Maximus XI Extreme, Post Error stuck at A2 Error Code.

[Rob_Ainscough]

I purchased a new Maximus XI Extreme via NewEgg sold by BTE Outlet (https://www.newegg.com/BTE-Outlet/about) which has a "So, So" reputation (wish I had researched them earlier). The MB was purchased for a client build that was going to happen about 30 days later, so I just now got around to the build and I'm just outside of my "refund" period so have to file a claim with NewEgg and "hope" for resolution.

When I open the box for this new MB, I was somewhat surprised to see it NOT wrapped in an anti-static bag. I think all my prior ASUS motherboards came in anti-static bags.

QLED lights that remain ON are White (VGA) and Green (Boot). The boot sequence displays on the MB QCODE display, CPU - all ok, Memory - all ok, HDD - stops at A2 and I get NO video output at all so no BIOS/EFI screen.

Here is what I have tried to resolve the issue:

1. Removed all HDD and M.2.
2. Tried just one M.2.
3. Tried just one HDD.
4. Tried different GPU (verified GPUs work in another PC)
5. Tried different RAM, changed RAM sockets, just one stick, etc.
6. Tried using the extended DIMM.2 slot for mounting my M.2s
7. Removed all other PCIe cards
8. Removed all USB devices plugged-in

I've never before had a failure booting with any ASUS motherboards (that's well over 40 Asus motherboards over the years of me building customer PCs). So I'm stumped that Asus would have a bad new MB?

I can't even get to a BIOS screen, and A2 code = IDE DETECT.

Any suggestions?

Cheers, Rob.

[makellarispn]

Rob Ainscough wrote:
I found the problem and you were very close. The monitor I was using (not mine, it's a clients monitor) was an older LG 1920 x 1080 (not a primary display and ultimately was going to be a 4th display - 3 projector surround setup with 4th display just for boot) ... it was going thru DVI port on the monitor, then converted to HDMI adapter ... I was told the monitor was good so didn't question it. Well the monitor was NOT good ... I plugged my laptop HDMI into the monitor in question and got nothing, no signal.

Soooo ... I used the HDMI port on the monitor to HDMI on the GPU (Titan RTX) and viola, the BIOS is displayed along with the expected F1 setup and Fan error, yada, yada. So the CPU's were fine, the GPUs were fine, both MBs were fine, everything was fine just a faulty monitor or "janky" monitor connection via HDMI to DVI.

So problem solved, I swear I was questioning my sanity ... note to self, always test everything connected.

Cheers, Rob.

Stiil have the same problem EVEN after i changed my display cable to an HDMI. Got an Asus XI APEX. Can't get to bios no matter how many times i flashed it to newer or older versions. White LED below the Q-CODE still going after i manage to boot to windows by pressing by accident the F2 key. I'm starting to suspect GPU bios to be old or i am just starting to loose my mind with this. Can't get to my bios no matter what. Please help.

[hdtvnut]

Glad to hear OK now.

[pndiode]

Good troubleshooting, I was thinking a defective motherboard. Maybe, you can get good products from an outlet store.

[FunknNasty]

And we wonder why tech support never answers the phone. 🙂

Glad you got it up and running, Rob. Oh, and be sure to report back here on what you can get out of that memory. :cool:

[Rob_Ainscough]

We're going with either one of these (on a Koolance water chiller setup):

5.5 v1.415 - AVX 1 - 4000 17-21-21-40 (4 sticks 32GB)
5.4 v1.375 - AVX 0 - 4133 17-21-21-40 (4 sticks 32GB) -- most likely this profile

5.6 ran most stress testing and benchmarks, but failed on the SiSoftware CPU stress test. Max load peak temp 62C and AVG 27C ... no throttling events ... fixed frequency

Cheers, Rob.

[FunknNasty]

Rob Ainscough wrote:
We're going with either one of these (on a Koolance water chiller setup):

5.5 v1.415 - AVX 1 - 4000 17-21-21-40 (4 sticks 32GB)
5.4 v1.375 - AVX 0 - 4133 17-21-21-40 (4 sticks 32GB) -- most likely this profile

5.6 ran most stress testing and benchmarks, but failed on the SiSoftware CPU stress test. Max load peak temp 62C and AVG 27C ... no throttling events ... fixed frequency

Cheers, Rob.

Thank goodness we didn't chuck the mobo. Very nice numbers ...especially after just a few days running. WTG!

Never gets old, right? 🙂

[Rob_Ainscough]

And it still runs Orbx TE South sub 30 fps ... each additional window (one per projector) drops FPS by 1/3 ... have to use multiple Windows rather than a single surround window due to distortion at 210 FOV.

The monitor issue had me in a spiral, but after resolving that it's about what I expected. Might be able to squeeze more out at -16C AMB but in the UK -8C AMB is about the best we can do to avoid condensation.

Cheers, Rob.

[HisEvilness]

Had the same problem different solution but simply swapping out monitors, GPU's and clear CMOS and making sure a drive is connected that you know is working should be a solid workaround.

Cheers Gents,