EVGA Z490 DARK (131-CL-E499)
- 150 -
System does not POST, and POST code
indicator reads “C”
When the system powers on, the POST code indicator should cycle through several
different codes before booting. However, if the boot process does not complete, you
should look at the LED indicator, as it will give you diagnostic information. When a
POST code indicator cycles through codes and stops at a specific code, this is an
indication that initialization of a specific component or process on the board failed. If
you power on the board and it goes directly to “C,” and nothing
else, that is an indication of a CPU-related issue. If the board
cannot detect the CPU in the socket, the POST code display will
display a “C”, as well. It is not likely a faulty CPU, although it is
possible; instead, it is most likely a CPU power issue. To the
right of the CPU socket, there are are two 8-pin power
connectors (outlined in
blue
in the image to the right). These
connectors are the main power for the CPU, and without power
from the PSU the system cannot fully power on and initialize.
Depending on your motherboard, you may have one or two of
these connectors; at least one must be plugged in. Both of these
connectors are equivalent.
Make sure the plug is fully-seated and also make sure that the tab
on the socket and the release on the power connector are on the same side (see the box
in
blue
on the second picture for the tab on the EPS connector). If the connectors do
not line up, then you have plugged in a PCIe 8-pin into the EPS connector, which may
cause irreparable damage to the motherboard or the
CPU. For the Z499 DARK, attempting to plug in an
8-pin PCIe plug will likely damage the motherboard’s
PCB due to the right-angle connectors.
If the PSU is modular, make sure the cable is fully-
seated on the PSU side as well. Also, only use cables from your PSU manufacturer for
your specific PSU, because using a cable designed for a different PSU may have
catastrophic effects. Finally, ensure that the cable on the PSU side is plugged into the
connector for the CPU, typically labelled “CPU” or “EPS,” but consult your power
supply manual for the correct plug.
