Issues with PC after hardware modifications?
Issues with PC after hardware modifications?
I modified some hardware on my PC. Swapped the graphics card to a GTX 2080 and replaced the CPU cooler with a case (which doesn’t matter). Initially, the system struggled to recognize my SSD with the OS installed. After resolving that, I installed BitLocker. Completed all steps but had to update my BIOS. I’m running Windows 11 but secure boot wasn’t turned on, which was necessary for activating BitLocker again on the new board. Updated BIOS and then encountered a black screen. I tried removing the CMOS battery and used the reset button on the back IO, but it didn’t help. The only outcome is a persistent black screen; I can’t even access BIOS. My GPU is off and I connected a HDMI directly to the motherboard.
EDIT: Tried it ten times and it finally worked. Could anyone please guide me through the BIOS settings?
Full system specifications, including the PSU make and model (or part number), are available. Please confirm the age of the PSU and whether it was purchased new, used, or refurbished. Do not reuse old operating systems on the new build. Install a brand new, fresh Windows installation with a new build. For troubleshooting, refer to this checklist: https://forums. Currently, one of the following is failing or all are affected: CPU, MoBo, RAM, or PSU. If the monitor problem persists, it may be related to that.
So - did it function properly?
You might need help with adjusting BIOS settings to ensure compatibility between your old and new motherboard.
The specifications include a Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Master, an i7 9700k processor, a Cooler Master MA824, a Corsair Vengeance Pro 32 GB at 3600MHz, an MSI RTX 2080 Super Gaming X Trio, a 990 Evo Plus 1 TB with Windows 11 installed recently, a 990 Pro 2 TB for gaming, a Cooler Master MWE Gold 1050 V2 (also purchased new), a Corsair Frame 5000d. When I updated my system (new motherboard, GPU, CPU cooler and power supply), the initial issue was that the SSD couldn't be recognized by Windows 11. After reinstalling it, the problem persisted—Microsoft repeatedly requested a BitLocker key, regardless of how many times I restarted the computer. It appears to be tied to the motherboard. Therefore, I removed BitLocker from both drives.
In BIOS, Secure Boot was disabled, so I attempted to re-enable it for Windows 11. However, I encountered a black screen and couldn't access BIOS. Following instructions, I finally entered BIOS and resolved the issue. Now I’m back to using the computer (without the GPU at the moment), but I still need Secure Boot turned off. When I tried to enable it again, the setup displayed an error: “invalid signature detected – check secure boot policy.”
What steps should I take to correctly configure everything in BIOS?
Are you really relying on bitlocker? Do you possess any confidential commercial or government information on your computer? (or something illicit)
If something harmful occurs to your computer, bitlocker can significantly hinder data recovery and might even render it unattainable.
For a typical user, bitlocker adds unnecessary complications without real benefit.
Bitlocker also lowers the performance of SSDs by up to 45%, because the CPU must constantly decrypt and encrypt files whenever you access any file on a Bitlocker-enabled drive. Unfortunately, Bitlocker is set to turn on by default during the installation of Windows 11, so you need to disable it manually, which can take a long time—often an hour or more—until the CPU finishes processing your entire drive.
I had to endure that lengthy process when I first assembled my two AM5 builds using a fresh Windows 11 install.
However, getting Secure Boot to work with an existing operating system typically doesn't succeed.
The suggested approach is:
Create a breadboarded system without an OS drive, enter the BIOS, turn off Secure Boot and TPM, update the BIOS if necessary, then re-enable Secure Boot and TPM. After that, connect the OS drive and install Windows.
This was the method I used with my two builds—the correct one.
I really don't understand what breadboarded system means or how to handle it. Was it an idea to create a fresh installation of my OS drive again, just like before, but this time remove the old one, change the BIOS settings and then reinstall? Should I leave Bitlocker on and only use the original CD key? Also, do I need a spare 870 EVO SATA SSD 500gb for this purpose?
The approach involves using a breadboard setup to achieve the simplest configuration and then verifying functionality by booting into BIOS/UEFI. Breadboarding entails: * Placing the motherboard onto any cardboard box (outside the PC case) * Disconnecting the GPU (if your CPU includes an integrated graphics unit) * Removing all storage drives, including the operating system drive * Installing the CPU and CPU cooler * Inserting only one RAM DIMM in the correct slot (typically the second slot from the CPU, but check the motherboard manual) * Connecting the monitor to the motherboard (when an integrated graphics unit is present) * Attaching 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power cables (ensure the PSU switch is turned OFF before connecting the power cables) * Linking the keyboard and mouse * (Connecting Ethernet is optional but necessary during installation of Windows 11) Once connected, switch the PSU power switch to ON and attempt to power on the system. Some motherboards include a power-on button (such as my AsRock X870E Nova Wifi), but most only provide power-on + and - terminals that need to be bridged or briefly touched with a small tool. To shut down an active build, press the power button on the motherboard (if available) or switch the PSU off. The process can be summarized as: Spoiler: Breadboarded image (click here to view) This is my personal AM5 build that I breadboarded and assembled a month ago. Ideally, if the bare minimum functions without problems—CPU, motherboard, RAM, and PSU—the system will successfully POST and boot into BIOS/UEFI. Inside BIOS, you can update the BIOS settings, toggle Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 (Intel) or fTMP (AMD), and explore further options. For example, enable/disable RAM XMP/EXPO. For a brand-new build: 1. Update the BIOS to the latest version. 2. Activate Secure Boot, TMP 2.0 (Intel) or fTMP (AMD). 3. Power down, install an SSD for the operating system, then power it back on to return to BIOS (to confirm the SSD is recognized). 4. Power off again and insert a USB thumb drive with Windows installation media. 5. Turn on the system and proceed with the installation. Follow the guidance at: https://forums. Your choice to breadboard and re-install OS depends on whether you want to enable Secure Boot, or if you’re comfortable with a standard setup. If you used the official Microsoft account during installation, you should have one. If so, reinstalling Windows and logging in with that account during setup will suffice for activation. However, if you bypassed the Microsoft account and created a local account during installation, the process becomes more complex. The version of Windows you’re using matters too—retail, OEM, or enterprise—since OEM keys are single-use but should work across different boards with minor adjustments.
Thank you for your clear instructions. Based on what you described, it seems you want to remove all unnecessary components and proceed with a straightforward installation. Your motherboard already has everything needed, so changing the BIOS and reinstalling the OS drive from the USB should work. You can keep the device in the case if it fits.