New 6600K/AsRock build won't POST

[ignatzatsonic]

I'm stumped after 15 or 20 hours of fiddling.


I’ve built a few PCs, but I’m not expert and have NO experience with Asrock boards, UEFI, or Skylake. So I don't know what to expect when you hit the power button.

New parts:

Intel i5-6600K processor
AsRock Z170m Extreme 4 micro ATX motherboard
8 GB of HyperX DDR4 Ram (2 sticks of 4 GB); 2666 speed. On AsRock’s qualified list for this board.

Parts carried over from my I5-2500 Sandy Bridge (all working perfectly 48 hours ago on Sandy Bridge, which has been dismantled):

Antec Solo II case
Rosewill Silent Night 500 watt fanless power supply
Noctua NH-U12S cooler
Drives: Crucial MX100 SSD, Samsung 1 TB, WD Green 3 TB, Samsung DVD burner
Noctua and Antec case fans
Dell 2340M flat screen monitor
Microsoft wired USB keyboard and wired optical mouse
Video card: None; I use integrated CPU graphics

Short story: Won’t post; when turned on I get NO output on screen. All fans spin; drives vibrating slightly when touched, indicating they are spinning.

I assume I should get SOMETHING on screen, even without keyboard or mouse, not that they helped. It's connected by DVI-D. My monitor supports only DVI-D and VGA.

Stuff I’ve tried over the last 24 hours:

Tried with all drives connected and all drives disconnected.
Tried with no RAM. Tried with one stick in each of the 4 slots. Tried the other stick in each of the 4 slots. Tried RAM in pairs.
Cleared CMOS several times via board jumper.
Swapped in 10 year old Sapphire video card as a test, both VGA and DVI-D ports.
Tried 2 different mice and 2 different keyboards in all available USB ports (4 USB 3.0 rear; 2 USB 3.0 front, and 2 USB 2.0 front).
Taken the board out of the case and tried again with only power switch, CPU fan, ATX 12 volt, and 24 pin power plug connected—using 1 or 2 RAM sticks in multiple slots.

AsRock manual says to hit F2 or Delete key to access UEFI when booting. Neither has any effect.

It’s as if I have no processor at all and that all of my keyboards and mice are bad. Neither the mouse nor keyboard shows any signs of life—as if they were disconnected—no LEDs light up, no glowing from optical sensor, etc.

I’m just using 4 pins of the 8 pins on the ATX 12 volt, just as I did on my i5-2500. The cable is connected to the 4 pins on the right hand side of the connector, which covers pins 1 and 5, per the manual.

The Antec case does not include a speaker, but I had a new and unused speaker from a LanCool case. Connected it to AsRock motherboard. No beeps whatsoever at any time.
Period.

The Samsung DVD burner opens and closes, so it's getting power. A bootable DVD is ignored when I reboot. Nothing happens.

I’m about out of ideas and nearing the end of my rope. I’m not close to installing Windows.

I can’t get any screen output at all. Is this standard when booting on UEFI/Skylake boards?

Any good ideas?? It’s probably something stupid, but I’m too frazzled to think accurately.

All I can think of is that it's trying to use a video card rather than integrated video and I can't get into the UEFI to check. Or possibly it's related to the UEFI setting for "fast boot"? I think I've heard that can be a problem.

 

[UsandThem]

I’m just using 4 pins of the 8 pins on the ATX 12 volt, just as I did on my i5-2500. The cable is connected to the 4 pins on the right hand side of the connector, which covers pins 1 and 5, per the manual

Why aren't you plugging into both of them? All recent motherboards I have used require both connections (2 x 4 pin).

 

[UsandThem]

I just looked at your power supply and motherboard manual. It states if you have a 4-pin 12v ATX power supply, to plug in the one side like you did.

If you have an 8-pin 12v power supply (which the specs say you do), you would need both.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Why aren't you plugging into both of them? All recent motherboards I have used require all both connections.

