ASUS ROG STRIX X570-E GAMING Not Posting Q-Code 36 and 39

[_rage_]

My ASUS ROG STRIX X570-E GAMING refuse to post.

I get this error on the Q-code "36 "CPU post-memory initialization. System Management Mode (SMM) initialization "
And white VGA LED shines on motherboard.

My specs.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5900X
Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX X570-E Gaming
RAM: G.Skill TridentZ F4-3600C17Q-64GTZSW (Compatible on QVL list for this motherboard)
GPU: ASUS ROG STRIX 1080Ti OC (Newest firmware and Nvidia DP 1.4 patch)
PSU: Corsair AX1200i

What I have tried to solve this problem.

* I have flashed ALL bios versions supporting 5000 series CPU using BIOS Flashback, several times with every hardware change like RAM. Flash process works, light blinks slow, then faster for a few minutes and goes out at the end.
Versions tested:
2606
2802
2812
2816
3001
3202
3402

*I have reseated CPU, RAM, GPU and all power cables hundreds of times.

*I have inspected every port possible on motherboard and all connections on hardware for dirt or damage with my 20X magnification glasses. Nothing found.
*Processor Pins are all in good condition, nothing bent.

*GPU and PSU works perfectly fine in my old computer that I use daily,

*I tested all possible RAM configurations with 1 stick, 2 sticks and all 4 sticks. And yes of course the recommended A2 B2 positions.
*I tested another set of RAM Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK64GX4M2E3200C16

*I reset BIOS many times by jumper on motherboard, by removing battery for hours.
*Tested to clear CMOS before BIOS flash.
*Tested to clear CMOS after BIOS flash.
*Tested to clear CMOS before and after BIOS flash before first attempt to power on.

*I tested another GPU that works in my old computer ASUS Geforce ENGTX 560Ti DCII TOP
*I tested GPU in all 3 PCI-E sockets.

*I tested using 3 different screens.
*I tested several different HDMI cables and DVI cables.

*I tested with all my drives, fans, USB ports connected.
*I tested with the bare minimum of 8Pin CPU, 24Pin Motherboard power, 2x 6Pin GPU power and GPU, 1 stick of RAM, CPU, 1Cpu fan and Power button connection to motherboard.

*Tested different cables on my PSU for GPU.

*I tested to not have any RAM at all, Got error 21. (Ram error)
*I tested to flash a BIOS that are old and don't support 5000 series. Got CPU error RED CPU LED.
*I tried many more tings that I forgot to mention, I'm totally out of ideas by long ago.
*I tried to remove the GPU, then it's the same error. Same if it's plugged in and if it's not. (GPU works in my old computer though)
*I even prayed to god for mercy.


Error is always the same. Stops on Q-code 36 and white VGA LED shines.
I tried to let it sit on that error for over 14 hours, noting happens.

When I power on the fans start, rgb on GPU lights up, looks very normal.
Motherboard flips through the qcodes, in the end it goes to these codes 36->39->36 and stops there and then GPU slows down and stop spinning, but RGB shines. (GPU fans don't spin in idle in windows btw only when under load or startup)

That Q-Code 39 that it flips too for a half a second is "Post-Memory North Bridge initialization (North Bridge module specific)"

So this is what I got:
"36" "CPU post-memory initialization. System Management Mode (SMM) initialization "
"39" "Post-Memory North Bridge initialization (North Bridge module specific)"

Seems to me there is a problem in the early post process once System Management Mode is initialized and once it have reserved it's RAM or something and then try to proceed with it's thing. Maybe get locked in itself and don't release hypervisor control back to BIOS/OS and freeze on 36?
CPU broken? Firmware Bug?
I'm not too familiar with this process so could be totally wrong here.

I contacted ASUS support, they said I had tried everything and that I should return the motherboard to seller.
I returned the motherboard to seller, they tested it with an 5800X CPU and unknown RAM,GPU,PSU and they got it to post and boot windows 10 and run Cinebench.
They also said they updated the Bios as I requested them to do. (In case BIOS flashback was corrupted somehow)

When board was returned to me, it was still the same error with my 5900X and my hardware.

Any ideas? I have been trying to solve this for about 2 months now. 😞

[Bcspd]

Mmm maybe. Maybe not.
We're talking stock settings here. No overclocking. No other loads (electrical or work) except CPU + RAM. Should at least be able to post I would have thought.

Rage will need to clear up if he used both the 8 pin + 4 pin power to get it to work?

And code 36 seems like a silly report if it's the case - Nothing to do with memory at all....

[Erwin05]

Bcspd wrote:
Mmm maybe. Maybe not.
We're talking stock settings here. No overclocking. No other loads (electrical or work) except CPU + RAM. Should at least be able to post I would have thought.

Rage will need to clear up if he used both the 8 pin + 4 pin power to get it to work?

And code 36 seems like a silly report if it's the case - Nothing to do with memory at all....

What PSU did you swap it with from your friend?

I would stick with a bad PSU.

[Meccano]

I can't undersand why they cant sort these problems, the 00 error still today and i get "what, ohh must be your CPU. I've tested every component and it's the Motherboard WTF. Now out of warranty. Nowi can't get a new one because it made redundant as is the 400 series i hear. So now spend again for a new motherboard a new CPU new RAM and a new cooler. FFS talk about reduncey in play. i'm sick of it and no help from Asus, why would they ....the want the money f>>k the customer now matter how loyal,,,,, Pfffff.I've been Asus for 10 years and this is bB))))()X .time for a newteam player. i will mix it up next time , not all in one basket....not finished ;). Another thing and it's not uncommon. Trying to look for help you get fill out you details etc then near the end ask for your serial number or your component, well i have mine as it there in B&W took a photo but when i try to type it out in the support section automation says no ? won't lets me move on. DON'T PUT A BLOODY SERIAL NUMBER ON THE THING IF YOU DON'T HAVE RECORDS. Stupid but them most just walk away out of frustration... Bad practice and it's all that's over the web. You will probably delete this but i'll post it when i can.. Discusting behaviour