GA-X58A-OC New Build Issue: Won't Pass Post

[THP]

Using a known good proc and two sets of RAM, tried multiple PSUs (650w initially, and a 450 spare later)...stumped.

At first, it booted up fine, and I was even able to get into BIOS to set boot priority, launch a win7 install from CD, but it blue-screed at 'starting windows' with a pci.sys error.  I tried a couple more times and the same thing, but different BSOD error messages.  Figured maybe a bad RAM stick, so swapped ram...same issue.  I reset CMOS, same issue.  Went down to 2 sticks of RAM, same issue.  Put in another 2 sticks of RAM, same issue.

After a couple more reboots, I couldn't get into the BIOS setup anymore.  I would see the Gigabyte splash screen, then the code would kinda sit at '52' on the LED readout on the mb, then flash real quick to a couple other numbers, then reboot and go back to C1 and start over.  This cycle continued over and over.  I started disconnecting everything from the board to try to isolate the issue, but no luck...I had nothing connected to it, even removed the vid card, and same issue.  I even took the MB out of the case, insulated it, and tried to boot it from my bench, and still no luck...same issue.

Eventually I decided to re-seat the CPU, and now I get a '00' on the LED screen, then a pretty quick cold reboot.  I've been building systems for 20yrs, and I'm completely stumped.  I guess I need to RMA this, which is a pisser because I'll be down for weeks.  Anyone else have ideas?

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome.

Next the best thing to do is to build it up outside of the case top eliminate any shorts etc.

Some of this may seem like a waste of time but please just humour me and follow the instructions. Firstly post a list of your hardware make and model please. You can put it as a signature at the end of your post if you like.

The next thing is to remove the motherboard form the case and test it on the workbench.

Make sure that you observe anti-static precautions.

Lay some cardboard or use the motherboard box that is non-conductive on the worktop and remove the motherboard/CPU/heatsink/fan/buzzer/one stick of memory/graphics card and PSU from the case and put it on the cardboard. Add the keyboard and mouse and try and boot. The system should try and make a beep or series of beeps. Please post what sounds it makes.

[THP]

"  I even took the MB out of the case, insulated it, and tried to boot it from my bench, and still no luck...same issue."

Thanks Mantis...that was my thought too, so I did try that (see above).  It was well insulated, but the problem persisted.  I also tried a 3rd (550w) power supply...same issue.  Any other ideas?

[Dark Mantis]

Sorry, missed that in your post.

What was the STOP code of the BSODs ?

[THP]

Sorry, missed that in your post.

What was the STOP code of the BSODs ?

The stop codes were random during the install.  I never actually got past the 'Starting windows to format a drive.  The problem got worse to the point where I could no longer even get into the bios.  Just gives a solid '00' on the onboard LED display of the mb...

[Dark Mantis]

The 00 code just means you're in the BIOS right now, if you cant see the BIOS cause your Display stays black, please check the description for POST Code 2b.

Basically 2b is check if there is something wrong with the Videocard, the PCIE slot or BUS, the Monitor or monitor cable. Turn the Monitor on and off, switch the Monitor cable from one D-SUB or DVI plug to the other in case your Videocard has two. If this doesnt help then reboot and load the optimized defaults.

If you still get nowhere try a different graphics card.