must Post for graphics to display

[kcwalker]

This problem popped up a few days ago on a home build that has been running for 14+ months. Configuration details are at the end. Here's the problem:
The monitor remains black/blank when I power up on the system. In addition, the monitor's indicator light never goes from amber (standby) to blue. Without a monitor, it's hard to know what's happening in this situation. I'm 99% sure the system is booting into Windows (based on the few times I can coerce video to the monitor).

However, if I press F2 on power up and hold until the BIOS Posts (then Exit without saving changes), the system boots into Windows and the monitor displays as expected. This is "OK" for a work-around, but a headache when I forget to do it.

I don't even know where to start looking. Suggestions?

Current configuration:
GIGABYTE GA-Z87MX-D3H Mobo (w/ onboard video)
i3 CPU
Crucial 2x4GB DDR3 RAM
Corsair 350w Power Supply
500 GB HDD
CD/DVD combo

 

[RaDiKaL_]

After rebooting with that trick, do you get display from the moment the pc POSTs again or directly once inside windows? if you get to see the post then check your primary adapter setting in BIOS, it could be set to PCI-E instead to iGPU. Also try clearing your CMOS if you haven't already.

 

[kcwalker]

Thanks RaDiKat....I will check primary adapter setting when I get home this evening.
To clarify: the ONLY way I ever get something on the monitor is to hold F2, get into BIOS, exit (no save) and continue booting into Windows. I have to do this EVERY TIME I powered up the system the past few days. Otherwise, if I don't use F2, the system "does something". I hear noises (fans and disks spinning) but nothing is visible on the monitor. At first I thought it was a PSU or video card problem.
FYI, this is my son's computer. He has limited computer skills and no idea how to get into the BIOS (or change settings). Any idea how this could have changed?

 

[RaDiKaL_]

Sometimes when not turning off properly the system or a power failure can mess up BIOS settings. Other than that I have no clue how it could have happened.

 

[kcwalker]

Hi RaDiKaL_,
I checked the primary adapter setting in BIOS. As you suspected, it was set to PCI-E. I changed it to IGFX. Same result. :-( Nothing on the monitor unless I use F2 to view/change BIOS settings. (I checked the setting, it was saved). Ugh.

I should note, I don't see any BIOS POST messages on the monitor if I don't use F2.

 

[RaDiKaL_]

Could you verify 100% it does get to boot all the way into Windows? Turn it on with your speakers ready and wait to hear the Windows logon sound, if it does get all the way on first boot (without display) then it could be some issue on the monitor itself, not detecting the carrier signal on first attempt, if possible try another cable or even another monitor.

If it's not getting to Windows however, could be a failing PSU, some internal component not charging enough on first boot thus failing to POST until the 2nd attempt where it finally gets properly charged.

 

[kcwalker]

The situation has changed in the past 24 hours. Using F2 no longer works. The chassis has two status lights: one for system power-on, and a second for HDD activity. Now, only the power-on light is "on" (no HDD activity indicated). Also I never hear the Windows logon sound. I'm beginning to suspect a failing PSU or a MOBO component. This is going to be fun to diagnose. Is a POST code display card helpful?

 

[RaDiKaL_]

Yes it is, or at least the good old speaker, with the error code being produced we'll be able to find out what's going on.

 

[kcwalker]

Turns out it was a bad PSU. I replaced the PSU and all is working again.

 

[RaDiKaL_]

Glad to see you found the issue.