Help with Z68MA-D2H-B3 would be appreciated... POST and reboot loop problems.

[Perrytheplatapus]

Hello Everybody,

I have been assembling a new rig. I am using a Z68MA-D2H-B3 with a Core i5 3750k along with 16gb of Cosair Vengeance memory and a Western Digital Caviar black. I am pretty sure that I have assembled everything properly. The confusing part is when I power the system on. The CPU fan spins up and then stops. Nothing will show on my monitor and no POST error beep codes either. The system then reboots again. This process may happen 3-4 times before the system may boot. If the system boots, I will get the successful POST beep code. Then I will get a gigabyte Splash screen. However this fails to give me any relevant information as to my BIOS version. If I try to access the BIOS settings or any of the options to access the motherboard features (Boot menu, Q Flash, ect.) I am unsuccessful. If seems almost as if the keyboard isn't working.

I have tried using a single stick of ram (4gb) instead of the entire kit (16gb), Swapping out the USB keyboard for a PS2 one, Resetting the bios using the clear CMOS jumper, replacing the Bios battery, and trying to use the dual BIOS with the power button and the PSU switch method.

I really do hope it is something I am doing wrong. I really don't have the option to RMA this board because of where I live. If anybody could shed some light, that would be very helpful.

[clanky]

Just a guess but Ivy bridge on a Z68 might require latest bios before it will work properly.

[stasio]

Power supply ?
And try to boot without video card,DVI connect to I/O board.
Any Sandy Brigde CPU?

[Perrytheplatapus]

Power supply ?
And try to boot without video card,DVI connect to I/O board.
Any Sandy Brigde CPU?

Well I am booting without a videocard. Haven't bothered to install a videocard yet. I am using the VGA out on the board as My LCD does not support DVI or HDMI. As for getting a sandy bridge processor to kick the board in to then do a BIOS update, well looks like I am gonna have to buy one of those celerons. I am wondering what are my chances of success with going ahead and buying a celeron though ? How likely is it that the board is not good versus it needing a update ? And as for the power supply its a 600w Thermaltake. It came out out a old build so I am sure nothing is wrong with the power supply as it was working perfectly.

[profJim]

Do you have the EPS12v 8-pin psu cable connected to the motherboard?
Can you test with a different power supply to rule out a possible incompatibility with your current psu?
How old is your Thermaltake psu?
Does it have a 24-pin or 20+4-pin main power cable?
It's best if you build and test with your motherboard sitting on a cardboard box beside your computer case.

[wazza300]

im guessing youll need sb chip also,so you can update bios to one that supports an ib cpu

best option is to take board to pc shop and let them do it or buy a cheap celeron sb chip and flash bios to the latest one

[Hyper530]

According to the CPU support list, you have to update to F10 for the Ivy Bridge, please make sure

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Socket 1155 - Intel Z68 - GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 (rev. 1.3)

[Perrytheplatapus]

According to the CPU support list, you have to update to F10 for the Ivy Bridge, please make sure

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Socket 1155 - Intel Z68 - GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 (rev. 1.3)

Well I figured out as much after a while. I purchased this board before the F10 bios came out. It will be a while until I buy a sandy bridge celeron processor to do a UFEI update. Will keep everyone posted on how it goes. Thanks everyone for your input.

[Perrytheplatapus]

Do you have the EPS12v 8-pin psu cable connected to the motherboard?
Can you test with a different power supply to rule out a possible incompatibility with your current psu?
How old is your Thermaltake psu?
Does it have a 24-pin or 20+4-pin main power cable?
It's best if you build and test with your motherboard sitting on a cardboard box beside your computer case.

The PSU is a Thermaltake TR2 600w. My EPS is plugged in. The power supply is 20+4 pin and everything is properly wired. I had not considered using a different PSU or testing out of the case. Even though I at this point strongly think it could be the BIOS not being compatible with my new ivy processor, I will try what you have suggested anyway and let you know how it goes. Thanks.

[Perrytheplatapus]

Hi guys,

Posting from my new rig right now. I did the update with a Celeron G530 processor to update from the F9 to the F10 Bios and everything is running pretty nicely now. Thanks again for everybody who helped.