The computer fails to launch unless a GPU is present.
The computer fails to launch unless a GPU is present.
I have an older system I was going to set up as a Pi-Hole. It's an ITX case/system, and a 4th gen CPU, K version, not overclocked. I can't get it to do anything without a GPU plugged in. I can't remember how, but I had the problem before, a few months ago, and I had a GPU I could plug into it, go to the BIOS, and tell it to boot from the iGPU. It wouldn't work for a LONG time, and then I finally got it to work. I put it away for a while, and got it out today to try and set up the Pi-Hole, but now I'm back to the same problem.
When it starts, no BIOS post, just a black screen and a _ in the top left. I don't have a spare GPU to plug into it any more. Resetting the BIOS didn't work before, or now (shorting the jumper).
When you notice blinking underscores, it indicates the video signal is being delivered. This is unrelated to whether the iGPU is functioning or not. It suggests the operating system is starting in an incorrect mode. If the OS was installed in legacy mode, only that mode should be used. For UEFI mode installations, only UEFI should be selected. Adjust your boot settings in BIOS. You might also consider disabling secure boot and fast boot.
I can't complete any of these tasks without being able to access the BIOS. I understand it's receiving a signal, but I'm unable to reach the BIOS, Windows, or any other settings. Also, I don't have an extra GPU to connect to it.
It seems odd that with just one GPU and a single display, it should show only what's available.
When functioning properly, you should be able to enter BIOS because it initiates before Windows attempts to load.
This seems unrelated to GPU, as discussed before. If you're seeing a screen, the iGPU is functioning. What key do you press to normally start BIOS? When you try it now, what occurs? It appears to be more about a hardware problem than the GPU. Also, it's possible that the storage isn't being detected.
I don't recall much. It's a prebuilt micro system I acquired from someone unfamiliar with computers. I constructed a new one for him, but he provided his existing unit. That one included a GPU, though I instructed them to retain it for another setup since I didn't require it.
From my search records, it's a Gigabyte GA-Z87N-WIFI with the latest BIOS from 2014, offering limited details. The processor appears to be a 4th generation Core i7, likely a K model, though it wasn't overclocked. It comes with an Intel CPU cooler.
I'm certain it has an integrated graphics unit because I previously experienced functionality issues before. I recall the BIOS would boot from the iGPU when installed, providing a proper display. However, disconnecting the GPU consistently caused the same issue.
Attempts to access the device via phone photography for model identification have been unsuccessful so far. I'm hesitant to disassemble it completely just to inspect it, particularly since no clear markings were found.
The system is connected via HDMI, with a USB keyboard/touchpad port and one SATA drive attached.
As I discussed earlier, I’m unable to access the BIOS. When I power it on, nothing happens except a black screen and an error in the top left corner. I can’t reach the BIOS or obtain a boot menu at all. The SSD is new and functioning properly. I also recalled that this issue existed a few months ago, and I faced similar problems before needing to resolve it. I was able to configure the BIOS to use the iGPU initially, but only when a GPU was connected. Once the GPU was removed, it stopped using the iGPU. Additionally, if no storage is detected, it triggers that error and prompts me to enter the BIOS.
The SSD could be functioning, yet it may fail to detect the booting files.