First PC assembly – MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI + i7-14700K startup problem

Troubleshooting a First-Time PC Build: MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI and Intel Core i7-14700K Startup Challenges

Building your first personal computer can be an exciting journey, but it often comes with its fair share of troubleshooting. Recently, I embarked on assembling a new system featuring the MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI motherboard and the Intel Core i7-14700K processor. While the process was rewarding, I encountered an initial startup issue that I want to share, along with some insights that might help others facing similar challenges.

The System Configuration

Here’s a rundown of the components involved:

Processor: Intel Core i7-14700K
Motherboard: MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI
Memory: 32 GB DDR5 (2×16 GB modules)
Graphics Card: Asus PRIME OC RTX 5070
Power Supply: MSI 850W
Cooling Solution: Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 water cooling

The Issue: No Display and Motherboard LED Indicators

Upon powering on the assembled PC for the first time, there was no output on the monitor. The startup behavior was characterized by:

Looped flashing of the CPU and DRAM LEDs on the motherboard
Persistent flashing of the DRAM LED
No rotation of case fans despite the water cooling pump operating

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Given these symptoms, my first steps involved basic checks:

RAM Installation: I confirmed that the RAM modules were properly seated in the A2 and B2 slots as recommended by the motherboard manual.
Power Connections: Ensured all power connectors, especially the CPU and motherboard power cables, were securely connected.

Despite these efforts, the issue persisted.

Possible Causes and Solutions

This type of problem could be attributed to several potential causes:

Memory Compatibility or Seating Issues:
Even if RAM is correctly installed, it might not be recognized if incompatible or improperly seated. Try reseating the RAM modules or testing with one module at a time.
BIOS Firmware Compatibility:
The motherboard BIOS might need an update to support the latest CPU. Since the MSI B760 motherboard is relatively new, verify whether a BIOS update is available and apply it accordingly.
Power Supply and Connections:
Although the power supply appears to be functioning, double-check all power connections, including the 8-pin CPU