PC fails to start or load after adding the M.2 SSD, even once it’s taken out.
PC fails to start or load after adding the M.2 SSD, even once it’s taken out.
Yesterday my NVMe M.2 SSD arrived (1TB XS70) and I began the installation. When I powered on my PC, there was no display or logo appearing, and I couldn’t access the BIOS. I decided to remove it and try again, but it wouldn’t boot at all. After using a bootable USB, I saw a clear white CPU indicator light. Could it be that I slightly dislodged the CPU while installing? I managed to hit it hard because there wasn’t much space—my setup included a MATX board and a somewhat bulky Red Devil 6600XT (later I removed the GPU to free up space, and then reinserted it). After reseating the CPU, I haven’t booted yet. The thermal paste looked poor, didn’t spread evenly, had air bubbles or gaps (as mentioned), and felt greasy. While this isn’t the kind of issue I should be focusing on, I’ve spent a lot of time troubleshooting.
In terms of steps I’ve tried:
- Checked DP/HDMI cables
- Switched GPU ports
- Confirmed proper GPU connection
- Reset CMOS and adjusted pins
- Used integrated graphics in CPU
- Replaced RAM
- Changed SATA ports on the boot drive
- Removed all drives except the boot drive
- Booted without any drives
- Tested monitors and 2 monitors
- Tried using only a single stick of RAM
- Reseated GPU
- Looked for loose power connectors
- Disconnected USBs/Drives to reach BIOS
- Used a bootable USB
Other attempts were made but I can’t recall the details.
Ok definitely will try that, waiting until Monday to try all the recommend trouble shooting as that’s when my thermal paste ships. If reseating the CPU and re-applying thermal paste doesn’t solve it I’m gonna have to bring it to a shop to have parts switched out to see if the motherboard died or something else did. But one other question I disabled my iGPU in the bios but I cleared my CMOS so it should be re-enabled correct?
I believe that's a good point, but I still disabled it for now.
I started without any RAM installed and the CPU debug indicator remains active. I also attempted to update the BIOS using the MSI-recommended method; the BIOS light flashed briefly and stayed on for more than 20 minutes. I’m unsure whether this indicates a successful or failed flash, as some users report different behaviors after a BIOS update. I’m awaiting further guidance from MSI while considering hardware swaps as a possible next step.