Question ASUS M5A99X EVO R2.0 - Cannot enter BIOS setup after initial boot

[Durtman]

Good Day All;
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

I am not an IT Pro.
Just an 18 year PC user with above average knowledge & skills.
Have built or refurbed more PCs than I can remember.
I am a former MS Win8 tester/evaluator and former AVG tech/evaluator.
I'm not stupid ... but I don't know everything.

I have NEVER encountered this problem before.

ASUS M5A99X EVO R2.0
AMD FX-8370
16 GB (2x8GB) Corsair Vengeance RAM (motherboard compliant as per ASUS QVL.)
ASUS/Nvidia GTX 750 1GB
WD Black 1TB HDD

NOTHING OVERCLOCKED

I originally built this unit in May 2016 and has run flawlessly since.
Last running Win10 Pro x64

Approx. 1 year ago the unit suffered a mild voltage surge which shut the unit down.
Refused to boot afterward & I put it on the shelf.
- threw the surge protector in the garbage & got a UPS

Now I am attempting to repair it.
Found #1 RAM was dead & has been replaced.

My problem:

Unit now powers up & passes POST
Goes to 2nd screen & wants "BIOS setup".

Indicates - 16GB RAM, mouse & 2 bootable devices. (HDD & USB Win10 installer)
- also indicates 3 keyboards are attached ??? Only 1 in fact.

F1 keys is unresponsive - cannot enter BIOS setup.

Tried 3 keyboards - no joy
I have pulled the CMOS - no joy
I have cleared RTC RAM - no joy
Have pulled CMOS & cleared RTC RAM - no joy at all!

Have gone to ASUS and d/l'd newest BIOS (2014).

Not sure if I can replace the BIOS with mobo in this condition. Never done it before.
Has "Flash BIOS" USB port - but have never done it this way - always thru ASUS software - last time about 6 years ago.

I have the mobo manual - but unsure of the exact procedure - or if it is possible at all.
Manual does not provide all the definitive info I think I need.

I built 2 identical PCs in 2016 and am reasonably fluent in setting the BIOS on this mobo.
I just can't seem to GET TO IT!

Could I kindly impose upon someone to help me with this?
I've always resisted asking for help as I find: "bug hunts" are a GREAT way to LEARN.
But for 3 days I seem to be beating my head against a wall on this issue.


Been coming here for many years for "tech help".
BEST SITE PERIOD!

Best Regards;
Durtman

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

Found #1 RAM was dead & has been replaced.

since this appears to be the only physical component changed try without it.
it's always possible that these two separate sticks, even if the same make & model, do not function properly together since they were never tested and paired by the manufacturer.

Unit now powers up & passes POST
Goes to 2nd screen & wants "BIOS setup".

what type of keyboard are you using?
it's possible that this elderly patient doesn't have onboard USB drivers and cannot detect a newer model.
you may need a PS/2 device if you aren't already using one.

 

[Durtman]

since this appears to be the only physical component changed try without it.
it's always possible that these two separate sticks, even if the same make & model, do not function properly together since they were never tested and paired by the manufacturer.

Thank You for your speedy reply JBG

Originally bought 32GB matched RAM in 2016, one is dead, leaving 3.
2 x ... with sequential serial # are installed in the PC.

With dead RAM in #1 position - would not POST.
Reversed RAM position - POST complete ... indicated only 8GB RAM installed.
Replaced dead RAM - POST complete ... now indicated 16GB RAM installed.

what type of keyboard are you using?

it's possible that this elderly patient doesn't have onboard USB drivers and cannot detect a newer model.
you may need a PS/2 device if you aren't already using one.

Have used multiple "inexpensive" USB keyboards since 2016
Same ones were connected during tests.
No longer have any PS2 units.
I found a PS2-USB adapter in my parts box - will try that.
All these keyboards have worked on this PC & its twin.

Thanks again, I REALLY APPRECIATE your help.

- Durtman

 

[Durtman]

Update:

I have tried the above recommendations.
- juggled the 3x 8GB RAMs in different combinations, 16GB at a time - no joy
- used USB to PS2 adapter on 3 verified working keyboards - no joy

Have also used "DirectKey" function several times - no joy
This SHOULD have worked and taken me straight to the BIOS upon restart - as per the mobo manual.

I'm thinking the mobo might be "boned" (silicon-based Frisbee?)

Yesterday I registered at ASUS for "factory diagnostics" on this issue.

Had a very pleasant & informative "chat" (text only) with an ASUS tech for about 40 min..
Never conversed with AI before - very impressed.

Have created repair case file & submitted requested specs & info, now awaiting a response.

I will share the info here to perhaps help others.

Many Thanks & Appreciation,
- Durtman

 

[Durtman]

Final:

Spoke with ASUS several times, up to tech level 4.
At this point the determination is that the mobo is a "silicon-based Frisbee".

The board has a "Southbridge" failure and is not realistically repairable.
Can see the other hardware but unable to access:
BIOS
SATA
USB
- all controlled thru the Southbridge

Northbridge is functional;
Can see & access:
CPU
RAM
PCI-E
Passes POST.

In interesting problem with an unfortunate conclusion.
Perhaps this may be of help to others.

Many Thanks & Appreciation,
- Durtman