PC is boot-looping ?
PC is boot-looping ?
Over time, my computer failed to boot after several attempts. It remained silent, with no display or keyboard indicators, only restarting after ten seconds. Initially, I attempted a BIOS reset on the Gigabyte GA-Z97-D3H motherboard. After trying various configurations over two days—holding power for ten seconds, holding power and resetting simultaneously, and shorting pins 1 and 6—I still couldn’t get it to respond.
The specifications were: Intel i7 4790K, MSI GTX 980 GPU, Corsair 850W PSU. I tested swapping the CMOS battery, resetting the CMOS pins, and all possible RAM combinations. Removing every RAM stick, swapping RAM, and even taking out all peripherals (GPU, case USB, fans, drives) didn’t help. Disconnecting the motherboard from the case left no power to the CPU, and re-seating the CPU didn’t resolve the issue.
I confirmed the PSU was functioning properly. Eventually, after reassembling everything except one case fan power port, it worked once. I thought a faulty case fan might have been the cause. However, the next day it failed again.
With the PC’s age, should I consider purchasing a second-hand replacement motherboard (from eBay) to try? I’m running out of options and unsure why removing just one fan from a single port worked once, but not consistently, even after removing all other components. There’s no LED status on the board, and there’s no PC speaker. It might be related to the motherboard, CPU, or power supply.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
When posting a thread of troubleshooting nature, it's customary to include your full system's specs. Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
If you can, get a hold of a CH341A BIOS programmer and try to reflash teh BIOS with the latest BIOS found off your motherboard's support site;
https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-...-dl-driver
please take note of your motherboard's PCB revision number(located at the bottom left of your motherboard) before you source the BIOS from the support site.
Linked a passive buzzer to the speaker terminals.
It keeps emitting a steady stream of short beeps before restarting.
I think this might point to a POWER problem?
Uncertain if it's the PSU or the connectors on the motherboard/CPU. I've taken them out and checked them multiple times.
I attempted to remove the GPU but still didn't get a response. Does it require a monitor signal from the on-board video? The constant beeping and the motherboard restarting after ten seconds suggest there may be an issue, but I can use an old VGA connector if needed.
It seems the power supply might not be passing the pin test accurately; using a PSU tester would help. VGA could also be an issue—check if the RAM is faulty. You may want to try testing with one stick in slot 2, or other sticks only in slot 2 if it fails. Also, inspect the board for bulging capacitors, which could indicate a bad component.
I really believe it’s just the power supply issue. That would be a straightforward fix (and avoid the hassle of rebuilding the OS with a new board). Plus, I can still use my 32GB DDR3 RAM, even though it’s outdated for newer systems.
I thought I’d already checked all possible RAM setups. Even without any RAM on the boards, it keeps beeping continuously.
I’m not too keen on purchasing a new board and CPU/RAM, but completely rebuilding the OS would be a major headache due to lost settings and configurations. I’m curious what would happen if you attempt to boot my existing OS with the new hardware—probably just a boot failure.
depends on whether it's a retail version you can link to the OS
if it's a single key you'll need a completely new operating system
you must have at least one stick of RAM in the board for it to post without RAM
are you replacing the battery in the board? The 2032 model is important
what exact Corsair model are you using?
all lights should turn on except -5V since that's not standard in modern PSUs
PSU tester
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zerone-24-...d2...GhlbWF0aWM&psc=1
the example windows 10 and 11 retail copy is linked to an email, making it a digital transferable licence.
i’ve also booted into windows os, but you might face driver problems—consider a full factory reset if needed. (if you need to keep files, move the hd to a usb drive and transfer them.)
what’s your budget for a newer build?
I'm hoping the Windows OS key is connected to my MS account (meaning just logging in should authenticate, which is the goal). I've purchased and assembled several PCs over the years, so I'm not sure how things are managed. Sometimes I buy used machines with the OS already installed, other times I get custom-built gaming PCs or laptops that come pre-configured with the operating system, which makes it hard to keep track. Each situation seems different (OEM, license, key, etc.).
I replaced the 2032 battery, but the existing one still works fine. The Corsair PSU I'm considering is model CMPSU-850HX. I bought it used in a PC from 2016 (about ten years old). It's only partially modular, with fixed cables for the ATX/CPU and two PCI/e slots for the GPU, while the rest are modular for Sata/Molex. So it isn't fully modular.
I just pressed the ORDER button for a replacement PSU:
MSI 750W MAG A750GL
It costs $124 and should be ready in a few hours. It appears to be fully modular.
If this doesn’t fix the issue, I’ll look into a budget AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and MOBO (and possibly RAM since my DDR3 won’t work). I’m hoping to find a suitable combination. Then I’ll check if my current OS can boot with the new parts—probably needing driver downloads, but hopefully I can salvage some settings and configurations. I’d estimate this could cost around $500.
My budget for fixing the project PC was about $500, and with the PSU (plus a $20 CPU fan replacement as the plastic connectors are now damaged), I’ve already spent $150. At least the CPU fan has screws and a backplate, which is a relief—it’s frustrating trying to get those plastic lugs to work properly.