Asus strix Z790-E gaming wifi - error 00 after 1 week utilisation

[TiagoCaetano]

- **Motherboard:** ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
- **Processor:** Intel Core i9-13900K (13th Gen) Unlocked
- **RAM:** 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000 (2x16GB)
- **Graphics Card:** NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super
- **Storage:** 1TB WD Black SN850X NVMe SSD (Gen4)
- **CPU Cooler:** Noctua NH-D15
- **Power Supply:** BeQuiet Straight Power 11 850W
- **Case:** Cooler Master MasterBox MB511 ARGB
- **Operating System:** Windows 11 Pro

### **Issue Encountered:**

After using the computer normally for one week without any performance issues or overheating, i left it in sleep mode all afternoon. When i tried to wake it up, the computer wouldn't start. I forced a shutdown, and when attempting to power it on again, the motherboard displayed error code "00" and immediately shut down. The fans spun for about one second before stopping, but the power LED and the motherboard's aesthetic lighting remained on. At the moment everytime i try to turn on the computador it happens the same.

I already tried to clear CMOS and flash-drive the bios with the latest version.

[JohnAb · Accepted solution]

According to your manual, code 00 means 'not used', so that's strange. I'm assuming that nothing else has changed since it last worked, like BIOS or other updates? I'd suggest trying the following if you haven't already:

1. Turn off the power at the PSU for a few minutes and re-test

2. Reset the BIOS to defaults using the motherboard reset switch and re-test

3. Double check all cables for a loose connection at both the motherboard and PSU sides

4. Check for anything else that could be loose or out of place, including the GPU and RAM modules

5. Ensure that your CPU is properly mounted and that the cooler is also snug. If you get to this stage and it still isn't working, try removing the CPU, check for dust/debris and bent pins very carefully and re-mount, don't over-tighten anything. Snug should be all you need. Don't forget thermal paste if re-mounting.

6. Order a PSU tester, they only cost around £10-15 from Amazon

Hopefully one of those things will work...

[TiagoCaetano]

Thank you very much for your assistance and for taking the time to help me with this issue. Here’s an update based on the steps you suggested:

1. I tried turning off the power at the PSU for a few minutes, but unfortunately, it did not resolve the issue.

2. I performed a BIOS reset and flashed the BIOS driver. The process completed normally, with the flash drive blinking several times before finishing. This leads me to believe that the problem might not be with the motherboard.

3. I checked all cables and discovered that one might have been touching a fan, which I corrected. However, this did not change the situation. All cables were connected properly; specifically, I initially had the 8-pin CPU power cable connected to the motherboard, and I’ve since added the 4+4-pin CPU power cable as well. Despite this, the problem remains unchanged.

4. I disassembled the GPU and RAM, then reconnected them. Everything seemed to be in order.

5. I inspected the CPU and motherboard pins, and none appeared to have issues (I have attached a photo for reference). I applied the thermal paste correctly and did not apply excessive pressure when reattaching the cooler.

6. I have ordered a PSU tester and expect it to arrive in a few days. I will keep you informed of any developments.

Additionally, when I tried to start the computer after the suspension I  connected simultaneously my iPhone via USB to the front panel of the case. This might have caused some electrical alteration. However, with the BIOS reset and the PSU being turned off for a few minutes, I would expect that this should have been resolved, correct?

Thank you once again for your help!

[JohnAb]

Sorry that nothing worked and I agree that the pins in the socket look good, as do the CPU pads. 

Even when a USB socket is shorted or overloaded, it normally resets after a power off / reboot and I doubt that an iPhone would have caused a problem anyway. 

The only other thing I can think of right now is whether any other devices are plugged in, apart from the mouse and keyboard? I've had a faulty USB device in the past, although it didn't prevent booting. 

I suppose you could try removing the GPU, just to see if you can get past code 00. Maybe that has a fault, probably unlikely but worth a try, connecting the monitor to the iGPU socket instead. 

I hope that the PSU tester reveals something when it arrives. If not, then you might need to contact Asus support in your country and see what they can suggest. Perhaps the motherboard (or even the CPU) has developed a fault, it does happen sometimes, but if I have any further ideas I'll let you know.

Otherwise, it's probably a case of swapping parts that you might be able to borrow?

 Thanks for the update and good luck. This sort of problem can be difficult to resolve. Maybe you have a PC shop nearly and maybe they might be willing to swap some parts if they have a test bench?

[achugh]

Hi @TiagoCaetano you can also try a minimum system test i.e.

• Have only 1 memory stick in A2 slot
• Only Keyboard  connected to the USB slot, remove everything else that is connected
• Remove your GFX card as well as any other card and connect the monitor directly to the board
• Remove all M.2 drives as well as any SATA drives except your OS Drive

If you start now, are you able to get past this 00 code? Are you able to get into BIOS?

If the above test fails, can you take your board out of your case and run the above minimum system test? It could be possible that something on the back of the board is touching the case causing a short circuit. When you take out the board put it on the board's cardboard box or use any cardboard box available to keep under the board. You do not want to cause an electrical short circuit so be careful.

[TiagoCaetano]

Hi, thank you for help!
I did everything you said, nothing worked. Even in minimum system test, it happened exactly the same. 

Here are some photos of how I did the test to make sure everything was right. I tried with 8 pin cable solo and 8 pin plus 4+4 pin cable.

[TiagoCaetano]

Hi again!
I tried as you said, without any other usb and connecting the monitor to the iGPU socket. Didn't worked.
Yes, I hope that the PSU tester reveals something.
Swapping pieces will not be easy to do, because I only have 1 computer and I work in another country, so if the tester shows that the PSU works fine, I think ill have to contact both intel (processor) and Asus (motherboard) to see what we can do. Do you think they will accept the guaranty? I really don't understand how this happened, but I must just accept it as bad luck 😅
Anyway, thanks for staying with me! I'll update you when I receive the tester (next Monday I hope).

[achugh]

Hi @TiagoCaetano I am with JohnAb and believe that the possibility of a bad PSU is higher over CPU or the board. If you can somehow find another PSU to test that will certainly help to troubleshoot your situation.

Your post is now moved into ROG Care section so the ASUS Support team will be able to help you out. Good luck!

[TiagoCaetano]

Hi again
Right, as soon as I receive the tester i'ill let you updated.
Thank you very much for your help!

[JohnAb]

I've heard of people doing motherboard returns many times, so I think Asus are generally pretty good on that. They might might want you to try what they suggest first of course.

I think that Intel are also very good, but they might want you to try a new motherboard first. Whatever, I think you'll get it sorted eventually, but a big inconvenience I know. 

I did think about a possible short like Achugh has mentioned, but probably unlikely - although it is possible if you added too many motherboard mounting posts or put them in the wrong places, so something else to check until you get the PSU tester... Hopefully it is a faulty PSU, at least it would be simplest to correct.