Problem: New device fails to start due to boot loop. Operating system not installed.
Problem: New device fails to start due to boot loop. Operating system not installed.
Summary
I recently assembled a new PC, which is my first one, though I’ve built a few at work, so I’m not completely out of the habit. The main problem I face is that after installing the computer, I can’t install an operating system. Each time I attempt to boot, the machine powers off from the USB drive and then restarts. On rare occasions, a line appears before it reboots. Apart from the USB, no other bootable drives are connected. There’s an SSD detected by the motherboard. The PC starts up normally, passes the POST, and enters BIOS or shows the boot menu when prompted, but whenever I try to boot from USB to install the OS it shuts down again. The system seems to stay in BIOS for a while, with CPU temperatures fluctuating between 29°C and 35°C. This issue is really puzzling and quite bothersome.
I’m attempting to install Windows 11. I’ve created boot images using RUFUS for both Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04, but neither works. For Windows 11, I used a GPT UEFI NTFS stick; for Ubuntu, I tried an exFAT GPT UEFI and a MBR BIOS FAT32 stick (exact settings forgotten). I’ve tested with two different memory modules—64GB and 32GB—and also a memtest boot stick, all showing the same behavior.
No error codes or warning lights are visible, making it hard to pinpoint what’s wrong.
Troubleshooting Steps
I’ve tried several approaches:
- Used various RUFUS configurations
- Verified all power connections are secure
- Disconnected potential faulty connectors (Front Panel USB/Audio, rear WiFi, case fans)
- Tested with the integrated GPU and dedicated GPU
- Booted without the SSD installed
- Tried booting with only one RAM stick in the B1 slot
- Attempted booting without any RAM at all
- Removed the board from the chassis and inspected carefully for damage
Details:
- Chassis: Thermaltake Tower 250
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800x3D
- Motherboard: Gigabyte B850I AORUS Pro Rev1.1 - Mini-ITX
- CPU cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130
- RAM: CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) at 6000MHz CL30
- SSD: Samsung 9100 Pro 2TB
- GPU: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Eagle OC SFF
- Power supply: Corsair SF850
- Thermal paste: Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut
- Peripheral: Logitech Wireless M+K Combo
I’m reaching out for any advice or guidance. This situation has consumed a lot of my time, and I’m eager to resolve it as soon as possible.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! I'm trying to install Windows 11 but have made boot sticks with RUFUS for both Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04 without success. Have you considered using Windows Media Creation Tools? I've updated the BIOS to FA4 and followed the support link for guidance. It might help to try FA5b, reset the CMOS, and then attempt the bootable USB installer.
Thank you! I haven't used WMCT before, as I've only needed it in the past (mainly corporate laptops and some gaming devices). However, I'm happy to give it a try.
I wasn't sure if I should attempt FA5b since it's a beta BIOS, but I'm definitely open to trying it!
I come to you all with my tail between my legs and my head in shame.
I have resolved my problem.
I installed the case speaker, which was wired in a way that connected it to the CMOS jumpers. I removed the speaker and everything is fine now.
Thanks for your support!