New build, unable to post to BIOS

Jargy

Jargy

Jargy

Associate
Joined
5 Dec 2007
Posts
127
Location
Tamworth, Staffordshire
Building a new pc, with all new parts:
  • Motherboard: MSI B550M Pro (mATX, AM4 slot)
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500 AM4 Processor
  • RAM: Kingston FURY Beast 16GB (2 x 8GB) 3200MHz DDR4 RAM
  • GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER GAMING X 6GB Graphics Card
  • PSU: Aerocool Cylon 500W Power Supply 80 Plus
This isn't my first build, probably done a dozen over the years, so I generally know what's going on but don't proclaim to be an expert, and so need the advice of those more
knowledgeable than I.

Where it gets to:
My problem is that the PC powers up (all fans spin, GPU lights up, EZ debug LED's kick in), but it just gives me a black screen with static underscore in the top left corner. This is when I use the GPU, there's supposed online graphics but when I try to use these I don't even get a signal on the monitor. It doesn't get to bios at all. There are EZ debug LED's on the mobo, and it stops as solid white on the VGA one.

What I've tried:
  1. Online manual has been read to ensure nothing has been overlooked and for troubleshooting help.
  2. PSU has been swapped out from a known working one with no effect, with only basic components attached.
  3. RAM has had both sticks removed and restarted with each stick installed individually to ensure no ram issues.
  4. GPU has been tested on a different PC and worked fine.
  5. Motherboard as been removed and case checked for loose screws or anything that may cause a short.
  6. CPU removed and all pins checked, then re-seated checking the locking bar was working effectively.
  7. All cables have been disconnected, reconnected and double/triple checked.
  8. CMOS battery removed for 30 sec and CMOS jumpers shorted each time a major component moved.
  9. Monitor and cable have been checked with a working PC.
  10. Pressing various keys when switching on in an attempt to get to the bios.
  11. Tried with SATA drive plugged in and unplugged, with no difference.
So now I'm stuck. I'm leaning towards a motherboard issue. I can't get to the bios or the boot sequence to consider a bios update.
Can anyone add any suggestion or thoughts?
Thanks in advance...
 
I would certainly consider a bios flash. Should be bios flashback button on the rear IO iirc.

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B550M-PRO/support#cpu

Bios 7D14v26 looks to be the most recent for that cpu.

Once flashed reset cmos then try to boot with just 1 stick or ram in the second slot from left. Check your ram is on the mobos QVL list , luckily is easy to check with MSI you just need to paste the code into the search box.
 
Jargy said:
but it just gives me a black screen with static underscore in the top left corner.
Click to expand...

Well that is good you are getting an output, as above use the BIOS flashback function of the motherboard to flash the latest BIOS to the board, and that should hopefully fix the issue.
 
I have a similar issues with my new Asus board, white led on boot (white led on my board means no video, check your manual). I discovered that the board itself won't wake my monitor if it's in the sleep state. I saw no video with either the internal graphics or my trusty 1080Ti. The only workaround I found was to reset the power saving features of my monitor and ensure that when I switch on the mains I immediately switch on the PC so it catches the monitor before it goes to sleep !.
 
Haz123 said:
I would certainly consider a bios flash. Should be bios flashback button on the rear IO iirc.

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B550M-PRO/support#cpu

Bios 7D14v26 looks to be the most recent for that cpu.

Once flashed reset cmos then try to boot with just 1 stick or ram in the second slot from left. Check your ram is on the mobos QVL list , luckily is easy to check with MSI you just need to paste the code into the search box.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your response.
There isn't a bios flash button on the rear of this motherboard, and I'm struggling to find out how to flash without the button and when I can't get to posting to use the MFLASH facility..
 
Jargy said:
Thanks for your response.
There isn't a bios flash button on the rear of this motherboard, and I'm struggling to find out how to flash without the button and when I can't get to posting to use the MFLASH facility..
Click to expand...
You won't be able to flash the bios without another cpu if it doesnt have bios flash button.

