[SOLVED] Can't boot using CSM without discrete GPU?

[pmjm]

Hello,

Hardware is as follows:

Intel i9-11900k
ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming 4/ac
16GB Corsair Dominator 3200 CL16

I'm trying to boot off a bootable USB to run some legacy utilities with direct hardware access. The bootable USB is a Win98/MSDOS type and won't boot via UEFI, however in order to enable CSM and legacy boot, my bios says I must install a discrete GPU (I've been using the iGPU, Intel UHD 750 so far without issues). As I'm sure you're aware, GPU's are not really available right now and I don't have one to put in this machine.

Is there any other way to boot off a legacy device?

 

[boju]

Won't be possible installing Win98 directly, not just because of csm but also because of driver support to make the os operable.

Running it in VM is the logical choice moving forward.

See section further down how to create VM, virtual machine.
https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-get-the-windows-98-experience-on-todays-pcs

 

[pmjm]

I'm not trying to install Win98, just boot from a DOS disk created in Win98, because I need to run recovery utilities on a legacy HBA card directly without Windows, which makes a VM impossible.

All I want to do is boot in legacy mode.

 

[boju]

You'll need a gpu that can display with csm then. Gt 1030, gt 710 for example because igpu is exclusively uefi.

 

[pmjm]

Thanks, that's what I was worried about. Is there any option other than spending $150+? What's the least expensive way to get this booted?

 

[boju]

Used market i guess. Maybe call a pc shop, see if they have any cheap old cards laying around.