Device fails to initialize with no display or audio output.
Device fails to initialize with no display or audio output.
My PC has functioned normally until today when I tried to turn it on. After powering it up, Windows displayed an endless loading screen—just a small spiky icon with the logo—lasting 10 to 15 minutes before it finally stopped and remained black. The system became increasingly unstable, often crashing during startup. Initially, I attempted the Startup Repair option; the Windows logo indicated it was loading, but once completed, my screen went dark. I couldn't access Safe Mode, restore from a previous point, or perform a clean install.
I then decided to reinstall Windows from a USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool. The process was identical—endless loading. Further investigation suggested a potential problem with UEFI or legacy boot settings, so I adjusted BIOS options in the BIOS menu without success. Resetting the BIOS didn’t help either.
Concerning hardware, I removed and reinstalled RAM one stick at a time, but it didn’t resolve the issue. I ruled out RAM as the cause since it worked fine otherwise. My specifications are listed below:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Motherboard: Asus Crosshair vii Hero
- CPU: Ryzen 3900X
- GPU: RTX 3080
- EVGA XC3 Ultra
- PSU: Gigabyte 750W
- RAM: Trident Z Neo 16GB / 3200MHz
It confirms at least one POST test exists, suggesting your motherboard and CPU hardware are likely intact. Pulling the drive out would give a different outcome, but you won’t be able to boot into Windows. Also, make sure your BIOS is up to date. Edited September 25, 2022 by Bombastinator
I haven't refreshed the bios after setting up the system. I'll make an update soon and check the results.
I’m surprised it functions at all then. AMD CPUs often mimic Intel designs since developers rarely test on their own hardware. This explains why the QVL matters more for AMD users. The BIOS is one of the few options to adjust settings and staying updated with AMD CPUs is crucial. If a problem arises, you can simply revert it. Many issues remain undetected until they become noticeable. There are some odd cases too—like a peculiar Zen2 bug that only appeared with two monitors instead of one or three. It was resolved via a BIOS update. Edited September 25, 2022 by Bombastinator
I ended up disconnecting almost all non-essential components from my system until only the boot drive remained connected, allowing me to boot from USB or another drive. Once I restored Windows and added back devices, removing the oldest storage drive caused Windows to refuse booting and become unbootable again. The system is now working properly without that drive. I don’t know the exact cause, but it functions without it.
It looks like a shiny crystal disk paired with a tool kit—possibly a screwdriver and wind chime set. The plates have a reflective finish and are made from durable metal, producing a pleasant "ting" when struck. Ideal for deterring birds from gardens. The embedded magnets add an extra interactive element. Updated September 25, 2022 by Bombastinator
Sure, it's true that failing HDDs can cause significant issues. I'm glad you're cautious about important data.