ASRock Taichi Debug@99+never POSTed, N00Born Build

I'm doing my first build (parts listed below), and have run into a Dr. Debug code 99 roadblock. I'd really appreciate some help. 

"Dr. Debug code 99: Problem related to PCI-E devices. Please re-install PCI-E

devices or try installing them in other slots. If the problem

still exists, please remove all PCI-E devices or try using

another VGA card."

 

At this point, I've

• Removed all SATA devices.
• Removed the HDMI monitor cable.
• Removed the M.2 SSD (still hanging at 99)
• Removed 7 of 8 memory modules (Corsair LPX Vengeance CMK128GX4M8B3000C16), still at 99.
• Removed my brand-spanking new ASUS Strix GTX 1070 graphics card, and the code stopped, predictably, at b2 (my i7-6800k CPU has no integrated graphics).
  Replaced the GPU (tried both of the 16-lane slots), back at 99.
• Unplugged, drained and reset CMOS. Several times.
• Did a deep reset, kept battery out overnight. Still 99.
  
  

It seems I may have a convergence of these two issues:  Code 99 and the need to get some slower memory to get through the hardware checks to POST, so that I can update the BIOS in preparation for my 128k memory kit.  Thanks @parsec and @xaltar your troubleshooting advice on similar threads addressing these issues, listed below:

<http://forum.asrock.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2966&title=fatal1ty-x99x-killer-problem-starting-up>  
<http://forum.asrock.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1704&PN=1&title=x99-extreme-6-code-b0-or-60> 

I don't have any spare parts.  And I'm stranded an hour from town with my car in the shop for several more days ... sorry, I'll lay off the whining and get to the questions: 

QUESTIONS:

• Is there anything else I can try w/o new parts?
  
  
• Do I need to RM my graphics card?  
   
• RAM: Do I need to get some different memory to get to POST, even if the graphics card is perfect?  If so, do you recommend that I get more than one stick? Should I keep it on hand for rebooting after CMOS is cleared in the future?  
   

N00Born VFX Simulation Zen b&w Workstation

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor

CPU Cooler Thermalright True Spirit 140 Direct (heatsink+fan)

GPU: Asus GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Video Card

Motherboard: ASRock X99 Taichi ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard

Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 128GB (8 x 16GB) DDR4-3000

Storage (OS+Programs): Crucial MX300 750GB 2.5" Solid State Drive

Storage (working scratch): Crucial MX300 1.1TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive

Storage: Western Digital Red 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case

Power Supply: SeaSonic PRIME 750W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply[/url] 
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0 DVD/CD Writer

Monitor: HP 23xi 23.0" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor

Monitor: Asus VP239H-P 23.0" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor

Monitor Stand VonHaus Gas Spring Dual Articulating Monitor Arms w 2 USB Ports

Keyboard: Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard Wired 4000

UPS: CyberPower gx1325u

EDITED BY WARDOG TO CORRECT FOR LARGER FONTS

Edited by wardog - 11 Jan 2017 at 9:48am

Annnnd...... Here are the mem configs for X99 boards. FYI

Your memory is not too fast for the board to complete POST. Your memory will operate at its default speed, which is 2133 according to the specifications Click on Tech Specs:

http://www.corsair.com/en-us/vengeance-lpx-128gb-8x16gb-ddr4-dram-3000mhz-c16-memory-kit-black-cmk128gx4m8b3000c16

Until you set it to a higher speed. That is standard procedure for any memory whose top speed is an over clock, as yours is.

Memory speed is not your problem, it is not starting at 3000. Corsair describes the multiple "XMP" data sets (the stock speed data is not XMP, but that does not matter) in their memory FAQ. If you ever got 128GB of memory working at 3000, that would be amazing, but you're not at that point yet.

For more support, try Corsair's support, which they encourage people with issues to use. I highly suggest you contact Corsair too:

https://corsair.secure.force.com/home/home.jsp

I can only find three models of 16GB DIMMs in your board's Memory QVL. That did not include your Corsair memory. But that memory should be compatible according to Corsair. Given the model number you supplied, it's a kit

I can't believe a 1070 video card cannot work in your board. Can you try it in another PC to verify it works? Since the error was apparently PCIe related, checking the video card is a given.

Some cheap DDR4 memory I can guarantee will work in your board is the Crucial model below. I've used it with my ASRock X99 board, and an i7-6800K:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148856

You could just get one for use as testing, you can boot Windows 10 fine with 4GB of memory, and plenty to spare.

I hate to bring this up, but before you installed the CPU, did you check the socket for bent pins? That is job number 1 anytime you receive a new mother board.

Since you mention this is a new, first build, I must ask this: Did you connect the 8 pin CPU power cable from the PSU to the board? It seems you did, the CPU would not start without it.

Next, the eight pin CPU power cable can be confused with the eight pin PCIe/video card power cables. Usually not a problem with Seasonic PSUs, but worth checking.