Having problems with Asus TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS (red light, doesn't boot)

[TheIrateTurk]

Hi and thanks for reading.

Link to build 

I had to update the bios using the flash button and this was successful without any issue.

I physically installed all of the components except the graphics card and everything was working fine. I had to change a BIOS setting (UEFI?) in order for Windows 11 to install properly, and it did. I was able to fully install Windows 11, download updates etc. Restart multiple times without any problem.

So everything was OK, and then I introduced the graphics card into the build. I was using the 12VHPWR from the Corsair RM1000e PSU rather than the cable supplied with the MSI SUPRIM X GeForce RTX 4090.

The graphics card gave output but I got a BitLocker prompt due to hardware change. Not realising that BitLocker key can be viewed on your Microsoft Account, I thought I would be really clever and take the graphics card out, log into Windows, get the recovery key, and continue what I was doing.

This is when the problems began - the computer just refused to boot. I would get the red light appear on the motherboard next to the CPU and nothing else, no matter what configuration of hardware I tried. I tried with the graphics card, without it, unplugged all the periphery fans and USBs. What is really strange is that the computer did boot twice (out of about 80 attempts). The second time it happened, I thought it was finally fixed, but it went back to the red light the next time it booted.

I am wondering what it might be. Power supply? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @TheIrateTurk 

If the system did boot one or twice, I would consider remounting the CPU and cooler to rule out a bad mount.
Be sure to inspect the socket and CPU pin pad for any debris or damage. Remount the CPU cooler whilst ensuring consistent mounting pressure as per the cooling vendor's guidelines.

[TheIrateTurk]

Hi @Silent_Scone 

Thank you for the advice.

The machine was booting absolutely fine until the introduction of the graphics card, after which point I got the red light error. And once the red light error was there, it did boot another two times (out of about 50). I have tried leaving it on.

Also, not sure if this is relevant but the power button has to be pressed for quite a while rather than just a quick depress of it. If I do not press it for long enough it spins up very briefly before turning off again.

With respect to your suggestion, I actually dismantled the entire set up and put it back together, including the thermal paste, and it has not booted since then, only getting the red light.

Thanks again for your help.

[Silent_Scone]

So, you started receiving the Q-LED indicator light after you removed the 4090?

1. Perhaps remove the system from the chassis if possible and retest. 

2. Ensure that all power cables are fully inserted at both the PSU and component end.

3. Insert a single memory module into slot A2.

Simple diagnostics, but without spare components you're limited.