PC won't Post

[WalrusWaffleEye]

Recently assembled a mini itx build for my dad but it won't post. I believe it's a BIOS update problem so I'm wondering what's the best solution. Roast me all you want for the parts, the last time I built a PC was in 2016. When I originally was going through the process of making it I thought I could BIOS update without a CPU. I quickly realized my folly because this mobo can't do that. I don't have another CPU because I only have a i5 6600k from all the way back in 2016. Should I just try returning the CPU/Mobo. Or would it be more cost effective to just get a tech shop to update my BIOS with an 8th generation CPU? If there are any other reasons why it might not post I'm open to suggestions. Also, I'm curious about the red light at the bottom front end of the case. I read online that red lights are indicators for storage working. The last question isn't that important I just want to learn more. I bought all my components off Amazon.

CPU: i5 9400F

PSU: 600 W Bronze EVGA

RAM: Patriot Viper DDR4 2666 MHz

Mobo: Asrock H310m itx/ac

SSD: Kingston 250 GB M.2

HDD: A 750 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive I took from an old  Dell prebuilt made in 2011

Case: Sugo SG13B

P.S. I'm not a dummy I swear. The front of mobo box literally says that they're compatible with 9th gen processors. I even saw reviews and videos that have H310 boards using the i5 9400F.

[IkeaGnome]

Make sure the RAM is seated all the way. Triple check your connectors on the motherboard. If it's been since 2016 since you built a PC, make sure the 8 pin connector to the top left of the CPU is plugged in. Assuming you bought the EVGA G1, it's the 4+4 pin connector that says CPU. Make sure both halves are seated all the way. One will slide in before the other for them to both be all the way in. They're keyed to each other.

Spoiler

Other than these, do any fans turn on or lights turn on when you turn the computer on? If not, double check your connectors to the power button or remove them and start it by shorting the two pins on the motherboard that your power switch would go to.

[WalrusWaffleEye]

I already check my connectors. The CPU Fan and Chassis Fan both work. The PSU turns on. The red and blue light of the case work. I don't see any lights on my mobo but I don't think the mobo has an led indicator. The RAM is fully in the slots.

[Fasauceome]

Just now, WalrusWaffleEye said:

I already check my connectors. The CPU Fan and Chassis Fan both work. The PSU turns on. The red and blue light of the case work. I don't see any lights on my mobo but I don't think the mobo has an led indicator. The RAM is fully in the slots.

make sure you quote people so we can see your responses

 

17 minutes ago, WalrusWaffleEye said:

Should I just try returning the CPU/Mobo. Or would it be more cost effective to just get a tech shop to update my BIOS with an 8th generation CPU?

replacing your CPU with an i5-8400 wouldn't be a bad fix, if you can get a free/cheap BIOS update locally (or if a friend can lend a CPU) then that's also a good idea.

[IkeaGnome]

3 minutes ago, WalrusWaffleEye said:

I already check my connectors. The CPU Fan and Chassis Fan both work. The PSU turns on. The red and blue light of the case work. I don't see any lights on my mobo but I don't think the mobo has an led indicator. The RAM is fully in the slots.

See what BIOS it came with. You need p3.30 or newer for 9th gen.

http://www.asrock.com/MB/Intel/H310M-HDV/#CPU

[WalrusWaffleEye]

2 minutes ago, Fasauceome said:

make sure you quote people so we can see your responses

 

replacing your CPU with an i5-8400 wouldn't be a bad fix, if you can get a free/cheap BIOS update locally (or if a friend can lend a CPU) then that's also a good idea.

Would you recommend a replacement? I've never returned a package before on Amazon and it seems I have until March 28th to send it back. Having trouble finding out if I have to pay shipping fees to return it. I'm thinking of just calling up stores tomorrow and seeing how much it would cost to update it.

[Fasauceome]

1 minute ago, WalrusWaffleEye said:

I'm thinking of just calling up stores tomorrow and seeing how much it would cost to update it.

I think that's the most convenient first option. After that you should consider sending it back to amazon

[Fasauceome]

I did just catch this part

26 minutes ago, WalrusWaffleEye said:

P.S. I'm not a dummy I swear. The front of mobo box literally says that they're compatible with 9th gen processors. I even saw reviews and videos that have H310 boards using the i5 9400F.

SO yes, H310 is compatible with H310 and if your box specifically says it's compatible with 9th gen processors, it actually should have a compatible BIOS version. might want to do some extra troubleshooting

[IkeaGnome]

7 minutes ago, WalrusWaffleEye said:

Would you recommend a replacement? I've never returned a package before on Amazon and it seems I have until March 28th to send it back. Having trouble finding out if I have to pay shipping fees to return it. I'm thinking of just calling up stores tomorrow and seeing how much it would cost to update it.

 

2 minutes ago, Fasauceome said:

I did just catch this part

SO yes, H310 is compatible with H310 and if your box specifically says it's compatible with 9th gen processors, it actually should have a compatible BIOS version. might want to do some extra troubleshooting

I found the problem. 9400F doesn't have integrated graphics. You have to either get a cheap GPU or exchange the 9400F for a non "F" model. All the Intel "F" CPUs don't have integrated graphics.

[Fasauceome]

Just now, Voluspa said:

 

I found the problem. 9400F doesn't have integrated graphics. You have to either get a cheap GPU or exchange the 9400F for a non "F" model. All the Intel "F" CPUs don't have integrated graphics.

Silly me, I really just assumed the build had a graphics card in it already.

 

So yes, a graphics card or definitely that i5-8400 (or any CPU without an F) is definitely what you need.

[WalrusWaffleEye]

16 minutes ago, Voluspa said:

See what BIOS it came with. You need p3.30 or newer for 9th gen.

http://www.asrock.com/MB/Intel/H310M-HDV/#CPU

Thank you so much! It says P4.10 so I'm guessing I don't need BIOS update. So all I need to do is get  GPU. I'll probably just give my Dad my gtx 970 since I don't play games as much or ask for the 750 ti I got for my brother. I don't think that's too much of an ask considering he's only been playing Huniepop ever since I made it for him in 2016 :P. I was expecting him to play more on it like Nier Automata or any other  JRPGS but he only plays on his switch. My last plan would be just to buy a cheap GPU off ebay, any recommendations? My dad isn't interested in games.

[WalrusWaffleEye]

13 minutes ago, Fasauceome said:

Silly me, I really just assumed the build had a graphics card in it already.

 

So yes, a graphics card or definitely that i5-8400 (or any CPU without an F) is definitely what you need.

Thank you! It's funny I saw one of your posts earlier when I was researching for my case. I guess you really do make good on your word.

[Fasauceome]

3 minutes ago, WalrusWaffleEye said:

My last plan would be just to buy a cheap GPU off ebay, any recommendations? My dad isn't interested in games.

GT 710 is cheap, low power, good all around for web browsing and such

[IkeaGnome]

14 hours ago, WalrusWaffleEye said:

Thank you! It's funny I saw one of your posts earlier when I was researching for my case. I guess you really do make good on your word.

 

14 hours ago, Fasauceome said:

GT 710 is cheap, low power, good all around for web browsing and such

I second the 710 idea. Wouldn't hurt to throw your 970 in just to make sure it POSTS and installs Windows just fine while you're still in your return window on the rest of the parts though.