ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-E GAMING Motherboard, A2 Code Solved

Question

Hello everyone!  I am building a gaming PC for the first time, but I'm running into some issues.  Here is my setup:  https://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00337508.html https://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00337274.html https://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00265391.html https://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00269039.html https://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00305684.html https://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00335277.html  And for the graphics card, a friend is lending me an old GTX 660 while I wait for the market for the new RTX 3000 to stabilize :p  Everything seems compatible. But after assembling the PC, it powers on fine until I encounter an error message "A2" on my motherboard, the "BOOT" LED is lit green and only a black screen stands before me. I can't even access the BIOS.  From what I've understood from my research, it's the motherboard that can't detect any drive.  Now I have a few questions that I'm struggling to find answers to, and I would really appreciate your insights if possible!  - Am I supposed to have access to the BIOS despite the drive not being recognized? - Could it be just an issue with the M.2 SSD? If so, how can I test it since I don't have another PC that can read it? - I saw that there is a possibility to update the BIOS for ASUS, but it seems to be done through the BIOS interface. Am I wrong?  Thank you in advance for any help provided and see you soon :)  Marie

AgentMulder · Answer

Hello,  A code A2 seems to indicate a problem with the storage devices (SSD / HDD).  Normally, you should be able to access the BIOS in the absence of a SSD / HDD.  However, it may still be an issue with the SSD. Try booting with the SSD in the other M2 slot, and if it still doesn't work, try booting without the SSD.  Otherwise, to update the BIOS, you indeed need to be able to access it.

Marie · Answer

Hello, thank you for your quick response!  Unfortunately, I should have specified, but I have already tried booting with the m.2 in both slots, and the same error occurred. I also tried to boot without any disk inserted, and of course, the same error appeared, no access to the BIOS either.  I also attempted a BIOS reset, but it didn't change anything. (Clear CMOS with a short circuit)  So it's not a BIOS version problem if the update can only be done through it!  Marie

AgentMulder · Answer

So the error doesn't seem to come from the SSD itself.  What can prevent access to the BIOS, among other things, is an error from the processor or RAM. Is the installation of these components correct? No damaged pins on the processor? Are the memory sticks properly seated in the correct slots?  If you start with just one stick of RAM, does it give the same error?

epango · Answer

You chose a motherboard that is unnecessarily expensive. With the resources you invested in the motherboard, you should have gone for a Z590-based motherboard that would already be future-proof. It could very well be that the lack of display is due to the graphics card. You should have chosen a CPU with integrated graphics (non-F model) that would have allowed your PC to function while you waited to get a RTX 3000.  Finally, regarding the BIOS update, this motherboard allows for BIOS updates without a CPU or without a functional CPU. You need to use a USB drive. Check the manual to see how to proceed.  -- To misname things is to add to the misery of the world (Albert Camus)

Marie · Answer

For the RAM, it doesn't change anything. For the CPU, it's going to take me a bit of time, I'll have to take off the water cooling to take a look D:  See you soon

macbernic · Answer

Hello, can we have a small photo of your setup (wiring, LEDs, etc.) see you later!

macbernic · Answer

Why did you put your graphics card in that PCIe slot? It would be better to put it in the other one, the one closest to the processor. Be careful to reattach your water cooling for the next startup ..;)  See you!

macbernic · Answer

yes, it needs to be put in the other one, and cooling must be present even for a small test like this...;) to avoid frying the processor. you're welcome, everyone contributes their stone to the building ;))

Marie · Answer

Hello,  I have reinstalled the water cooling after all. ^^  I changed the port for the GPU and... still nothing, I'm still facing the same problem.  So do you suggest I test/change the GPU? The same goes for the SSD?

flo88 · Answer

Hello  I skimmed through it, so maybe there's already an answer given above. A2 is as Epango said (in principle) The fault is directly related to the M.2 SSD, you need to remove it and check if the boot proceeds to the BIOS. The descriptions of the Asus codes are here: https://www.asus.com/fr/support/FAQ/1043948/#5  -- Signature Euskadi Ta Askatasuna

macbernic · Answer

code from the motherboard manual:  @+

macbernic · Answer

Looking more closely at your photo, I wonder where you plugged in your water cooling since the fans are running and there's nothing plugged into the AIO socket. Moreover, after testing a similar board (same system Q-code), an A2 code appears when the CPU cooling (fan or otherwise) isn't connected. The A0 code appears when no disk is connected.