I have no idea if it's required and the manual says only that if you have a 4 pin connector, to use the 4 pins to the right. Which I did.

Additionally:

My 8 pin plug is divided into 2 parts, each with 4 pins. They don't fit together into a single plug. You attach them separately or just use one.

One of them fits fine into the right side of the motherboard port, as expected. This is with the clip on the plug facing the top of the case. This 4 pin is labeled UL1. This covers pins 1 and 5, which the manual says is a requirement.

The other 4 pin is labeled "CP" (whatever that means).

But there's a problem with it. I'd assume it would also connect with it's clip facing the top of the case. I exerted a lot of force on it, but it would not go into the connector when oriented so that the clip faces the top of the case.

I got out my magnifying glass and inspected it. Some of the pins have a round border and some have a square border. This appears to form a keyway--so that it will insert ONLY one way.

Well that way appears to be with the clip facing LEFT, toward 9 o'clock. The manual says nothing about this.

It may be that left facing is correct. I'm afraid of frying something.

It may be that my magnifying glass doesn't tell the story and the the clip should be facing up toward the top of the case, toward 12 o'clock. However, I exerted a lot of force and it didn't slide in, indicating that's the wrong way.

So, I'm torn.

I could try the 9 o'clock clip orientation and hope. I could get out a bigger hammer and force the 12 o'clock clip orientation.

Or I could assume that those 4 pins are NOT mandatory. The manual makes no mention of this. It's a low voltage system without a video card, so I'm not sure what's required.

Do you have any online reference that 8 pins ARE required?

4 pins works fine on Sandy Bridge.

Thanks for any further insight.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Is that PSU "Haswell compatible"? I assume Skylake platform requires similar PSU spec compatibility.

 

[VirtualLarry]

My 8 pin plug is divided into 2 parts, each with 4 pins. They don't fit together into a single plug.

Yes, they do. That's the whole point of the 8-pin (4+4) EPS12V connector arrangement.

Edit: Some PSU have both a fixed EPS12V 8-pin 12V power plug, and a 4-pin ATX12V 12V power plug hanging off of that one. If that's the case, use the plug appropriate for the mobo in question.

 

[UsandThem]

My 8 pin plug is divided into 2 parts, each with 4 pins. They don't fit together into a single plug. You attach them separately or just use one

They all come like that on all the power supplies I've used. They will fit. Your power supply says it comes with 8 pin 12v (2 x 4) and states it's Haswell compatible.

 

[UsandThem]

http://m.newegg.com/Product/Details?itemnumber=N82E16817182169

Fixed Cables:

1 x Main connector (20+4pin) 1 x 12V 8pin (4+4pin) 1 x 2PCI-E 6+2Pin Cable Modular Cables: 1 x 4SATA Connector Cable 1 x 2SATA + 2Molex Connector Cable 1 x 3Molex + 1Floppy Connector Cable 1 x 2PCI-E 6+2Pin Cable

Do you have any online reference that 8 pins ARE required

Hopefully that is to your satisfaction since your computer isn't working and you're here for help.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Larry:

You can put the 2 parts right next to each other and try to manipulate them as if they were linked or locked together, but they don't connect to each other to form a single unit.

Each has a separate clip and that's the problem. If you orient both clips to 12 oclock, no go---only the right half says OK.

If my magnifying glass is to be believed, the left half wants a 9 oclock left facing clip.

Which may be true, but it's unusual in my experience. Never seen it.

May work, but I'm spooked.

Yeah, it's a high quality Haswell compatible PSU; no issues; great reviews, etc. I have no reason to think it isn't fully OK with Skylake.

What's the online source documenting 8 pins as a requirement. I have no idea what "UL1" and "CP" mean.

Thanks for continued help.

 

[UsandThem]

Larry:

You can put the 2 parts right next to each other and try to manipulate them as if they were linked or locked together, but they don't connect to each other to form a single unit.

