Started directly with Windows, but no BIOS remains after the CPU upgrade.
Started directly with Windows, but no BIOS remains after the CPU upgrade.
Hello everyone,
I recently changed my processor from a Ryzen 5 2600X to a 5600X because I was facing stability problems with my RAM (the internet indicated it was a known issue with the memory controller). Below are the full build specifications.
During the first startup after the upgrade, I encountered an unusual error – the system wouldn’t enter BIOS at all, though the keyboard LEDs would illuminate. The motherboard features a series of LED indicators for quick troubleshooting: CPU, VGA, RAM, and BOOT.
Here’s a timeline of events:
1) First boot after CPU change: CPU Debug LED activated. CMOS battery was removed and left for 15 minutes before reinstalling.
2) Second boot: Debug LED stayed on, RAM and VGA worked, but the HDMI port resolved the issue.
3) Third boot: BOOT LED lit up – I couldn’t access Windows. A disconnected SSD drive was connected via SATA cable; after reconnecting, the NVMe remained inactive.
4) Fourth boot: Successfully booted onto the SSD, but BIOS still wouldn’t appear (long black screen, keyboard activated, no BIOS until the Windows lock screen appeared). I managed to install drivers on the SSD and updated main drivers from MSI, then powered off the PC.
5) Fifth boot: BOOT Debug LED flashed briefly before booting into the SSD and directly into Windows.
6) Sixth boot: Still no BIOS access. I removed the GPU and connected an HDMI cable to the onboard VGA.
7) Seventh boot: Black screen, no BIOS or Windows – only the VGA Debug LED remained red – I turned off the PC again.
8) I found a mention about a BIOS switch on the RX580, tried both settings, but no BIOS appeared; the BOOT LED stayed red until the SSD booted.
9) Another note: someone suggested turning off the PC while holding Shift to enter UEFI/BIOS – that didn’t help.
Overall, everything functions properly on the SSD, and the NVMe appears as a drive with full file access. However, it fails to boot into BIOS despite being functional.
If anyone has suggestions on how to get the NVMe to boot again or access the BIOS, I’d really appreciate it.
Cheers,
Yannick
"Read somewhere" might pose some risks....
The relevant guide is the User Guide/Manual for the motherboard, and the same applies to all installed parts.
Yes: manuals and similar documents can contain inaccuracies and omissions. Still, they offer a structured way to verify everything and assist in troubleshooting.
Start by thoroughly reading and going through the entire motherboard manual chapter by chapter. Visit the manufacturer's website to obtain the official manual. Exercise caution—just because the manufacturer appears in a link doesn't confirm it's the genuine site. Be wary of fake or misleading manual collections that may trigger AV and malware alerts.
Ensure every installed component is compatible with the motherboard. The manual should also direct you back to the manufacturer's site for the latest details.
Pay close attention to all notes, warnings, and fine print.
Verify each connection is correct and securely placed. It’s simple to mix up case connections.
Adhere strictly to the motherboard's instructions for tasks like removing the CMOS battery or resetting the BIOS.
Certain motherboards specify that the first RAM module must go into a designated slot, often DIMMA2.
You’re likely just encountering minor oversights or mistakes.
Take your time, keep a record of changes, noting what was altered, whether it was changed, and any differences between original and new values.
Thank you for your reply. The stability under load suggests compatibility has likely been confirmed; it seems there are no significant issues in the system.
Regarding the RAM placement, all aspects have been addressed and I learned from this error previously. I followed each step carefully as described in the post—do you have any additional details missing?
I’d appreciate your thoughts on why I’m not seeing the BIOS interface, even though it appears to load but doesn’t display anything, and why I’m still unable to boot into Windows.
As mentioned, the system is operational with all components, including the NVMe, and has passed load tests. The BIOS issue remains unclear…
Thanks, Yannick
I face the same issue on a Xeon motherboard where using the 'Del' or 'F2' keys doesn't open the BIOS menu. Eventually, I discovered that pressing the 'Boot Option' key (possibly 'F9') reveals an option at the bottom of the drive list to access BIOS. On other boards, the fix involves using an old-style keyboard with a 6-pin mini DIN plug, provided your motherboard still has a PS/2 port. Some systems fail to activate the USB keyboard promptly and bypass to Windows booting, making the 'Del' key on the USB ineffective. PS/2 keyboards tend to respond more quickly.
