Ill start with specs;
Motherboard: Msi Z97 gaming 5
Processor: Intel 4790k
Graphics: Msi Radeon R9 295x2
RAM: Gskill 2x 8gb DDR3 2400mhz
Storage: Samsung 850 pro sata III 128gb SSD
Storage 2: 1tb Western Digital caviar blue
PSU: Corsair AX1200i
Running on windows 8.1 if relevant.
..........................................................
Ok now with the issue(s)
Issue 1: Upon pressing power button, the pc goes into a boot loop (powering on for 2 seconds, cutting out, repeat)
This Problem occured or was present when I first powered on the pc, before any software was installed. Below I will list what I have done to try and troubleshoot the issue;
- I did a self test on PSU which passed, though I am not sure how reliable this is to diagnose a PSU as the test is under no load.
- Removed the motherboard from the case and ran with bare minimum components attached, the boot loop was still present under these circumstances. I was also sure to eliminate any chance of a short circuit
- Inspected motherboard for defects and blown parts, all looks alright to my eye
- Reset CMOS using various methods to no avail
- Switched the Reset and Power switch connectors around so reset button = power. this eliminates a faulty case power switch (I think?)
- Purchased MOBO speaker.. which I tested by removing various components (speaker works) but during the boot loop, the speaker does sweet naff all (nothing..at all)
- Observed The LED Debug code which just says 00 in the boot loop sequences
- Cried
Interestingly, If I HOLD the power button on my case, normally in the 2nd or 3rd loop the PC WILL POWER ON, and will STAY ON when I lift my finger (after about 4-5 seconds of hold). I dont like doing this to be honest as it feels like im forcing power into my motherboard or something to bypass a safety switch/feature
Now
Issue 2: When I have force fed my motherboard some volts and my pc powers on, it takes a good 5 MINUTES to supply DVI signal to my monitor.
Once my monitor is recieving signal however, it hangs on a black screen, with the code A2 in the bottom right. I have looked into this and as far as I know it is related to SATA connections/ storage not being recognised. I really dont know how to diagnose this apart from checking and switching sata cables, which are all fine .
Another interesting thing. When The display is hung at the black A2 screen, If I press Delete I can bypass it which loads the bios screen and OS.
So I can enter the bios aswell, and have, and I have optimized my load order so SSD is first for OS and the usual. I can also Enter the OS and do anything without any performance issues, in fact performance is excellent. CPU idles at 27-30c, GPU(s) at around 33-35c. all good temps.
SO... in a nutshell
- My PC enters a BOOT loop when I hit power
- I can override it by holding power for 5 seconds or so
- Pc then takes 5 minutes to supply dvi signal to monitor
- Then computer hangs at black screen with code A2
- I can override this by pressing DELETE
- BIOS and OS then boot and i can enter either
- PC runs great
What the hell is going on
There might be some things I have missed but please give me some suggestions to try. I have tried to articulate my issues best I can at 4am after spending hours messing about with it, apologies for any miscommunication. I greatly appreciate any help.
Motherboard: Msi Z97 gaming 5
Processor: Intel 4790k
Graphics: Msi Radeon R9 295x2
RAM: Gskill 2x 8gb DDR3 2400mhz
Storage: Samsung 850 pro sata III 128gb SSD
Storage 2: 1tb Western Digital caviar blue
PSU: Corsair AX1200i
Running on windows 8.1 if relevant.
..........................................................
Ok now with the issue(s)
Issue 1: Upon pressing power button, the pc goes into a boot loop (powering on for 2 seconds, cutting out, repeat)
This Problem occured or was present when I first powered on the pc, before any software was installed. Below I will list what I have done to try and troubleshoot the issue;
- I did a self test on PSU which passed, though I am not sure how reliable this is to diagnose a PSU as the test is under no load.
- Removed the motherboard from the case and ran with bare minimum components attached, the boot loop was still present under these circumstances. I was also sure to eliminate any chance of a short circuit
- Inspected motherboard for defects and blown parts, all looks alright to my eye
- Reset CMOS using various methods to no avail
- Switched the Reset and Power switch connectors around so reset button = power. this eliminates a faulty case power switch (I think?)
- Purchased MOBO speaker.. which I tested by removing various components (speaker works) but during the boot loop, the speaker does sweet naff all (nothing..at all)
- Observed The LED Debug code which just says 00 in the boot loop sequences
- Cried
Interestingly, If I HOLD the power button on my case, normally in the 2nd or 3rd loop the PC WILL POWER ON, and will STAY ON when I lift my finger (after about 4-5 seconds of hold). I dont like doing this to be honest as it feels like im forcing power into my motherboard or something to bypass a safety switch/feature
Now
Issue 2: When I have force fed my motherboard some volts and my pc powers on, it takes a good 5 MINUTES to supply DVI signal to my monitor.
Once my monitor is recieving signal however, it hangs on a black screen, with the code A2 in the bottom right. I have looked into this and as far as I know it is related to SATA connections/ storage not being recognised. I really dont know how to diagnose this apart from checking and switching sata cables, which are all fine .
Another interesting thing. When The display is hung at the black A2 screen, If I press Delete I can bypass it which loads the bios screen and OS.
So I can enter the bios aswell, and have, and I have optimized my load order so SSD is first for OS and the usual. I can also Enter the OS and do anything without any performance issues, in fact performance is excellent. CPU idles at 27-30c, GPU(s) at around 33-35c. all good temps.
SO... in a nutshell
- My PC enters a BOOT loop when I hit power
- I can override it by holding power for 5 seconds or so
- Pc then takes 5 minutes to supply dvi signal to monitor
- Then computer hangs at black screen with code A2
- I can override this by pressing DELETE
- BIOS and OS then boot and i can enter either
- PC runs great
What the hell is going on
There might be some things I have missed but please give me some suggestions to try. I have tried to articulate my issues best I can at 4am after spending hours messing about with it, apologies for any miscommunication. I greatly appreciate any help.
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