Z97-WS - DOA or?

[foolishlywise]

'ello all, 

 

I got myself a Z97-WS board about three weeks ago as a replacement for a Z97-A that basically didn't have enough PCI-e's on it. Got around to installing it yesterday but board will not post at all. The readout on the q-code is ddFE (which, seemingly isn't listed in the manual). 

 

Someone else has had this issue on the LTT forum but resolved it by reseating RAM. This hasn't worked here. Cables are all connected fine, tried different RAM sticks and the CPU works in another board. 

 

Any other steps to troubleshoot? I've submitted the returns request to ASUS (advanced RMA saving me if they actually can ship a board next business day) but wish to see if it could be anything else stopping it from posting. So far, I've cleared CMOS (battery pull), different RAM stick in different slot, reseat CPU and even a different ATX power cable (last one was a 'well, why not' thing). 

 

Is there something I may be missing?

 

 

[jj9987]

Check the CPU socket for bent/damaged pins.

[foolishlywise]

Pins checked - seemed all okay. Reseated everything to no avail. Left it switched off overnight and then turned it on in the morning. Got the board to post.

 

AAAAND then it started doing the same thing. RMA'ed. New board coming tomorrow. Gotta love ASUS ARS service.