I'm currently building a PC for a family member. I've assembled the parts like usual, but when I turn on the PSU, the LEDs of my motherboard blink red and I can't boot the PC. I've tried to connect the PWRBTN# to Ground and use the case button, but no response from the PC. I've also tried shorting these two connectors manually, in case the case button was damaged, but no response either. The motherboard has a set of POST LEDs, which should indicate what exactly is wrong with the system. The fans are not spinning either.
Here is what I tried so far to fix it:
- Remove the two RAM sticks and try them individually on any slot.
- Unplug the GPU and start the PC without it
- Reconnect the motherboard and CPU power supply cables. (Both are pushed in completely so that the clip is down)
None of these things worked. There are no signs of life from the computer, aside from the motherboard LEDs blinking as soon as the PSU delivers power.
Here is the hardware that I am using:
- ASRock B365M Phantom Gaming 4
- Intel i3-9100F
- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 Super
- G.Skill Ripjaws DDR4 RAM (2x8GB)
- Corsair H100x Cooler
- EVGA 600w WHITE 80+ PSU
Note: I remember reading somewhere that the B365M needs a BIOS update to work with the i3-9100F, but I have no I have no idea how I would update the BIOS without CPU. Furthermore, the motherboard explicitly lists the 9100F as compatible.
To answer questions raised in the comments: PSU is a EVGA 600W 80+. The GPU was connected via the 6-pin connector, with the clip snapped into place.
As for the paperclip test, I've conducted the test and the fan of my PSU spins. The RGB light of my liquid cooler connected to SATA also lights up, indicating to me that this component works as well.