Started directly with Windows, but no BIOS remains after the CPU upgrade.
Started directly with Windows, but no BIOS remains after the CPU upgrade.
The newest BIOS is still in beta, which means it's possible there could be a bug. It's a B450 model, so you need to be in the BIOS to flash these updates in most cases. There isn't an app available to do this from Windows, and MSI Centre doesn't appear to offer that functionality.
Hi, I plan to try clearing the CMOS again. I have the chance to flash the BIOS from outside, as there’s a flash BIOS button on the motherboard. I was considering doing this to avoid it and check if there are other possibilities, since the system seems to work fine. It looks like there aren’t any clear alternatives, so I’ll proceed with that option.
I’ll make sure to use a non-Beta BIOS version, thanks for the suggestion!
Hopefully, if you turn off XMP and configure the RAM to operate at 2133/2400 before removing the 5600X, the system will start with the 2600X and stay stable long enough to test if the Del key functions.
I’m familiar with the ability to boot into BIOS from Windows (possibly via UEFI), but I don’t recall ever performing this action. Some of my motherboards lack UEFI support, which is common with older models. These are the machines I use for Windows XP, equipped with outdated Adaptec SCSI cards.
If a device won’t start properly, I strip all RAM and power it on without any drives connected. I switch off, insert one DIMM, and wait hoping for a response. Occasionally it returns to normal.
I’m dealing with a slowly accumulating set of failing motherboards. When other options aren’t viable, I replace the board with another compatible one to verify CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage functionality. I also test different PSUs.
On some systems, there’s a BIOS feature, but I haven’t felt confident enough (or needed) to flash it this way. It’s frustrating not being able to see what’s happening when no CPU is present on the screen. I believe it should be reliable, yet I still prefer the traditional approach. During BIOS updates, I power the PC from a 1500VA APC UPS to ensure power continuity in case of outages.
Updated - chose to postpone troubleshooting and focus on playing Dirt Rally for 30 minutes.
Game crashed again, matching the previous issue with the 2600X (random single color screen freeze and PC reboots during gameplay as well as in the menu). I ran Prime95 for over two hours without problems, and Furmark3D for about an hour checking GPU performance on both old and new setups.
Since I can’t access the BIOS to check XMP settings or active parameters, it’s hard to confirm if RAM is still the problem. I’m considering replacing the motherboard with a B550 and skipping the old setup entirely.
Lazy or smart? I’ll definitely try flashing the BIOS—if I get a new board, I might as well take the risk.
Thanks!
Have you verified your RAM with MemTest86+ on a bootable USB drive? Prime95 and Furmark test CPU and GPU stress, though they may not detect minor RAM issues.
You can assess RAM speed and voltages outside the BIOS using tools like CPUID's CPU-Z and other applications. If DRAM Frequency exceeds JEDEC 1066MHz (2133MT/s) or 1200MHz (2400MT/s), you're likely running XMP. A frequency of 1600MHz indicates XMP 3200MT/s.
Life becomes simpler when you can rearrange components during troubleshooting, saving time and effort.
So to flash the BIOS to an older version didn’t work, and I’m not entering the BIOS—just booting straight into Windows. Pressing delete during boot or using the shift/restart method in Windows gets me stuck on a black screen. It seems like I’m stuck somewhere in the BIOS without any visual feedback.
Ordering a B550 Tomahawk tomorrow will keep you informed.
It’s curious that RAM speeds aren’t listed in CPUID, only the total amount. I’m not sure if this means something about damaged ports or other issues?
I’m wondering how to run Memtest without being able to set boot priority in the BIOS. Is a USB device always prioritized at the top?
Cheers, Yannick
Just disconnect your Windows boot drive. The BIOS should likely detect the next available device, which is probably the USB MemTest86+ stick. If you have other disks or optical drives, remove them all to allow USB booting a chance.
I don't believe it's damaged since it's not just failing to enter the BIOS screens but is still booting into Windows.
I favor using AIDA64 to inspect system settings. You might download a 30-day trial version and check if it can show RAM timings, though it won't let you enter the BIOS.
https://www.aida64.com/downloads
Have you attempted starting the machine with all drives disconnected?
Most BIOS interfaces will display "Boot drive not found, press Del or F2". You could try this method for better results.