Framework responded with the following regarding getting the mainboard to boot:
Can you please try the following steps to fix the issue:
- Remove all the expansion cards.
- Remove the top cover of your Coolermaster case.
- Plug the power adapter directly from any of the expansion slots.
- Press the chassis open switch in the center of the main board 10 times, you must press it slowly, so press for 2 seconds. Release, and wait for the red blink on the motherboard LEDs. Press, etc.
- Put everything back with the external display also plugged in before powering on.
- Turn on the standalone CPU and wait for at least 15-20 minutes to finish the memory training and hardware detection.
- Wait till it boots up to your Operating system or your BIOS when there is no OS currently installed.
Framework also responded with the following regarding the lack of an RTC battery:
Please note that we designed the AMD 7040 series with the RTC battery optional which is the reason why we’re shipping without it. This reduces environmental impact but also lets us comply with new regulations around child safety for coin cell batteries. The impact of this is that your system clock will reset if you unplug the main battery, but your OS will pull the latest date and time when it next connects to a network time server. For standalone Mainboard use without a main battery, you’ll be able to pick up an RTC battery in the Framework Marketplace shortly. 13th Gen uses a bare ML1220 coin cell, while the 7040 Series uses one on a two-pin connector.
Please perform the steps below and see it if helps.
- Plug in the system to AC.
- Remove the Input Cover.
- Press the chassis open switch in the center of the Mainboard 10 times, you must press it slowly, so press for 2 seconds. Release, wait for the red blink on the Mainboard LEDs. repeat.
- Press the power button to boot the system
- BIOS settings will be reset to defaults.
Perhaps that will help others.
For myself, I’ve decided to return and refund the items and will pursue something else.