Thank you for your response. If it functioned with DEL on the previous processor, it should continue to work with the same key in this version. The keyboard settings remain unchanged.
Agreed. It appears to function adequately with the new processor, though in real-world conditions it may not. It could be that the BIOS is taking more time to set up the system when using the 5600X and the chance to press Del is failing? That's hard to confirm.
It seems you've encountered a lengthy series of issues when trying to start the system after replacing CPUs. Would you mind revisiting the 2600X and checking if the Del key functions properly again? I've changed CPUs on many boards, and once the delay ends, the Del key typically works well.
Indeed, memory inconsistency can stem from problems with the IMC (Integrated Memory Controllers) in the CPU. However, this often happens when overclocking RAM excessively at high XMP levels. For instance, if you were using a 2600X with a chip rated for DDR4-2933 while running RAM up to 3200MT/s, it might have caused stability problems, especially if you pushed the CPU beyond its stated limits. It's possible the IMC or RAM was fine, but the overclocking triggered instability.
I own a 2600X system that boots with DDR4-3000 RAM only after adjusting the CL(CAS) timings by two clock cycles. My setup works perfectly with older DDR-2400 RAM, but I prefer not to run at 3000MT/s without fine-tuning. Originally, my CL(CAS) was set at 18 for 3000MT/s; I raised it to 20 on both DIMMs for stability. You might need to boot the PC again to verify the current CL setting.
Regarding your RAM, the specifications list timings like "Tested Latency 16-18-18-36" and "SPD Latency 15-15-15-36". Note that SPD stands for Serial Presence Detect, meaning each DIMM has a chip. The values you provided seem to match typical configurations for different speeds—likely 15-15-15-36 corresponds to 2133MT/s at 1.2V and 16-18-18-36 to XMP 3200MT/s at 1.35V. Other timings exist in SPD for speeds between 2133 and 3200MT/s. Remember, actual RAM clock speed is half the DDR rate—for example, 1066MHz for 2133MT/s and 1600MHz for 3200MT/s.
The 5600X supports DDR4-3200, so in theory you should be able to run your RAM at 3200MT/s.
Good luck finding the missing Del key press. Have you tried pressing it repeatedly as soon as the system powers on?
You have two USB2 ports on the rear panel of your motherboard. Consider plugging a keyboard and mouse into these slower connections. USB2 might initialize more quickly than USB3.
It's a pity you can't access the BIOS, since some settings influence USB port initialization during POST.
Avoid using a USB KVM, as it may take longer to set up on certain boards.
Your motherboard includes a PS/2 port, so consider getting a PS/2 keyboard if needed.
This won't resolve the hardware issues, but once you reach the lock screen... I think this is where you enter the password? If that's the case, have you attempted this before?
Press the power button located in the bottom right corner
while keeping the left shift pressed, then click the restart button
this should take you to Advanced startup (blue screen)
select troubleshoot
select advanced
navigate to UEFI Firmware settings
the PC should restart into BIOS
it's not surprising that you don't have a BIOS installed. A BIOS is required for the system to operate.
Hey guys, thanks for the replies.
I did indeed find out about the memory speed with the 2600X and tried all manner of combinations with XMP ON/OFF, XMP ON but manually lower speed, voltages, … Couldn’t get it to run stable unfortunately which is why I bought the 5600X.
@Colif
as mentioned in my original post, I have indeed tried to get into the BIOS using the procedure you described.
@Misgar
when I try to get into the BIOS through windows (which should be independent on /bypass the keyboard/USB port variable me thinks?) it behaves exactly the same.
All lights and fans go on, keyboard and mouse also light up, only the screen doesn’t ever seem to get a signal, it just stays in standby mode, Windows doesn’t load since as I mentioned I assume that somewhere it opened the BIOS and is waiting in there for me to do something..
Been trying to avoid reinstalling the 2600X, but if you make me, I guess I‘ll have to
I might consider resetting the CMOS using the jumper or reset button if the motherboard includes one. I understand that you've already done this before. This is just my intuition. The only situations where I've encountered problems like this were with faulty BIOS versions from early platforms. It could even be beneficial to reflash the BIOS before attempting another CMOS reset. As others mentioned, a PC needs a BIOS to work properly, so you definitely have one—just need to access the GUI to adjust settings.