The PC fails to start with two monitors, yet functions properly with a single display.
The PC fails to start with two monitors, yet functions properly with a single display.
My computer frequently restarts but fails to boot when a second display is connected. When I press the power button, the internal lights activate, the GPU speed increases to maximum, the MSI logo appears on the screen, and the small spinning indicator suggests Windows is attempting to launch. After that, everything shuts down and it tries to start over. This cycle continues until it launches into Windows Repair mode, which I then disable manually. Occasionally it boots successfully with just one monitor, or if I switch monitors and reconnect the second one (after unplugging and plugging it back in via a shared power strip). I recently replaced the power strip, suspecting it might be faulty. I experience random crashes occasionally, though they don’t follow a clear pattern. It can boot without issues with just one monitor, and starting from one monitor then adding the second works too. Stress tests haven’t caused failures, but clicking randomly or using certain apps (like Windows Snipping Tool) seems to trigger problems. Hardware acceleration in browsers is suspected—Chrome and Discord have been turned off. Event Manager doesn’t log crashes; it just notes an unexpected shutdown after restarting. There are no blue screens or freezes—lights dim gradually, audio stutters briefly before cutting out completely, then the system restarts itself. It usually boots fine on the first attempt during these events. I’ve faced similar problems with my PC not starting properly for some time. In searching for solutions, I’ve swapped: RAM, power supply, GPU, and motherboard (changing from AORUS B450 to MSI B550). I also reinstalled Windows multiple times. I’m not overclocking anything, but I slightly reduced my GPU’s performance recently—this adjustment seems to reset the issue whenever the PC doesn’t boot immediately. I keep Chrome at 2100 MHz and use Radeon Adrenaline for driver updates (version 22.5.1). I reinstalled drivers twice. Previously, with two monitors, it worked without problems, but in March this year I replaced my GPU because it was overheating and noisy. A new card was provided, yet the boot issues persisted. The updated PSU seems to have helped a bit, though not fully. During a crash, Event Manager doesn’t generate any reports; it just indicates an unexpected shutdown upon restarting. There’s no blue screen or freeze—lights turn off gradually, and audio lags slightly before shutting down completely. After that, the PC restarts automatically. Generally, it boots successfully on the first try during these incidents. I’ve had trouble getting my PC to start for a while. While trying fixes, I’ve exchanged components: RAM, power supply, GPU, and motherboard (switching from AORUS B450 to MSI B550). I haven’t overclocked any parts. I’m currently underclocking the GPU slightly, but this change only restarts when the system doesn’t boot immediately, after which it returns to normal settings. I’m using Radeon Adrenaline for driver updates. My setup includes Windows 10 64-bit, an Intel i7-3700X CPU, a Radeon RX5700XT GPU, a Gigabyte Aorus 8GB Gaming OC motherboard, 16 GB RAM (8x2), Corsair Vengeance LPX at 2100 MHz, and a 500 GB SSD. The primary monitor is 2K at 144Hz via DP, while the secondary screen connects via HDMI at 75Hz to the GPU BIOS. The OS version is AMI 1.70 (23.06.2021). My tech-savvy friend and I are running out of ideas. Any suggestions from others might help.