Problem with displaying content after a POST request.
Problem with displaying content after a POST request.
System Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
GPU: MSI RTX 5070 Gaming Trio OC
Motherboard: MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi
RAM: 64GB DDR5-6000
Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB
Power Supply: MSI MAG A850GL 850W Gold
Storage: 2 SSDs, one for Windows, one for games
Case: Corsair 5000D Airflow
Monitors: 2x Alienware AW2521HF 1080p 240Hz
My PC was assembled by a friend roughly a month ago. All parts are brand new and there are no loose cables. Initially, it would occasionally freeze during the boot-up process on the motherboard screen, requiring a hard shutdown. Recently, the problem has intensified. It freezes almost every time the logo appears on the motherboard. After a few minutes, both monitors show “No DP signal,” yet I can still hear Windows launching. For confirmation, both DisplayPort cables are connected to the GPU. Sometimes restarting helps—once I open Windows, everything functions properly. Gaming, browsing, and everyday tasks run smoothly without black screens during play. The issue only occurs during startup.
What I have attempted:
- Resetting BIOS on back panel CMOs button
- Updating BIOS
- Reinstalling Windows
- Replacing RAM and testing with one stick at a time
- Swapping RAM to check for memory problems
- Reinstalling GPU
- Updating drivers, Windows, and NVIDIA drivers
- Changing the main monitor to an HDMI cable and disconnecting the second monitor
- Disabling Fast Boot in Windows
- Adjusting BIOS settings: PCI_E1 Gen Switch → (Auto) → Gen4
- Changing chipset Gen Switch → (Auto) → [Gen4]
- Enabling Integrated Graphics, disabling UMA Auto
- Turning off Expo and setting RAM speed to 6000, with Expo disabled (problem still present)
- Removing the game SSD to test for faulty storage, but it isn’t the cause
None of these steps resolved the issue. I have reverted BIOS settings and considered reverting to an older version (from VI: A69 to VI.A40).
None of my contacts understand the problem. They suggested using the older GPU, but I can’t because the new power supply doesn’t fit. I’m hoping someone here can assist with this matter. Thank you!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Motherboard: MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi
Updating bios
I’ve reset the BIOS again and opted for an older version (from VI: A69 to VI.A40). It would be wise to ensure you’re using the latest chipset drivers (sourced from AMD’s support site, installed via an elevated command—right-click installer > Run as Administrator)). Then proceed to flash to BIOS version 7E51v1A69. After updating, clear the CMOS once you confirm the BIOS update was successful.
Best practice is to disconnect from power and display, remove the CMOS battery, hold the power button on your case for 30 seconds to discharge any remaining charge, then reinsert the battery after about 30 minutes.
Inside the BIOS, disable iGPU, use DDU in Safe Mode to strip all GPU drivers (Intel, AMD, Nvidia), restart, and install the newest GPU driver through an elevated command.
Storage: 2 SSDs, one for Windows and one for games.
Curious point—should I migrate anything from a previous build?
Reinstalling Windows
Did you recreate the installer to avoid a corrupted setup? Are you installing the OS with all drives disconnected except the target drive? Are you using offline installation?
They suggested switching to an older GPU, but I can’t because the new power supply doesn’t fit the cables. Could you clarify? Please attach images of the cables—upload them to a platform like Imgur and share the link here so we can review.
I’ll install the newest AMD chipset driver, though I’m unsure if I should update the BIOS again unless there’s a real problem. My friend advised me to only do that when necessary, and since the no-signal issue persisted after the previous update, I went back to the older version.
For clearing the CMOS, I can try again, but upon initial setup the BIOS only changed the DRAM speed, leaving it mostly intact. When the PC was first assembled, the only BIOS modification was the DRAM speed setting, so it was clean from the start.
Regarding the GPU cables, I planned to use my old AMD Radeon RX 5700 with VGA3 and Perif cables. However, it might be wiser to switch to the newer PSU cables—specifically the PCle (8 PIN to 6+2 PIN). Additionally, since my CPU includes built-in graphics, would it be better to remove the dedicated GPU and boot the system without one?
This problem is recognized as a known issue with the motherboard, and MSI has not yet fixed it. It is often referred to as the cold boot problem on the MSI X870 Tomahawk. There are recent discussions about the latest BIOS addressing this, but the core issue remains widespread across many forum threads. I have the same board and experience with the same intermittent problem like others.