Each has a separate clip and that's the problem. If you orient both clips to 12 oclock, no go---only the right half says OK.

If my magnifying glass is to be believed, the left half wants a 9 oclock left facing clip.

Which may be true, but it's unusual in my experience. Never seen it.

May work, but I'm spooked.

Yeah, it's a high quality Haswell compatible PSU; no issues; great reviews, etc. I have no reason to think it isn't fully OK with Skylake.

What's the online source documenting 8 pins as a requirement. I have no idea what "UL1" and "CP" mean.

Thanks for continued help.

If you won't accept answers when you have been stuck for 15-20 hours, why are you asking for help.

You can email Asrock and ask them if you need both 4-pin 12v connectors installed, or you could make sure you have the correct 12v cpu cable in your hand, and install it like both of us have told you to do.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Usandthem:

That link just takes me to Newegg main page, not a specific product.

I'm not arguing and appreciate your assistance.

As usual, the manuals are woefully inadequate and Googling hasn't led me to any answers.

Have you ever seen a PSU with split plugs like mine that require a different orientation on each clip?

 

[UsandThem]

No I haven't. Please do us a favor. Please take a picture of your issue and load it to an image sharing site, and give us the link.

You will have one cable that has two 4-pin connectors on one cable. It will be labeled 12v or cpu. You put them together by sliding one in a downward motion, or sometimes they dont even connect together. In that case, connect one on one side with the 'catching side' where once installed, it will not come out until you pull the clip out. Then install the other one the same way.

They should only go in fully one way based on their shape.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

No I haven't. Please do us a favor. Please take a picture of your issue and load it to an image sharing site, and give us the link.

You will have one cable that has two 4-pin connectors on one cable. It will be labeled 12v or cpu. You put them together by sliding one in a downward motion, or sometimes they dont even connect together. In that case, connect one on one side with the 'catching side' where once installed, it will not come out until you pull the clip out. Then install the other one the same way.

They should only go in fully one way based on their shape.

I have a camera-free household. Hard to believe, I'm sure. No cell phone, etc. I'm an antique.

Your second paragraph is correct--"sometimes they don't even connect together". That's what I see.

It's all inside a single sheath that is split out into 2 separate plugs on the motherboard end.

Your last sentence appears to be accurate as well. I would expect them to go in ONLY one way, based on the shape of the 4 pins in each half of the plug. Some appear rounded on one side under magnification. Others are square. Which makes a one-way-only fit. A keyway.

Pondering my alternatives.

1: 4 pins are all that's required, board is shaky, maybe RMA
2: 4 pins are all that's required; board not shaky; something else causing my problem.
3: 8 pins are required. Clipping arrangement is non-standard---each half different. Try it with left half clip facing left, not up.

If this isn't related to the ATX 12 volt, what's your next best idea or two?

 

[UsandThem]

I have a camera-free household. Hard to believe, I'm sure. No cell phone, etc. I'm an antique.

Your second paragraph is correct--"sometimes they don't even connect together". That's what I see.

Your last sentence appears to be accurate as well. I would expect them to go in ONLY one way, based on the shape of the 4 pins in each half of the plug. Some appear rounded on one side under magnification. Others are square. Which makes a one-way-only fit. A keyway.

Pondering my alternatives.

1: 4 pins are all that's required, board is shaky, maybe RMA
2: 4 pins are all that's required; board not shaky; something else causing my problem.
3: 8 pins are required. Clipping arrangement is non-standard---each half different. Try it with left half clip facing left, not up.

If this isn't related to the ATX 12 volt, what's your next best idea or two?

OK. I am trying to keep my blood pressure down right now, and I will provide one last answer for you. Either try it or don't. You can RMA it if you want to.

Your motherboard needs both of those 12v connections installed. This is a picture of your cables on your power supply.

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/17-182-169-07.jpg

Do you see both of those blue connections? When together they spell 'CPU1'. Push both of them together and install BOTH of them in your 12v connection. They will both fit. They both have a clip on one side. That side will match the socket where one side will have a little 'ramp' on one side to catch them.

