Hey PCJ, I just noticed your insulation pics.
You need to fill all the gaps around the CPU IHS to keep condensation out of the socket.
Here is a pic of my board insulated.
Also, if your board fails to post with the pot mounted, you may have it screwed down too tight.
When I first mount the pot, I boot dry and warm the pot to about 60C.
This will warm the TIM and allow it to even out somewhat under the pot.
i7-980X | EVGA 762 Classified | 6GB Dom GT 2000C7 | GTX580 SLI i7-2600K | Asus MIVE-Z68 | 4GB Dom GT 2000C8 | GTX580 Martix 69_Goat's HWBOT Profile