The problem with asking Asus about the motherboard is that I did not purchase it! Kevin very kindly gave it to me because he had upgraded to a new motherboard and CPU.

Oh right. How did you obtain W10? Do you have a valid licence? Or indeed a valid W7 licence key? Either will work currently with W10. 

Can you install the new HDD in your old PC and install W10? Don't worry about activation. Then transfer HDD to new PC.

Activation will fail, so activate by calling Microsoft. Explain you have upgraded hardware and they will activate it.  Or simply explain that you had issues install W10 on your new PC, so needed to do so via your old PC and transfer. As long as they are satisfied you are only installing on ONE PC should be fine. 

Edited January 1, 20206 yr by martin-w

12 minutes ago, martin-w said:

Oh right. How did you obtain W10? Do you have a valid licence? Or indeed a valid W7 licence key? Either will work currently with W10. 

Can you install the new HDD in your old PC and install W10? Don't worry about activation. Then transfer HDD to new PC.

Activation will fail, so activate by calling Microsoft. Explain you have upgraded hardware and they will activate it.  Or simply explain that you had issues install W10 on your new PC, so needed to do so via your old PC and transfer. As long as they are satisfied you are only installing on ONE PC should be fine. 

I had to call MS for my 8700 build, they insisted on seeing my receipts for all the new pc components before activating win10 for me!

The problem I see with installing Windows 10 on my existing PC (and then installing the HDD in the new PC) is that it will not solve the underlying problem. If I have a faulty motherboard, then that is almost certainly going to cause further issues. However, if this is nothing more than a RAM compatibility problem (I am not optimistic, but you never know), then I should know by close of play on Friday. I would have to purchase more RAM, but it would at least be a temporary solution until I have the cash to buy some of that fancy RGB stuff

Edited January 1, 20206 yr by Christopher Low

28 minutes ago, kevinfirth said:

I had to call MS for my 8700 build, they insisted on seeing my receipts for all the new pc components before activating win10 for me!

 

Wow! I've never had that issue Kevin. Built a PC for a friend of my daughters a couple of months ago, you may have seen the thread here. Had trouble with the W10 key I had, wouldn't work. Rang MS and they were great. They went though lots of troubleshooting steps before finally giving me a brand new key.

Iv'e had to ring them quite a few times, never any issues. There must have been something in your case that made them suspicious. 

Edited January 1, 20206 yr by martin-w

Quote

The problem I see with installing Windows 10 on my existing PC (and then installing the HDD in the new PC) is that it will not solve the underlying problem. If I have a faulty motherboard, then that is almost certainly going to cause further issues.

 

True, but at least you would be up and running. And if further issues you know it was the board all along. But yes, eliminating the RAM as an issue is first priority. 

 

Quote

until I have the cash to buy some of that fancy RGB stuff 

 

I installed Trident Z RGB in the PC I recently built for someone. I have to admit, it did look great. 😉

Edited January 1, 20206 yr by martin-w

The window in my case faces away from me so I never see tht fancy RGB stuff  😎

 

You know you can turn LED's off anyway. 😁

My new PC is being taken to the local computer hardware shop today for testing. The new RAM that I tested yesterday (confirmed as compatible with my motherboard) exhibited exactly the same problems as the previous sticks when I booted the PC I suspect that I have a more serious problem, but I will post an update as soon as I have any news.

With Asus you can download the manual for a motherboard from the support web site I always do as it comes in A4 size better and later sometimes than the manual that comes with it.

2 minutes ago, rjfry said:

With Asus you can download the manual for a motherboard from the support web site I always do as it comes in A4 size better and later sometimes than the manual that comes with it.

Fully agree, as with my own Asus, and being able to check Christopher's too.

I am now taking it on Monday. He has another five PCs to test before mine! Based on what I have told him (and the tests that I have done), he says that it will be motherboard, CPU or PSU.

2 hours ago, Christopher Low said:

I am now taking it on Monday. He has another five PCs to test before mine! Based on what I have told him (and the tests that I have done), he says that it will be motherboard, CPU or PSU.

Christopher, before you take it on Monday and have a wait, is it possible for you, if the rig is still with you, to get the CPU out and if you have a magnifying glass, look at the pins array as Martin had suggested 'maybe bent pins'? As for a motherboard being kaput, maybe a hairline crack has broken the tracks? Just a surmise.