The device isn't functioning correctly.
The device isn't functioning correctly.
When the system powers up after a restart, it pauses for about 5 to 10 seconds before beginning. You'll hear a distinct click followed by an automatic shutdown. This sequence repeats briefly before the screen appears and the machine boots normally. I’ve managed to avoid waiting by holding the power button until the click occurs, which then triggers a quick flash (1-2 seconds) and a successful start. The issue has persisted for several years, though it wasn’t present during initial setup. Since I keep the computer running continuously and have upgraded components recently, it hasn’t caused significant concern. However, I intend to finish my current build and repurpose old parts for a new setup for my parents. Does this resemble a motherboard problem?
this also occurred with the older PSU. it seems like either pwr_ok isn't transferring from the PSU to the motherboard on the first attempt, or there might be an unusual problem that could be resolved by updating the BIOS (or simply overwriting the existing same version installation, oddities happen).
Identifying the root of boot-loop problems is challenging without testing parts until the issue resolves. It's uncertain whether the problem lies with the motherboard or another component, and these issues often come with unpredictable patterns. The most frustrating part is dealing with inconsistent behavior that doesn't follow a clear timeline. From past experience, I recommend checking for BIOS error messages during startup. You might see prompts like "America Megatrends, your computer did not restart correctly" or warnings about default settings. These signals could point to overclocking issues or a faulty CMOS battery. Once those are ruled out, try reseating RAM and the graphics card, testing different PCI slots if feasible. Switching to another power supply unit can also help, as it's a common cause of various malfunctions including crashes, reboots, and POST problems.
Thank you for your responses. The problem happened with the old PSU, and I repositioned the CPU about a year ago during a cleaning or thermal paste change—it didn’t resolve the issue. I haven’t noticed any bios errors appearing, but I haven’t updated the BIOS yet. Appreciate the troubleshooting list; I’ll look into it more once I have some time!
This narrows down the options a bit. It seems BIOS firmware issues are possible, something worth checking. You might also attempt reinstalling the old GPU and observe if performance changes. Once that's done, most testing will be limited to the motherboard. If you have extra storage devices connected, consider removing them.
I have two additional drives besides the boot drive. I plan to test them too as part of the troubleshooting.
Sorry about the delayed update. The bios change was the main issue! My new computer and my dad’s “new to him” machine are working fine without big problems! Thanks!