Brand new STRIX Z690-G server build can't pass POST with memory issues

[MCH]

Hi everyone, I have recently put together a Node 804 home server to replace a Synology. Here are the relevant parts of the build:

ROG STRIX Z690-G Gaming Wifi M-ATX

Intel Core i3-12100 

Kingston FURY Beast 2x16 DDR5 4800 (have also tried a 2x32 set of 5600)

WD Red 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME

The rest is a Noctua CPU cooler (NH-U12S), a Seasonic PSU (PRIME PX 750) and a bunch of Ironwolf Pro HDDs. 

The build went fine, outside of the Mobo arriving with the CPU cap loose and rattling around in the bag. I'm at the stage where I need to boot the server to BIOS to set up an unRAID flash drive, but I have yet to make it past POST. Every time I try something different the Mobo flashes red through the CPU check and then fails at the memory check. An orange light stays on until I power the unit down.

Based on forum searches I have tried 1) placing both the 2x16 and 2x32 memory, both twin matched and single-stick, in every possible configuration (they were in the correct A2/B2 slots originally). 2) Downloading the latest BIOS and updating via the USB Flashback rear port. (This seemed to work, it pulsed green for roughly 4 minutes then turned off). 3) Disassembling the CPU cooler, checking and resetting the CPU, and reinstalling with less tension. I have also disconnected all the HDDs from the PSU and Mobo at this point, mainly because I hate the sound of turning them off via the power button so frequently. 

Does anyone have any advice about where to go from here? This is my first build and I'm unsure how to continue troubleshooting, especially given that I can't even get an image to pop up on a monitor so far... 

[JohnAb]

If the CPU cover was loose, I'd suggest checking the pins in the CPU socket very carefully for damage. Hard to know what the problem is for sure, but under the circumstances, damaged pins seem like a possibility.

Also, if the cooler was tightened more (before you reduced the tension), check the PCB traces where the posts mount for the cooler. Overtightening the posts without protective washers can cut through those traces and that can also stop the memory working properly. Hopefully neither of those things are the cause, but good to check... 

[MCH]

Thanks for the suggestions! I just spent a good deal of time comparing my CPU to some pics online (mostly the top picture here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1700) and it seems identical. All the pin lines appear "unbroken" and uniform and nothing stands out as being damaged. I also took your advice and examined the PCB traces around the cooler posts. Again, nothing stands out to me. But I've gotta say that I'm no expert in examining these things for damage. 

I also saw some suggestions for moving the NVME away from the M.2_1 Intel slot until after I can upgrade the Intel ME. So I have moved it to the M.2_3 slot for now. That seemed to fix something at least!

The MoBo progressed through both the CPU and the memory check but now it is stuck with both a white VGA and yellow green Boot light on. 

The Boot light may need the HDDs reconnected (even with the M.2)? But I'm unsure about the VGA code, as I don't have a GPU and the Intel has integrated graphics. Still, there is some progress!

[MCH · Accepted solution]

I got cocky after the M.2 success and added a second stick of memory, for a 2x16 DDR5 4800 combo (A2/B2). I added an HDMI connection to the existing Display Port connection to the monitor and that seems to have cleared the white VGA hurdle. Now I'm just trying to work through the yellow green BOOT light at the end. But I'm still unsure about this one, as the M.2 fix worked so I don't know if it still needs a SATA connection and I'd rather not keep power cycling these HDDs if I can help it.

EDIT: Never mind my "yellow green" was actually green as in it passed POST and booted! My only issue now is finding a keyboard that actually works because apparently my Mac MX Keys connected via USB doesn't register.