Marie · Answer

Hello!  Um, I had just unplugged the water cooling for the photo, but it is indeed connected to the "AIO_PUMP" socket located in the middle of the motherboard. The fans are connected (in series?) to the "CPU_FAN" socket at the top of the motherboard.  Should I check the connections? How can I test it? What struck me is that the pump was completely silent and also wasn't heating up. Is that normal?  Marie

macbernic · Answer

Here is what the manual says, and it's not very clear indeed....  So you have connected in A+D, and what if you connect in C+D? @+

Marie · Answer

Hello,  Sorry for the lack of response, I had to delay my PC build a bit ^^  Indeed, I am connected to A+D.  I just tried C+D, no changes. ON THE OTHER HAND, I noticed that the water cooling was connected to 3 molex branches, and upon rereading its manual, they specify that an adapter with 4 pins should be used to connect it if the "motherboard does not provide enough power to the pump."  This adapter is, according to the manual, included with the water cooling, but I'm really not sure which one to use... I only see one that could fit with 4 male molex branches and 4 female molex holes. (It looks a bit like this, with the male connector exposed: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/514nG8QK20L._AC_SL1000_.jpg )  I think it makes sense in relation to what you're saying, macbernic, that the problem might come from there! Do you think the adapter (extension?) described above is okay?  Marie

macbernic · Answer

Good evening, yes, it's a Molex extension, but in the manual for your water cooling, it says this:  The SATA adapter labeled "Q" can be used to connect your pump directly to the computer's power supply, and I think you should connect your fans to "A."  See you later!

Marie · Answer

Hello hello!  First of all, thank you for your patience! I'm not very skilled, but we're making progress :D  Next, GOOD NEWS, I no longer have an A2 status code but now an A9 status code! I did as you told me, I connected the water cooling directly to the power supply with the SATA adapter, and the fans to A.  Now the bad news... Normally, according to my various readings, I should have the BIOS showing up on the monitor, but unfortunately, nothing displays at all :( Moreover, the "BOOT" LED is still lit in green.  https://www.asus.com/fr/support/FAQ/1043948/#7  I followed what is stated in the link above and: - The cable and the monitor work, I use them with my laptop normally, I'm using the correct HDMI output, etc. - The graphics card is powered, the fans are running (Maybe there's still a problem at this level, like with the water cooling?)  Now, since it mentioned SSDs, I did try putting my SSD in the M.2 slot and I went back to an A2 error... But we’ll see later, even though I'm starting to have trouble understanding the logic of the status codes for this motherboard ><"  I tried connecting the HDMI cable to the HDMI output on the motherboard, and that didn't work either. (A2 status code, Boot&VGA LEDs lit)  I imagine the next problem comes from the graphics card then? :/  Marie

dachiasse · Answer

Hi,  I haven’t read everything.  Have you checked the intensity and voltage of the modules (WC, Fans, etc.)? I had read that for fan hubs, they have a limited power and you should rely on that, more than on the maximum number of fans you can connect to it.  Since I haven’t read it, I don’t know if you have one of those fan hubs, but if you have created a surge, you won’t be able to repair the affected fan port.

Marie · Answer

Hey!  It seems like there are no more issues with the water cooling and fans in general. You're saying that I might have potentially damaged the AIO_PUMP connector on the motherboard, right? In the pump specs, we have Rated Voltage 12V and Rated Current 0.7A. In the specs for the AIO_PUMP connector on the motherboard, I see Max Current 1A and Max Power 12W. Does that seem okay to you or am I not looking in the right place? :p  Otherwise, we're at "I should be seeing the BIOS but nothing is displaying."  Marie

macbernic · Answer

Good evening, Can we have a small picture of your entire setup?  See you!

Marie · Answer

Hey everyone!

So I was able to see my friend today and we tested the graphics card. And the problem was just that, the HDMI port on it isn't working.

So there you go, a lot of fuss over nothing ^^

Otherwise, the A2 code still showed up just before the BIOS screen asking me to press a key. And then I was able to access the BIOS without any problem. I was able to install my OS without any issues after that. In short, my build and components were fine, it was just a problem with "that old graphics card of my friend" :-)

Anyway, thanks for all your help everyone and good luck to all!

Marie

macbernic · Answer

Cool, I’m happy for you ;)) Enjoy your new computer!! Have a great end of the weekend ;)!!  See ya!

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