Question PC POSTs, is able to boot into BIOS, but will not boot into any OS ?

Msv2001

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Nov 27, 2014
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18,510
Hello,

I was just watching YT on my computer when it randomly shut off and tried to reboot, upon trying to reboot it showed "Preparing Automatic Repair". Since then I have not been able to get past the Windows loading circle; it appears for 1-2 seconds then the computer restarts, goes through all the check lights, ASUS Logo, Windows 10 loading circle then fails again. I am able to boot into the BIOS and stay there for as long as I want.

I have tried:
  • Reseating the RAM, currently checking MEMTEST and everything is 100% so far with no errors
  • Disconnected and Reconnected PSU cable and motherboard headers
  • Reseated CPU
  • Reseated GPU
  • Reset CMOS multiple times
  • Tried a different power supply (with less wattage so I am not sure)
  • Tried booting into Media Creation Tool and Ubuntu and I can't boot into them either.
  • Tried a friend's CPU but I couldn't get results as when I tried it, I couldn't even POST; the DRAM light stayed on. This was attempted with a AMD 2600X
It's all so strange because I am 99.9999% sure it is not a software issue as I can't boot into anything but the BIOS. I'm certain it is not the GPU, RAM, or corrupted Drives. It has to be either the PSU, CPU, or MOBO, but as you stated it is so weird to see it work in a "partial" state. Everything in the BIOS works fine, the temps are fine, and defaults are set so no XMP or DOCP are set, no overclock, and everything is just stock.


I have had most of these parts for around 4 years, the newest pieces are the GPU and main M.2( Both about a year old), in the summer I moved everything to a new case but it has been 6 months since.
My Specs are :
  • AMD 3900X
  • ASUS B550-F
  • Aorus Master RTX 3070
  • Samsung M.2 (and 3 other SSDs)
  • EVGA Supernova 850 80+ Gold
  • Corsair Vengeance Pro 32 GB 3600 (Currently running at 2666)
  • 7 fans and a lot of RGB lmao
So to RECAP,

I am EXTREMELY certain it is not software, so USB booting and all that will not work and has not worked as I have tried it. The drives are not corrupted, the GPU and RAM work. It is so odd that I can't boot into ANY OS but I can boot into BIOS and display just fine.

UPDATE 1:

In BIOS/Advances/CPU Configuration, I changed the cores setting from AUTO to 2 Cores per processor and I was able to BOOT into Windows. Is a processor core of my CPU faulty? Is the PSU acting funky and not giving enough juice to the CPU when it uses all its cores/processors?

Update 2:

The computer will boot with Core Leveling Mode Set to "Four Cores per Processor" but once I set it back to auto, it won't boot and show the same symptoms as before.

Update 3:

Just installed a 5700X with no issues. I have a motherboard and PSU coming in tomorrow, will test the 3900X on that motherboard and PSU in order to determine the faulty hardware.
 
Last edited:
update the BIOS

check your drives nonetheless

check windows integrity
open the command prompt as administrator and type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-open-an-elevated-command-prompt-2618088
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...em-files/bc609315-da1f-4775-812c-695b60477a93

clean boot

check the memory by running memtest.org usb autoinstaller (bootable USB flash drive)

check the hard drive for errors with its manufacturer´s tool and if available, update the firmware

remove all drives and try booting from USB (disable secure boot in bios)