said:

Z87 requires a BIOS update. I am 99.5% certian the seller sent you a good CPU. It's your board that's bad. 

 

I have bought, and sold, hundreds of CPUs when I ran my computer recycling business. I have had one, just one, be an actually dead CPU. Dead CPUs is extremely rare. 

 

You should try updating your boards bios. Then try to install the CPU again.

OP said in first post that he already updated bios to the newest one.

 

28 minutes ago, net42 said:

 

I then swapped back to my i5-4440 and updated my Z87-A motherboard BIOS to version 2103 (appears to be the most recent version for that board

 

[net42]

Cripes you guys are quick to respond, I was expecting a response maybe tomorrow.

 

I re-downloaded the most recent BIOS, set the CMOS dip switch to reset the BIOS (actually did this previously as well), re-installed the most recent BIOS, pulled 1 DIMM of RAM leaving me with single stick of 8 GB and replaced my i5-4440 with the i7-4790k and turned the system back on; no dice, still red CPU_LED.

 

Re-installed my old processor, tried to re-thermal the processor and put my heat sync back on my processor, re-installed the other DIMM, and booted back up to the LTT forums.

[Whiro]

23 minutes ago, net42 said:

Cripes you guys are quick to respond, I was expecting a response maybe tomorrow.

 

I re-downloaded the most recent BIOS, set the CMOS dip switch to reset the BIOS (actually did this previously as well), re-installed the most recent BIOS, pulled 1 DIMM of RAM leaving me with single stick of 8 GB and replaced my i5-4440 with the i7-4790k and turned the system back on; no dice, still red CPU_LED.

 

Re-installed my old processor, tried to re-thermal the processor and put my heat sync back on my processor, re-installed the other DIMM, and booted back up to the LTT forums.

We always quick at replying

If you done all of that and still no luck, for me it really sounds like dead cpu. I would contact the seller and told him what’s going on and ask for rma. If he have same cpu he can send the new one.

[svmlegacy]

2 hours ago, CircleTech said:

Z87 requires a BIOS update. I am 99.5% certian the seller sent you a good CPU. It's your board that's bad. 

 

I have bought, and sold, hundreds of CPUs when I ran my computer recycling business. I have had one, just one, be an actually dead CPU. Dead CPUs is extremely rare. 

 

You should try updating your boards bios. Then try to install the CPU again.

/ I also have a dead 4790K, but I got mine for free/

 

Being an unlocked CPU, the chances of them receiving abuse is.... higher.

[net42]

When I look on the Asus website https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z87A/HelpDesk_CPU/ the 4790k processor is listed and says that BIOS version 2004 and up will support that processor (running 2103 currently). Is a Haswell Refresh 4790k processor different than a standard 4790k or are they the same thing?

[svmlegacy]

3 hours ago, net42 said:

When I look on the Asus website https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z87A/HelpDesk_CPU/ the 4790k processor is listed and says that BIOS version 2004 and up will support that processor (running 2103 currently). Is a Haswell Refresh 4790k processor different than a standard 4790k or are they the same thing?

They're the same thing. The XX90 chips were a slightly optimized architecture, and had better thermal compound between the die and IHS

[net42]

3 minutes ago, svmlegacy said:

They're the same thing. The XX90 chips were a slightly optimized architecture, and had better thermal compound between the die and IHS

Thanks, my inexperience with motherboard CPU compatibility is showing. I'll be contacting the Ebay seller to see if I can get a replacement. I hope it goes well lol.

[net42]

Final note: returned the processor and picked up a Ryzen 5 3600, a x470 Motherboard, 16 GB of RAM, and a Noctua NH-D9L cooler from Memory Express for about $600 CAD. Next time I have a CPU bottleneck I should have lots of processor options to upgrade to.