Maybe borrow a compatable cpu or send it back.
 
Jargy said:
There isn't a bios flash button on the rear of this motherboard, and I'm struggling to find out how to flash without the button and when I can't get to posting to use the MFLASH facility.
Click to expand...

That is a shame, you can't flash it then if you can't access the BIOS.

Only thing I can suggest is disconnect all the things that are not need to boot. So remove all peripherals, that includes keyboard/mouse etc and anything else USB, take out all hard drives, SSD's and M.2 drives, network cables and wireless cards if being used. The use only the CPU, one stick of RAM, and the graphics card to attempt the boot.

It is really important you remove everything as I have suggested as it could be something really simple causing the issue you are seeing.
 
Journey said:
That is a shame, you can't flash it then if you can't access the BIOS.

Only thing I can suggest is disconnect all the things that are not need to boot. So remove all peripherals, that includes keyboard/mouse etc and anything else USB, take out all hard drives, SSD's and M.2 drives, network cables and wireless cards if being used. The use only the CPU, one stick of RAM, and the graphics card to attempt the boot.

It is really important you remove everything as I have suggested as it could be something really simple causing the issue you are seeing.
Click to expand...
Been trying to boot like that anyway, without success. I'm thinking my options are return and change the mobo or take to a shop that will be able to use an older cpu to upgrade the bios.
 
Jargy said:
Been trying to boot like that anyway, without success. I'm thinking my options are return and change the mobo or take to a shop that will be able to use an older cpu to upgrade the bios.
Click to expand...

I mean it could be a faulty board, but given that CPU is almost a brand new model and the board could be old stock without full support that is probably why it is hanging. Unless you are on some tiny budget, then I would change the board for a model with a BIOS flashback button at least, that will allow you to get the system up and running regardless. :)
 
Jargy said:
Been trying to boot like that anyway, without success. I'm thinking my options are return and change the mobo or take to a shop that will be able to use an older cpu to upgrade the bios.
Click to expand...
Where did you buy it from? Where are you located?

Edit: Staffordshire

I was going to suggest asking a fellow forum member to help you out by loaning you a CPU.
 
Jargy said:
Where it gets to:
My problem is that the PC powers up (all fans spin, GPU lights up, EZ debug LED's kick in), but it just gives me a black screen with static underscore in the top left corner. This is when I use the GPU, there's supposed online graphics but when I try to use these I don't even get a signal on the monitor. It doesn't get to bios at all. There are EZ debug LED's on the mobo, and it stops as solid white on the VGA one.
Click to expand...
There's no onboard gpu on the motherboard or the cpu so the ezdebug LED saying gpu light will be linked to the gtx1660, the ports on the backplate are for the 'g' models. (I've got an msi b550m mortar so basically the same board)

That narrows it down to either the gpu or the socket/motherboard.

If the gpu is installed correctly and it's working on another system then personally I'd narrow it down to the pcie slot (anything else to check with?) or it's not getting enough power (psu issue maybe)... but you've tested the psu so I'd say slot on motherboard.


Just a side note, the first boot with AMD can be pretty long so are you leaving it long enough?
 
lsg1r said:
There's no onboard gpu on the motherboard or the cpu so the ezdebug LED saying gpu light will be linked to the gtx1660, the ports on the backplate are for the 'g' models. (I've got an msi b550m mortar so basically the same board)

That narrows it down to either the gpu or the socket/motherboard.

If the gpu is installed correctly and it's working on another system then personally I'd narrow it down to the pcie slot (anything else to check with?) or it's not getting enough power (psu issue maybe)... but you've tested the psu so I'd say slot on motherboard.


