Display inactive, CPU illumination remains red.
Display inactive, CPU illumination remains red.
You just assembled a new PC but aren’t seeing any display output. It boots normally, no POST codes appear, and your MOBO’s CPU light is red. Your components include: MSI Pro Z690-A 650W PSU, 3060 Ti i5, 13400F DDR5-4800 RAM. You’ve tried removing the GPU, plugging in display cables directly into the motherboard, swapping CMOS battery, and testing with just one RAM module.
Did you install a suitable BIOS? A 13th-gen processor won’t function on a 600-series board without a compatible or updated BIOS being applied.
Having the CPU indicator lit usually means it hasn't started up, so it hasn't booted yet. As 191x7 notes, if it works with compatible BIOS, inspect the CPU socket for issues like bent pins or loose connections—slightly loosen the cooler but remain hopeful it's just a BIOS problem.
The BIOS version didn't match my CPU, so I'm updating it now. Appreciate your fast responses!