GA-H61N-USB3 Brand new build won't post/ reboot loop

[lemjello]

I already RMA'd one of these boards back to Newegg because it was doing exactly the same thing. First, here are the components.
GA-H61N-USB3
I3-2105
Crucial PC3L-10600U 2X2GB
120 GB SSD
Apex case with 250W allied PS

I want to use the built in graphics but I can't get into the BIOS for anything. I tried already, swapping out the RAM for 1.5v that I know works. Using every combination of the 2 slots. Tried it inside and outside of the case. Tried it with a PCI gfx card that I know works. Tried resetting the CMOS many many times. Tried a 300 w desktop PS and a 650W Crucial PS that I know is working just fine as it is in the build that I'm typing this from. I've tried the various things I've read on the forums about holding the power switch and turning off the power switch, etc, but so far, none of those have worked either. I do have a ticket in with Gigabyte, but was hoping on getting some feedback sooner....before the return period at Newegg expires.

What happens every time is I press the power button and the fan will spin and the phase LEDs will come on for like a second then it will shut off and turn back on. Everything will stay spinning and lights will be on for a while longer this time and then it will shut off and do that same loop indefinitely. I'm thinking the BIOS needs to get updated. I have no idea what version it is at the moment as I've never been able to get either of these boards to post. I'm at a loss. Is there a way to update the BIOS without being able to see the screen?

I am willing to try anything. Please if anyone has had anything that sounds remotely close or has some kind of voodoo trick that might get this thing going, I'm willing to try anything. I may not be able to actually get to the machine till tomorrow, but I will have all day and night to try any suggestions. I will check back every once in a while today and answer any questions anyone might have. Thank you in advance!

[wazza300]

have you setup outside of the case to rule out posible short? made sure the 4pin cpu and 24 pin motherboard psu plugs are plugged into the motherboard?

for the ram positions its miss first ram socket from cpu then install a stick,miss one ram slot,install a stick

[lemjello]

There are only 2 slots for ram on this board, and I tried with just one stick in each slot, also with both sticks, also swapping the 2 sticks order. Yes as well to the 24 pin and 4 pin connectors. with all 3 different P/S I've tried.
Yes, I also tried with the MB in the case and outside the case as well. With both boards, and tried all the combinations again that way. I just find it hard to believe that it's 2 MB with exactly the same issue which leads me to think it needs a BIOS update. For instance, if it has the first BIOS, I don't think the I3 2105 was out yet, so it might need the latest BIOS to recognize and be able to use the processor? That's the only thing I can think of. Unless someone else has run into this before and has some secret thing that will make it work.....that's what I'm hoping on. Thanks for the reply. This is such a frustrating thing. I've built close to 100 machines and never come across this issue. I've read about people having similar issues to mine, but not this exact one. Most people seem to get it working through the help of people on the forum which is why I'm reaching out. Thanks again

[wazza300]

i didnt realize it had only two ram slots,i should have googled first

you might be right about the unsupporting bios,you could either purchase a chip that supports from first bios or rma the board back to gigabyte for them to update the bios for you

you can also try taking the board to local pc repair store and ask them to update the bios for you,i think its the best step to take before moving onto other things

[gfm6]

Got the same exact routine: starts, stops, etal.

Does this with or without anything connected so it has to be in the basics of the board. Only thing I can think of is that I made a connection of two wires that said just P (+ and -) to the reset pins on the board, but the wires came from the power button so that seems logical since there's also a power switch connection as well.

I have several Gigabyte boards of all types and this is the first such problem I've ever had with them.

[profJim]

i3-2105 requires the F2 bios. (Support Intel 22nm CPU)
E3-1230 requires the F7 bios.

Note:
F3 = Intel 22nm CPU support update
F5 = Support Intel 3rd generation 22nm E1 stepping CPU (Ivy bridge)
F7 and F8 = Improve memory compatibility
F1 is the initial bios and all processors in the support list require F2 or higher.
F1 date: 2011/07/07
F2 date: 2011/08/04

You might have the F1 bios or your cpu might be defective.
Remove your cpu and inspect the cpu socket for bent pins; it is very difficult to find bent or broken socket pins.
Each pad on the bottom of the cpu should have a small mark that indicates that the socket's pins are all making proper contact.

[gfm6]

Best solution. I'm returning this for a refund. There's no sense having to spend hours doing all kinds of tests and checks just to get a motherboard to do a simple thing like start up and post something on a monitor.

This endless loop apparently is quite common with this model. If there's a solution I just don't have time to discover it.

[lemjello]

After going through tech support with Gigabyte, they suggested RMAing, and I also sent all the info to Neweg as well, and they ended up doing an RMA and paying for shipping, so, it will be try number 3 with Newegg. Hopefully third time is a charm.

[gfm6]

Hopefully it's third time lucky. But then there's the other issue that prevails.... motherboard failing after 2 or 3 months.

I think I'll have to pass on this one.

Maybe in the mini ITX world there's something better on the drawingboard somewhere. Got all the other pieces ready to go.

[dk12414]

I have exactly the same problem. New build with a i5-3450 Ivy Bridge processor. I am also thinking that the BIOS revision might be outdated and not recognize the CPU. However I can´t check the BIOS since it will never get that far. Only goes to splash screen but it is not possible to enter BIOS.

Did you get it sorted?

Thanks in advance.