Just a side note, the first boot with AMD can be pretty long so are you leaving it long enough?
Click to expand...
I've tested the gpu on a different pc and it worked fine. I think the board needs a bios flash, so I've emailed AMD as they used to offer a short term processor loan boot kit, and I'm hoping they still do. If that doesn't pan out it's time to change the board, and I'll be getting one with a bios flash button, or will hope to if there's a mATX out there with one.
I left it on for 20min first time I booted as know it can take a while. Appreciate your imput though lsg1r.
 
A lot of B550 mobos do have bios flashback buttons, even the micro atx boards.

uk.msi.com

B550M PRO-VDH WIFI

Best AMD AM4 B550 MATX motherboard, lightning PCIe 4.0, lightning M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, M.2 heatsink, wifi AC, powerful overclocking, MSI PRO
uk.msi.com uk.msi.com

www.overclockers.co.uk

MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi (AMD AM4) B550 Micro-ATX Motherboard

Order MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi (AMD AM4) B550 Micro-ATX Motherboard now online and benefit from fast delivery.
www.overclockers.co.uk www.overclockers.co.uk

I actually miss the dual bios feature that the X370 mobos had. Ryzen 1 would have been a nightmare without that particular feature.


Hopefully you can get a kit to flash the mobo and get it all up and working. Of course it is possible that either the cpu or mobo is faulty, problem is you cannot tell if that is the case without the ability to flash the bios or a similar system to test on.
 
Jargy said:
and I'll be getting one with a bios flash button, or will hope to if there's a mATX out there with one.
Click to expand...
Shame nothing worked but I can confirm (although not used it) the msi b550m mortars wifi (think non wifi is the same) has a bios flash button (and specific usb socket for it).... I have one lol. It would also have a very similar layout, albeit a little wider, as your existing msi board so you wouldn't need to adjust wiring much if at all.

Hopefully you don't need this and AMD come through with the kit though :)
 
Guys, I'm impressed, kudos to all, especially tamzy and your kind offer.
Turns out I need to have tried to reslove with MSI first and prove it before AMD will offer a loan kit, so I've duly registered and messaged MSI. Let's see what they say.
Wish I'd brought a different board, one with a flash button, but we live and learn.
 
digitaldreams said:
I have a similar issues with my new Asus board, white led on boot (white led on my board means no video, check your manual). I discovered that the board itself won't wake my monitor if it's in the sleep state. I saw no video with either the internal graphics or my trusty 1080Ti. The only workaround I found was to reset the power saving features of my monitor and ensure that when I switch on the mains I immediately switch on the PC so it catches the monitor before it goes to sleep !.
Click to expand...
if your on display port try the NVIDIA firmware update tool

NVIDIA Graphics Firmware Update Tool for DisplayPort 1.3 and 1.4 Displays

Download English (U.S.) drivers for NVIDIA hardware - , , ,
www.nvidia.com

I had a similar issue where I had no display from onboard and my GPU wouldn't output any signal from DP until my OS booted, I had to use HDMI to change my bios settings...
Turns out my card needed a firmware flash to fix it's display port using the above linked tool.
seems the tool is onyl for 9/10 series so guess our cards came with some flaw for display port monitors
 
Wanted to provide an update now I've resolved the issue I had, hopefully to help someone else.
My board didn't support my new processor without a bios update, and it wouldn't post to bios or had a bios flash button. I needed a supported CPU to get it to post to bios so I could update. It turns out that AMD have a "boot loan kit" available, but they obviously don't advertise as it's an expense to them. They'll send you a CPU that your board does support to borrow, and then return. You get 10 days, more than enough. This service is free and they pay both delivery and return postage. You'll need to jump through a few hoops to get this service, like emailing them your purchase receipt and a couple of pictures, but nothing unreasonable.
I didn't know about this service previously, and so if you find yourself in the same situation, I hope this helps.
 
Glad you got it sorted in the end and glad that we were correct in thinking it needed a bios flash for the cpu.

Question we never asked. Why did you go for a 4500 cpu ? I hope it was dirt cheap after the trouble it has given you.
 
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