MSI x58 PRO Won't Post

[battlet3chvx]

# CPU: Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz
# Motherboard: MSI X58 Pro LGA 1366 Intel X58
# Memory: CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
# Video Card: Nvidia 8800GT
# Power Supply: Thermaltake Purepower 800watt

Hello. I just received my parts today and have setup everything in the case. The only things connected are the heatsink, powersupply, ram, videocard, RAM, and CPU.

The system is not POSTing and at first it would wait about 20s then restart itself. I pulled all the RAM chips out and did not hear any beep codes when the system started. I then took out the CPU and repositioned it, but still the same problem. Now it starts but doesn't even power cycle anymore. Also, the video card does work because I'm using it right now to type this message.

Do you think its the motherboard or the CPU? The video-card works fine.

 

[HU16E]

Hi battlet3chvx & welcome to the forum. Remove the PSU power cord & clear CMOS. Reconnect PSU cord & test for boot with just 1 stick in slot #2 (AO) Black. The other sticks can be added later.

 

[battlet3chvx]

Hi battlet3chvx & welcome to the forum. Remove the PSU power cord & clear CMOS. Reconnect PSU cord & test for boot with just 1 stick in slot #2 (AO) Black. The other sticks can be added later.

Hello, I followed the steps you provided (I left the cmos battery out for about a minute) and it's still not POSTing with only one RAM chip in single-slot mode.

 

[Frankenputer]

Set it up outside the case as  barebones, cpu with HS/fan, vid card, 1 ram stick, and PSU(The PSU can be out of the case--probably would be easier for this test.).  Ensure all power connectors are inserted properly, both the 24 pin and the 8 pin(that provides CPU power).  Make sure you do this on a non-conductive surface, i.e, wooden table, piece of wood, cardboard, stack of newspaper(DO NOT USE THE ANTI-STATIC BAG UNDER THE MOBO!). 

While you do this, look back at the case and ensure you did not have any extra standoffs on the MOBO tray. Also, if you have not done this already, this is a good time to record the information from the sticker on the back of the MOBO. People often forget to write this down or take a picture of this(there is information that will be needed in the case of an RMA).

 

[NovJoe]

Have you connect the PSU power connector to your NX8800GT?

 

[battlet3chvx]

Have you connect the PSU power connector to your NX8800GT?

Yes, it actually makes a very high pitched sound when you don't. 

I sent the motherboard and processor (just incase) back for a RMA to newegg. I should hopefully get a new one next week.

 

[NovJoe]

Do let us know the results when the replacements are back.

 

[battlet3chvx]

Good news. I got the motherboard today and it actually POSTed! The only thing that's off is the motherboard is only detecting 4gbs out of my 6gbs even when it's in Triple Channel mode. Grr, any advice? I tried swapping the RAM chips around.

 

[NovJoe]

Does it detects 4GB in BIOS and Windows or 4GB in Windows?

 

[battlet3chvx]

Does it detects 4GB in BIOS and Windows or 4GB in Windows?

4GB in BIOS. I haven't installed the hard-drive or software yet, kind of tired from work. 

 

[HU16E]

Just for confirmation, are the 3 mem. modules populating the 3 'Black' DIMM slots 2, 4, & 6, AO, BO, & CO? It is still best for initial set-up to have only 1 stick in the AO slot, establish stable system, & then add the other sticks later.

 

[battlet3chvx]

Just for confirmation, are the 3 mem. modules populating the 3 'Black' DIMM slots 2, 4, & 6, AO, BO, & CO? It is still best for initial set-up to have only 1 stick in the AO slot, establish stable system, & then add the other sticks later.

Yes, all 3 are in the black slots.

 

[Locutus-of-Borg]

Yes, all 3 are in the black slots.

Just an idea try lowering the speed of the ram to 1066 also you could try memtest on each stick to see if faulty stick

 

[battlet3chvx]

I'm currently at work, but I'll give it a try when I get home to see if one of the RAM modules is faulty. I did think it was odd that it would post, even if there was potentially a faulty RAM module in triple channel.

I'm using 3x 2GB CORSAIR 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) on mobo factory settings. They operate at 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v which should work on factory settings (1066).

 

[Locutus-of-Borg]

I'm currently at work, but I'll give it a try when I get home to see if one of the RAM modules is faulty. I did think it was odd that it would post, even if there was potentially a faulty RAM module in triple channel.

I'm using 3x 2GB CORSAIR 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) on mobo factory settings. They operate at 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v which should work on factory settings (1066).

Not sure what bios your using but msi have posted new bios for your board that says Update CPU micro code.
- Update audio ALC889 table.
- Update memory module

if you do do bios use the usb methord only

 

[battlet3chvx]

I swapped the RAM around again and the system finally accepted the 6gb!

What made me almost laugh as when I got everything up and running, Vista booted up! I installed the motherboard drivers and reinstalled my video card+sound card and everything is running smooth. I'm guessing since my old board was a MSI, I never installed the board specific drivers, the system loaded the default drivers.

 

[NovJoe]

Glad to know that it works fine for you now .

 

[Frankenputer]

 

[battlet3chvx]

Do you guys even trust the Liveupdate program for updating your BIOS?

 

[Frankenputer]

I don't trust any windows based flashing system to flash a MOBO bios period.  I don't care what manufacturers board or utility you are using, flashing in the Windows environment is very risky and the risks are too great in my view.  Now that I've said that, I have used LU 3x on my old 865 without any issue, but, it is very risky to flash within windows.  I only use the forums method now, or, if I were helping someone using another board, I'd use a DOS method.