NF750-G55 Not posting

[thevirtuesofxen]

Just received the MSI NF750-G55 from a local store. Once I powered on the computer after building, the system did not POST and there was no video signal. I did the standard troubleshooting procedures listed on MSI's website by taking everything out, putting it back in again, clearing the CMOS, ensuring wires are seated, taking all memory out/switching DIMM's, plugging in the minimal amount of components and inserting a non-conductive material between the motherboard and the case backplate to no avail. Inside the PC is a:
-AMD Phenom II X4 965
-Corsair TX850W
-Cooler Master V8
-WD Caviar Black 1TB

Any help is greatly appreciated. I would like to avoid returning/exchanging this product, it seems like a nice mobo if it would work.

[chef jeff]

Ensure CPU power connection established: ATX 4 pin 12 volt power connection. Do fans spin?  What memory? Try initial assembly out of case on a non-conductive base?

[thevirtuesofxen]

The ATX 4-pin connectors are attached and seated properly. The fans spin. The memory is DDR3 12800@1600mHz, which I understand to be more than the motherboard can handle, but is RAM essential for the BIOS to POST? The Active State LED is also lit, in the ON position. The motherboard behaves the same on a non-conductive surface. The motherboard is currently installed in between static-less foam and the back plate of the case.

[chef jeff]

Yes, the ram is essential.  Still need further specs on ram ie. manufacturer and timings.  You should give as much information as possible to facilitate assistance.  I suspect ram is problem as the board may be able to handle this ram but not on intial installation as this constitutes an overclocked scenario.  I suggest posting with a less aggressive ram.  Then, if you get to bios you can adjust timings to manufacturers recommended timings, shut down, reinstall faster ram and attempt to post with the overclocked 1600.

Check here:  http://www.msi.com/uploads/test_report/TR10_1874.pdf

[thevirtuesofxen]

Sorry for the lack of details, it is manufactured by OCZ, has 9-9-9 CAS latency and is clocked at 1600mHz. The interesting thing is the speaker does not beep, as computers without RAM usually do, when there is no RAM inside the computer. I will replace the memory with 1066 RAM and post if there are problems.

Thanks for your help, Chef Jeff.

[chef jeff]

There should be one more number there on the end of those timings.  That link I sent from MSI website shows the tested, supported modules for the board.  Maybe try something there.  Good luck and keep us posted.  We want to make sure you get up and running.   

[thevirtuesofxen]

Sorry the ram itself does not have the last number on it so I had to look it up. It's 9-9-9-24. I'm providing a link to the memory.http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0322202
Again thanks for the help.

[chef jeff]

Not saying it won't work.  However, if you look at the link I supplied, the only OCZs are two 1G modules on the tested list.  As you can see there are plenty of other 2G modules that are tested as ok on the board.  At 1600 MHz that is.

[Fredrik]

If it doesn't post you most likely have a processor problem: Unsupported, damaged, under-powered, poorly seated.
Somewhere in-between is a short to the motherboard, which usually is caused by a stand-off/spacer/distans left where it shouldn't be behind motherboard and case.

[thevirtuesofxen]

Well the clip holding the processor was down and the light showed that power was going to the processor. That and I've never heard of AMD phenom ii 965's having issues like DOA. The processor was put in the right direction and has been double checked that it has. Also, as mentioned before, the anti-static foam the motherboard came seated on was installed to help separate it from the case.

[Henry]

Take that foam out of there. It's anti-static because it's electrically conductive.

[chef jeff]

Also, as mentioned before, the anti-static foam the motherboard came seated on was installed to help separate it from the case.

Oh my goodness.  How did I miss that?  Yes, please remove that foam.  Henry is spot on. 

[thevirtuesofxen]

The problem I'm finding is that all that ram is older and hard to find. I bought all my parts from a local store and when I return my current ram I want to exchange it for another. Is that the most up-to-date list on the nf750. I've checked their website which is in direct connection to the store so anything it has the store has and I can't find any of that ram.

[chef jeff]

Did you take that foam out?     Check this link:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193&Tpk=F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ

[Henry]

 I have never run across someone putting foam in there like that before. If it needed insulation like that we would all be using something, we don't.

[thevirtuesofxen]

Yes I get it, I took the foam out. I have that v8 processor cooler and that thing is so big that I figured the problem may be that it is bending the mobo in a way that it touches the case and grounds it. So I figured put something in-between them and what better than the stuff the mobo came on. Not my best idea but this is also my first full build.

[chef jeff]

Yes I get it, I took the foam out. I have that v8 processor cooler and that thing is so big that I figured the problem may be that it is bending the mobo in a way that it touches the case and grounds it. So I figured put something in-between them and what better than the stuff the mobo came on. Not my best idea but this is also my first full build.

So, you did attempt to post before you installed the foam behind the board correct?  If not do so.  The foam may have been the cause of the no post.

[thevirtuesofxen]

No, the foam wasn't originally there. That was a troubleshoot. It didn't post before that.