If you can't figure it out, Google 'Install 12v connections motherboard' and watch a videos on Youtube.

I have been a member here for a long time. I have helped a lot of people. However, I have to say when someone on here needs help, but won't listen, it is very, very irritating.

 

[VirtualLarry]

OK. I am trying to keep my blood pressure down right now, and I will provide one last answer for you. Either try it or don't. You can RMA it if you want to.

Your motherboard needs both of those 12v connections installed. This is a picture of your cables on your power supply.

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/17-182-169-07.jpg

Do you see both of those blue connections? When together they spell 'CPU1'. Push both of them together and install BOTH of them in your 12v connection. They will both fit. They both have a clip on one side. That side will match the socket where one side will have a little 'ramp' on one side to catch them.

If you can't figure it out, Google 'Install 12v connections motherboard' and watch a videos on Youtube.

I have been a member here for a long time. I have helped a lot of people. However, I have to say when someone on here needs help, but won't listen, it is very, very irritating.

Great answer. OP, I hope you'll listen.

If the combined 4+4 plugs don't plug in EASILY into the 8-pin EPS12V/ATX12V socket on the mobo, with the clips on the plugs matching the side that there is the little "catch" on the socket, then something is wrong. You may have damaged the plug or socket in your fiddling. It's really not that hard.

 

[UsandThem]

Great answer. OP, I hope you'll listen.

If the combined 4+4 plugs don't plug in EASILY into the 8-pin EPS12V/ATX12V socket on the mobo, with the clips on the plugs matching the side that there is the little "catch" on the socket, then something is wrong. You may have damaged the plug or socket in your fiddling. It's really not that hard.

We gave it out best shot, VirtualLarry.

At one point, I really thought this was a troll post. Come here with a problem and asks for help, help is given, and the response is "I don't believe you, prove it".

I could see something like that from a junior member who just joined, but from a senior member who has been here since 2006?

 

[VirtualLarry]

To be sure though, most mobos with an 8-pin EPS12V socket, will POST with only an ATX12V 4-pin plug plugged into the appropriate half (whichever fits easily, they are keyed). This is for backwards compatibility with lesser or older PSUs with only the 4-pin ATX12V connector.

So even though the OP seems to be having massive trouble with this little issue, I don't think that's his main problem. He may have some defective components, or may have damaged the CPU socket.

Or maybe OP fried the mobo's CPU VRM circuits or the PSU by plugging in the 4+4 pin plug "awkwardly". (Not correctly, and shorting something out by forcing it in.)

 

[UsandThem]

To be sure though, most mobos with an 8-pin EPS12V socket, will POST with only an ATX12V 4-pin plug plugged into the appropriate half (whichever fits easily, they are keyed). This is for backwards compatibility with lesser or older PSUs with only the 4-pin ATX12V connector.

So even though the OP seems to be having massive trouble with this little issue, I don't think that's his main problem. He may have some defective components, or may have damaged the CPU socket.

Or maybe OP fried the mobo's CPU VRM circuits or the PSU by plugging in the 4+4 pin plug "awkwardly". (Not correctly, and shorting something out by forcing it in.)

I agree, who knows. I'm not sure how much power is being provided by his power supply by just using one of the 4-pin connections. Maybe it was enough to power a motherboard from 2011. The power specs since then have changed on what the CPU needs. He never listed what model his old motherboard was.

I just don't understand why if someone has a power supply with two 4-pin CPU connectors, and a motherboard that has matching connections for both of them, why they are scared to use them? It's the same thing with video cards. Some have no external power connections, some have one, some have two. Just fill those connections up if they are there!

The OP said he was changing parts around, and removing it out of the case for 15-20 hours, so he could have shorted it somehow or zapped it with some static electricity.
Maybe he pulled components out when was plugged into the wall.

Only a fly on the wall will know for sure.