NUC9i7QNB unable to turn on, the status LED is solid green, all USB ports have power.

[Zheng_LKG]

I am building 5 machines using NUC9i7QNB and MasterCase NC100. So far two machines will not boot with case fans connected but will boot with case fans unplugged, after booting without unplugging the power cable and reattaching the case fan will allow the system to boot and restart with no issue. If the power cable is unplugged the machines will no longer boot if the fans are attached. Need to repeat the process again for it to boot again.

A third machine had this issue, and it suddenly becomes unable to boot, the only way I got it to boot was to press the power button at the right moment when I connect the power cable and the system gets power.

[n_scott_pearson]

There is another discussion in the forum (here: NUC9VXQNX won't turn on when fans are connected) where the OP (@Vincentb19) was having the exact same problem with the exact same (MasterCase NC100) chassis and fan assembly. Unfortunately, while the OP indicated that a replacement fan assembly was being sent to him, he stopped responding and we don't know if the replacement fan assembly actually resolved the problem.

It sounds to me like this vendor is having a quality issue. I am not suggesting that you should steer away from this vendor (well, not yet), I am suggesting that you follow up with the vendor regarding this issue.

Hope this helps,

...S

[Zheng_LKG]

Yup, I got some more information form intel support, and notified cooler master about it, they are looking into it. I think the fan specification wasn't communicated between intel and cooler master when the NC 100 is designed, so that caused this issue.

[Vincentb19]

Hello, because the machine is running as a VMware server, we can't shut off the systems easely. The fans did arrive but havent got time to install them. We don't shutoff the system so we have no issue with starting the system when it has been unplugged.  And the fans are working fine except when the system had a power cycle from the grid. hope this clarify's things.

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello Zheng_LKG,  

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.   

In order to better assist you, please provide the following: 

1. Have you installed the latest BIOS version (0054)? 

2. Were you able to load BIOS to default? (the time that the unit booted)

3. Were you able to run Windows updates? (the time that the unit booted)

4. Have you contacted Cool Master for instruction about the connectivity and/or specific steps?

Regards,  

Deivid A. 

Intel Customer Support Technician 

[Zheng_LKG]

1. It's on 0054.
2. That time it booted I did load default settings.
3. There are no update available.
4. I swapped the unit to a different confirmed working case, no boot, I swapped the ram and ssd from a confirm working unit, no boot. From all the troubleshooting steps I did the case, the ssd and ram is not the issue. The NUC is getting power all USB ports have power and the on board LED still lights up solid green, just no response from pressing the power button both onboard and pin out. The RMA process has began for this unit hope the replacement works.

[deltabravowhisky]

Hello @Zheng_LKG 

I've got a similar configuration with a NUC9i7QNB with the MasterCase NC100 and end up with the same issue. All green lights, but no boot.  Also, I have an Asus RTX 2070 mini. I did try some different scenarios with the VC disconnected or the fans unplugged with partial success. But in conclusion, I feel the fans were the main issue, or maybe it's PSU?... I did try to put everything back on the original NUC chassis and everything worked fine.

I bought the case on Amazon and a replacement is on the way. I'll keep you updated as soon I'm done with the installation.

Cheers!

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello Zheng_LKG, 

Thanks for the information provided. Since you open a ticket for a warranty process there is no much we can do. I will proceed to close this thread since you are getting support directly from us. 

If you encounter the same issue with the replacement, do not hesitate to open a new thread and we will happily assist you.

Regards,    

Deivid A. 

Intel Customer Support Technician