New PC build issues when booting

[msimionescu]

Hello everyone!

 

First time poster, long time follower of LTT, happy to be here! Let's get to it:

 

I have completed this build:

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/tyM6vK

(i7 4790k, 16 GB RAM, GTX 970, 650W PSU)

 

I'm also running Windows 10, latest update, with the latest BIOS updates that I could find for my mobo.

 

The problem I'm having is: When I try to boot up my PC, the fans start spinning up for a bit, then I hear two clicks, and then everything stops. After which it tries to start up again, but the same 2 clicks, etc. The only way to stop it is to unplug it. The very WEIRD thing about it is that if I remove the 24 pin connector from my motherboard, and then after 2-3 seconds I reconnect it, the system works just fine. So I have to do this every time I want to start it up. Remove 24 pin, attach it, start, shut down, repeat.

 

I figured it could have something to do with either the case shorting something, or the mobo, or the PSU. So I ordered replacements for all 3 parts, and I got the exact same results. I tested the PSU with the tool provided and it started up, no problem.

 

This is really something completely new to me, I've seen my fair share of PC builds but I've never encountered such weird behavior. Any ideas?

 

Thanks a lot for reading this guys, cheers!

 

Mihai

[Slottr]

Do you know where the clicks are coming from?

[bgibbz]

Try playing around with the ram, (test one stick in each dim, then the other stick in each dimm). 

 

Welcome me to the forums!

[bgibbz]

1 minute ago, Slottr said:

Do you know where the clicks are coming from?

Mobo post code?

[Naeaes]

I've encountered this many times. 9/10 cases it's a BIOS settings issue. Try manually entering your RAM settings. 1600MHz, 1.50Volts, 9-9-9-27 first four timings. If that won't fix it, try 9-9-9-24. While you're at it, you could also try 1600MHz, 1.50V, 11-11-11-30.

My reasoning is that the system is automatically giving wrong settings for the RAM, like 1.65 Volts or something, The RAM then recognizes the mismatch and won't allow POST. The BIOS times out, retries (the relay in the PSU makes the clicks) and on the third or fifth run the BIOS reverts to default settings and the system boots.

 

However I'd not be surprised if nothing helped or the system was instable. Your RAM isn't officially supported. Neither Kingston nor Asus has verified this kit to be compatible. PCPartpicker probably says it's fine, doesn't it? It's a thing they do. Pull stuff out of their asses without confirming any of it. Before you go buying more parts, I'd suggest getting your hands on a proven good kit of DIMMs and trying recommended settings.

[Gonio]

Had a similar issue recently with a Corsair PSU, but for me it was solved by replacing it with a different one. But the issue was jury rigged temporarly by using a second PSU connected to the 8 pin CPU, what helped narrow down the possible cause. Somehow the setup didn't like that particular PSU or the PSU was at the point of failing despite being new.

 

As already suggested try checking if all is seated properly and try booting the system with only 1 stick of ram and no other devices connected besides the boot disk, try this outside the case btw. Then add one component each time to try if it all keeps working and booting up.

[msimionescu]

Thanks a lot for the replies guys! I must say, I've tried around several forums, including ASUS ones, but so far you guys have given the most concrete leads. Most of the replies I've gotten were in the vicinity of "check your processor". 

56 minutes ago, Slottr said:

Do you know where the clicks are coming from?

I think they're either from the PSU or the motherboard. I've put my ear close but I can't be 100% sure. I also haven't tried placing them like 1 foot apart and definitely see which one was making the clicks. 

 

55 minutes ago, bgibbz said:

Try playing around with the ram, (test one stick in each dim, then the other stick in each dimm). 

 

Welcome me to the forums!

I'll try that, thanks!

 

44 minutes ago, Naeaes said:

I've encountered this many times. 9/10 cases it's a BIOS settings issue. Try manually entering your RAM settings. 1600MHz, 1.50Volts, 9-9-9-27 first four timings. If that won't fix it, try 9-9-9-24. While you're at it, you could also try 1600MHz, 1.50V, 11-11-11-30.

My reasoning is that the system is automatically giving wrong settings for the RAM, like 1.65 Volts or something, The RAM then recognizes the mismatch and won't allow POST. The BIOS times out, retries (the relay in the PSU makes the clicks) and on the third or fifth run the BIOS reverts to default settings and the system boots.

 

However I'd not be surprised if nothing helped or the system was instable. Your RAM isn't officially supported. Neither Kingston nor Asus has verified this kit to be compatible. PCPartpicker probably says it's fine, doesn't it? It's a thing they do. Pull stuff out of their asses without confirming any of it. Before you go buying more parts, I'd suggest getting your hands on a proven good kit of DIMMs and trying recommended settings.

That's the first thing I'll try once I get home to my PC. I'll try manually entering the settings.

 

Your point about that particular RAM model not being officially supported. I haven't seen any clear red flags about being a possible compatibility issue so I rolled with it. I'll search ASUS' site for the list of official RAM sticks supported, and if nothing you guys have already suggested works, I'll try with a new pair of sticks.

 

I'm not at home at the moment so it will be some time until I'll be able to try this (monday after work), so I'll keep you guys posted with what I find out. Thanks again for the suggestions, Slottr, bgibbz and Naeaes.

 

Cheers,

Mihai

[msimionescu]

Hello everyone,

 

Yesterday I couldn't post for some reason, probably due to high traffic on the site.

 

I can confirm that the click comes from the PSU and it does seem to be some sort of relay. I tried setting the RAM settings manually, 1.5V, 9-9-9-27 and 9-9-9-24 to no avail. I haven't tried to remove one stick of RAM, I can still try that today.

 

I think I'll just buy another set of RAM, and if that doesn't work either I can just return it I guess.

 

Thanks again for the help, will return with results.

 

Cheers,

Mihai

[msimionescu]

Hey,

 

So I've just tried using this RAM:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007TG8QRW/

Corsair CML16GX3M2A1600C10  16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 Mhz CL10

And sadly I got the same results. :-/

 

Well, after I changed the RAM the PC booted normally from the 1st try, but after I shut it down and powered it back up (so I could see if it's a definite fix or not), it presented the exact same symptoms. Similarly, when I remove a stick, and power it on, it works, but only the 1st time, same when I add a stick back.

 

Apparently it works once, after I am changing the RAM configuration. Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

Mihai