ASRock Rack AM5ID4-2T/BCM won’t power up

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1

Hi all,

I own a AM5ID4-2T/BCM which will not startup with 12V available and PG (ATX-power-good) asserted. It is powered by a HDPLEX 250w GaN PSU, both 8-pin EPS (12V) and 4-pin (+5VSB,PS-ON,PG,GND) connectors are used.

When using either BMC Power Control or PWRBTN, the board pulls PS-ON low (active low), the PSU provides 12.8V on the 8-pin, and PG is asserted (checked with scope on ATX breakout cable). The CPU fan will not start and the BMC LED will continue to show the heartbeat pattern. HDMI output has no signal. BMC will report „performing power action failed“. 12V is continuously up, even after this error reported. BMC logs (including the debug-log) do not reveal anything useful.

Standby Voltages are shown OK by the BMC, other rails like 12V never get readings. The BMC does not show inventory like CPU, memory, etc.

The problem „developed“ over time, initially, the board was 100% OK. Without any hardware/software change, it then refused to startup via BMC but still worked via PWRBTN, after some weeks it would spontaneously shutdown on occasion, few days later, I could not get it to start via either BMC or power-button.

Unfortunately, I do not have spare CPU or board to cross check.

Any ideas on what I could try before requesting RMA?

Greets, Andreas

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Could be a PSU issue. Try the board with a standard ATX PSU. If it works, consider changing the PSU instead of the board.

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Hi Andreas,

It sounds like you’ve gone through a detailed troubleshooting process already. Here are a few more steps and checks that might help identify or resolve the issue before you proceed with an RMA:

Firstly, try clearing the CMOS and resetting the BIOS to its default settings. Sometimes, a corrupted BIOS can cause startup issues. Additionally, inspect the motherboard and components for any visible damage or signs of wear. Check for bent pins, burnt areas, or swollen capacitors, which might indicate a hardware issue.

Next, ensure that all power connections are secure and properly seated. Loose connections can cause intermittent power issues. Try booting the system with only essential components connected (CPU, one stick of RAM, no storage or peripheral devices). This can help determine if an additional component is causing the issue.

Overheating can also be a cause, so ensure that the CPU cooler is appropriately installed and that thermal paste is applied correctly. Check for any firmware updates for the motherboard or BMC that might address startup issues. Sometimes, updates can fix bugs that cause problems like this.

Consider replacing the CMOS battery, as a failing one can sometimes cause startup issues. If possible, test the HDPLEX 250W GaN PSU with another system to ensure it’s providing stable power. Re-examine the BMC and system logs for any specific errors or warnings that might give more insight into the issue.

Double-check the Power Good (PG) signal with a multimeter or oscilloscope to ensure it’s within the expected range and stable. Lastly, consulting manufacturer support might provide additional troubleshooting steps or fixes, as sometimes specific issues are known to them.

If all these steps fail to resolve the issue, it would be reasonable to request an RMA, as it seems you might be dealing with a hardware failure that developed over time.

Good luck, and I hope one of these steps helps to resolve your issue!

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It took some time, I had to cannibalize another system for a proven 525W PSU. Unfortunately, exactly the same behaviour, boards turns on PSU OK, but does not boot the CPU.

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Hi Shadowbane, thanks for you detailed suggestions.

I did go through most of the steps you mentioned but did not see anything that would help me. One thing I still want to try is reflashing the AST2600 with 2.01.00 (which is already present, but who knows). And I might take off the cooler and CPU to see if there‘s any thermal paste spill. I pretty sure I have a non-conducting thermal paste and did not apply too much, but the CPU needs to go off for RMA anyway.

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@orfeo At this point, I think the best option is to RMA the CPU if you can. Sorry I wasn’t able to help anymore.

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Hi @orfeo,

I have exactly the same issue with the same board since three days, and I wonder if you already have found a solution or at least the culprit?

Best regards,
Lukas

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Anyone has an update regarding the issue?

I was going to buy the same board and want to make sure it does not have the boot up issue like X570D4I-2T.

@orfeo what memory module are you using? That could be the issue as well.

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Hi Luksus, sorry for my late answer.

I went through some basic diagnostic steps with ASRockRack support in Netherlands. In the end, they advised to request RMA and I did so. The reseller in turn sent the board to ASRockRack for analysis. They eventually shipped a new board, which is working fine. I asked for some additional info regarding the failure mode, but they did not respond to this.

My personal guess would be the onboard I2C. The board has this special Knoll boot device instead of a complete chipset, and if I2C fails, the CPU wont boot. It’s only a guess …

Greets, Andreas

1 Like
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I have 2x32GB of Micron MTC20C2085S1EC56BR, which is (true) ECC.

I am quite sure, my MOLEX connectors are straight. The board worked OK initially for quite some time. Boot problems were intermittent at first, then happened more frequent.

I put some effort into diagnosing the PWRBTN# and PG signals and the 12V rail. This all seemed OK. But the CPU did not start and the BMC inventory was unable to show CPU-type, memory, PCIE-device etc. Also, most sensors were shown as not fitted.