01-05-2025 03:25 PM - edited 01-05-2025 03:26 PM
What steps can I take to make sure it is not the motherboard and the sytsem panel header that are not the problem before I confirm it is instead the case wiring. This is a new build.
I've searched and found an example or two of poor front panel wiring being the cause of the power and reset buttons on the front panel not working.
I had already updated my ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO motherboard to the latest BIOS via the Flashback method and today turned everything on and prepared to install Windows 11 Pro only to find the power and reset buttons on the front of the case are not working. I proceeded to use the power button on the motherboard and loaded 11 Pro via USB.
That leaves the issue of the power button. I already returned and exchanged one Cooler Master HAF 700 EVO case to New Egg due to a manufacturing defect that would not allow me to install the power supply. The case was a pain to pack up and return but at least trying to install the power supply was my first step and nothing needed to be un-installed. The USB connections that I've tried on the front panel work. I haven't tried audio.
With my build essentially done other than installing the rest of my drives and cleaning up the cabling, returning, and exchanging would not be fun and will be a last resort. I'm hoping it is just a simple wiring issue on the front panel connector that plugs into the motherboard. What are some troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue? Anyone else HAF to deal with this? Thank you.
Solved! Go to Solution.
01-05-2025 09:45 PM
I shorted the two motherboard header pins and the computer started up. Looks like it is the case front panel cable on the case. Thanks.
01-05-2025 04:21 PM - edited 01-05-2025 04:26 PM
There is nothing clever about the power and rest switches on the case, they are very simple 'press to make' switches.
Step 1 - Make sure that you have actually connected the wires to the correct motherboard pins. I did a build the other day and the diagram was less than intuitive. Next, disconnect the power and reset wires from the motherboard and try (carefully) shorting those pins directly. If that works, your motherboard is OK.
Step 2 - investigate the switches on the case, you might be able to take things apart and look for a wire that isn't connected or has come loose. Most likely you'll be able to find the fault, especially if you have a multi-meter.
01-05-2025 04:57 PM - edited 01-05-2025 04:59 PM
Looking at the front panel header, there are 4 header pins towards the inside/top of the motherboard and 5 pins on the outside/bottom edge. The empty pin is on the top right if looking at the installed motherboard. PWR_BTN is in the top right, Reset is on the bottom. Which pins am I shorting together? Thank you.
ROG Maximus Dark Hero Fr Panel header
01-05-2025 09:45 PM
I shorted the two motherboard header pins and the computer started up. Looks like it is the case front panel cable on the case. Thanks.
01-06-2025 01:57 AM
OK that's progress. Just to be sure, have a look at those pins in the motherboard manual. It should be clearer.
From your picture, it seems clear that the power button connects to pins are 3 & 4 (top row) but it's less clear to me if the reset pins are 3 & 4 (bottom row) or 4 & 5 (bottom row).
Anyway, at least you know the problem seems to be the case switch or the wiring to it. That's half the battle and good luck.
01-06-2025 09:29 AM