Motherboard does not boot after attempting a clean install

G

grimjelly

New member
Joined
May 22, 2022
Messages
4
I bought this motherboard as part of my first build. I was able to install the OS and boot into Windows. However, I started having problems grabbing updates. I had 2 SSDs installed. After discussing the issue with other more well-versed people, I was informed that this is an issue with Windows where the updates are spread across both SSDs but the OS thinks it's only on one. It was recommended that I do a fresh install and grab the core updates with only 1 drive installed then add the other one back in later. Using Win 10 Settings menu I reset the PC, but when it restarted it didn't boot and after some time even the fans on the GPU stopped spinning. I tried powering off and rebooting but nothing happened. I tried resetting the CMOS using a screwdriver to bridge the jumper pins but that has had no effect. Checking the EZ Debug LEDs on power up showed that the CPU LED was red, the DRAM LED was white and the VGA LED was white. The BOOT led wasn't lit which I take to mean that it can see my setup tool which I had on an external drive plugged in. I've re-seated the RAM, the GPU and the CPU including the cooler and now only the CPU led (still red) and the VGA LED turns on when I try to boot.. I've checked the GPU and the locking clip is engaged and I can't push it in any further so I think I've connected it correctly. When I re-seated the CPU, I checked and couldn't spot any bent or damaged pins.

The attached file is a text file of the system configuration.

I did try and set this up as a support ticket, but the website doesn't do anything. It just refreshes clearing some of the fields and doesn't actually create a support ticket.
 

Attachments

citay

citay

Pro
SERGEANT
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Messages
6,885
You attached that text file? Why not just paste it in the post like so:

System Configuration:
CPU : i9-12900
RAM : Viper Steel DDR4 64GB (2 x 32GB) 3600MHz Kit
GPU : Inno3D 3080
MB : MSI PRO Z690-A Wifi DDR4

Don't cause us extra work please 🙂

One thing is missing from the list, but it's very important, especially with a powerful system like yours. What's your PSU (exact model and age)?
 
citay

citay

Pro
SERGEANT
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Messages
6,885
Ok. First, your graphics card has a 0dB-fan-mode in idle, meaning the fans will not spin when it's not in a game / not hot enough, so that doesn't mean anything. I would take out the graphics card for all further troubleshooting, it only increases the complexity. Your CPU has integrated graphics, use that for now. Put your video cable on the rear I/O of the board (DP or HDMI).

Second, your boot issues. It's true that for installing Windows, installing just one SSD is best, then adding any other drives later. So when you had two SSDs connected, it possible that the installer put the Windows Boot Manager on one SSD and Windows itself on the other SSD, that could explain why it won't boot afterwards. A Clear CMOS cannot solve this, because this is the expected result of removing one drive from a configuration like that. You simply had to boot from the USB boot drive again (a USB stick prepared with the Win11 Media Creation Tool, booting from it by pressing F11 after turning on the PC) to do a fresh Windows install to the single SSD.

The odd thing now is this: Why did the Clear CMOS cause the CPU, DRAM and VGA LEDs to come on? I mean, they always come on during the checks, but then they are supposed to go out again.

So right now, when you take out the graphics card, you have the CPU LED still on? Re-do all the cables, make sure the EPS12V 8-pin cable is plugged in fully onto the CPU_PWR1 header next to the CPU.
 
G

grimjelly

New member
Joined
May 22, 2022
Messages
4
I've attempted a couple of times with the GPU taken out and it still goes through the same behaviour and doesn't boot. It doesn't display anything through the GPU when it's plugged in or the integrated graphics. All the cables are fully plugged in.
 
citay

citay

Pro
SERGEANT
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Messages
6,885
Can you make a video and upload it to Imgur or Youtube or whatever and link here? I want to see what happens with the EZ Debug LEDs.
 
G

grimjelly

New member
Joined
May 22, 2022
Messages
4
Sorry for the long time between responses. Some other business required my attention.

Some good news! It boots properly now. It stated "Unable to load Windows correctly" and I went through the process of resetting the PC as I wanted to in the first place. I've been able to get into Windows and are grabbing updates. Also didn't need to install the wifi drivers separately,

I'm guessing my issues stemmed from not giving enough time to fully power cycle the system and some stuff remained. I currently have it plugged into the integrated graphics and haven't tested the graphics card yet. I'm planning on doing so when I'm satisfied I have the required drivers.
 
Top