Problem with the new PC setup: it only starts partially and then stops.
Problem with the new PC setup: it only starts partially and then stops.
Hi,
I assembled my PC at Micro Center just before Christmas. I've shared this on the forum as well, but wanted to post it here too. I was hoping for a straightforward solution so I don’t have to return it to Microcenter due to the inconvenience of traveling there.
I’m facing two problems:
First, after installation, I’ve noticed certain LEDs staying on when I power off the system. It could be my Logitech mouse, Xbox controller, or one of the fan lights. The fan LED seems to operate independently from the others in the software—this isn’t clear, but it wasn’t a major issue. I should have contacted Microcenter sooner after receiving it.
Now, over the past couple of weeks, the PC won’t boot fully or shut down completely. When I only power on the RAM and GPU LEDs, the fans activate (no fan lights), but I can’t get into Windows. Shutting down normally causes the whole system to stay on except for the cooler display image.
I try to press the power button to force shutdown, but it usually fails. Eventually, turning off the power supply works—then it starts and shuts down properly. However, this happens repeatedly.
I’m guessing it’s related to the RAM. I’ve noticed the motherboard’s red light sometimes lights up during boot (is that normal?) and turns off once in Windows. It also stopped flashing red when I re-seated the RAM. During startup and shutdown, the RAM would flash red, but not until recently. Could this mean my RAM is faulty?
Also, I should note that I updated the BIOS when first setting up the PC, but the second issue started later.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Specs:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Granite Ridge AM5 4.70GHz 8-Core Boxed Processor
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650E AORUS Elite X AX ICE AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard
RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-6400 PC5-51200 CL32
GPU: Nvidia 3060ti
Case: Lian Li O11D EVO RGB Tempered Glass ATX Mid-Tower Computer Case
Storage: Samsung 990 PRO 2TB Samsung V NAND 3-bit MLC PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe M.2
PSU: Lian Li Edge 1000 Watt 80 Plus Platinum ATX Fully Modular Power Supply
Cooling: Lian Li Galahad II 360mm Water Cooling Kit
Operating System: Windows 11
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650E AORUS Elite X AX ICE AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard
I have updated the BIOS (the second update began after that).
For clarity, please state the BIOS version you're using for your motherboard. Did you reset the CMOS after confirming the BIOS flash was successful?
Regarding fans, are you referring to the ones on the AIO? Which model do you have, especially since there are several under the Galahad II label? You'll need Lian-Li's L-Connect app to control them.
Operating System: Windows 11
Curious question—was the OS installed in offline mode during your visit to Microcenter?
I attempted to install RAM one at a time... the first worked properly, but the second didn't boot after several attempts. I've reinserted the first one, yet it still doesn't start 🤔 The red light on the motherboard remains illuminated.
I'm completely new to PCs, I usually rely on Google and trial-and-error. I can't even access my BIOS yet; I only know it's the latest version. I didn't clear the CMOS, I wasn't sure why or how. Regarding the fans, I'm referring to the whole system. I can adjust the LED lights in software, but initially one light would turn off inconsistently during shutdowns. Now, when I try to shut down, either everything stays on or some LEDs stay lit, without any clear pattern. Sometimes the system boots and shuts down properly, but lately it's been getting worse. Yesterday I was playing games fine, no problems. Today I'm really struggling to get into Windows. I'm just trying to share as much information as possible—it's confusing how everything is behaving.
I managed to enter the BIOS and verify the version—it's F34f. I plan to reset the CMOS now.
Ok cleared. Still no start-up. Updated the firmware about five weeks ago, but this partial boot/shutdown only began roughly two weeks ago at most. Also, it boots into Windows as I instruct, though not reliably. Today i'm having more difficulty getting it to launch. Hmm, seems odd since it appeared to fail a few minutes ago and then suddenly booted. Possibly just very slow. Red RAM light is illuminated on the board.
EDIT: Brought it back to Microcenter. The technician thought it might be a RAM or motherboard problem. I have to wait 48 hours.
It might be related, but check the details below for the more probable reason.
If you aim to run your RAM at 6400MT/s on an 9800X3D, this could be the source of your issue. AMD CPUs tend to be less overclockable with high XMP compared to Intel CPUs.
Open the BIOS and turn off XMP. The RAM speed should return to a more stable JEDEC default, usually around 4800MT/s. Save the changes and try booting into Windows again.
If the system starts normally at 4800MT/s, consider overclocking with XMP but opt for a safer speed like 5200MT/s instead of 6400MT/s.
If the machine remains stable and boots at 5200MT/s, proceed to 5400MT/s, then 5600MT/s, etc., until it crashes. When booting fails, lower XMP by 200MT/s and test with a MemTest86 USB drive.
https://www.memtest86.com/
MemTest86 can bypass Windows to verify RAM stability under the current XMP setting. Adjust XMP if needed and rerun the test.
Execute a full MemTest86 cycle, usually lasting an hour or two. Any errors indicate instability; reduce XMP by another 200MT/s and continue testing until all errors disappear.