Question Unable to launch/install Windows 11 on NVME SSD

[masqurin]

Might be a misleading title, not entirely sure if its a drive issue but computer seems to be booting ok. All error lights on the MOBO are off and computer boots to BIOS ok.

Building a new PC for my nephew. Installing windows 11 from a usb. Successfully create a partition, select it to install OS on it, installer successfully completes the "copying files" step and then restarts as part of the normal installation procedure. At this point, the "windows boot manager m.2_1 WD_BLACK SN770 1TB" becomes available. However, when the loading reaches a TUF Gaming logo booting into the m2 drive, the little loading circle gets stuck, stops and computer restarts infinitely. No other drives are connected. Keyboard, Windows usb and monitor (DP to MOBO) only.

Tried the steps mentioned in this post:

Can't boot from M.2 NVMe SSD

I had a Samsung 850 SSD (SATA) with Windows 10 on it. I bought Samsung 970 SSD (M.2). Turned off the computer, plugged it in, inserted a bootable USB stick with Windows 10 on it. Went directly to BIOS and changed boot priority to boot from the stick. Then, I installed Windows 10 on the new drive...

forums.tomshardware.com

- CSM is disabled (cant enable it at all actually)
- OS Type was set to "Other OS" by default when the problem occurred. Have tried changing it to windows UEFI mode since
- Tried disabling fast boot
- Tried disabling AMI Native NVMe Driver support
- Updated BIOS to latest version

MOBO: B650-PLUS WIFI
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600
PSU: Corsair CX650M
RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR5 16GBx2 6000MHz
M.2: WD BLACK SN770 1TB
BIOS Version: 1654 25/08/2023

Video:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrRe8jCJcgU


Any tips highly appreciated, cheers.

 

[Lutfij]

Updated BIOS to latest version
You're advised to clear the CMOS once you've verified that the BIOS was successfully updated to the latest version. Clear the CMOS by disconnecting from the wall and display, then manually removing the CMOS battery from the board, press and hold down the power button for 30 secs then replace the battery after 30 mins.

PSU: Corsair CX650M
How old is the PSU in your build?

As for your OS, where did you source the installer for the OS>?

 

[masqurin]

- Reset the CMOS battery as advised no luck.
- PSU was purchased brand new from Canada Computers. Not sure how long it has been sitting on the shelf for.
- USB installer downloaded from microsoft.com (Same USB was used to install OS on another PC)

P.S The update to bios was done to try and resolve this issue which was happening from the start.

 

[masqurin]

Update. In addition to the posts above I have since tried the following:

- Install OS on a different drive (SATA SSD)
- Different PSU from a higher wattage system (850W)
- Install different OS Win 11 instead of Win 10
- Install OS from a different USB stick

None of this had made any difference. Conclusion is its not drive nor PSU. System still freezes in motherboard loading screen after boot. I found a post on a different forum describing identical scenario with the original poster claiming replacing a CPU fixed his issue and he was able to carry on. I found it very unlikely as all my limited knowledge suggests a PC would never even get to bios with a faulty CPU (temps seem to be fine). I also do not have a spare CPU compatible with this motherboard.

 

[Bob.B]

Update. In addition to the posts above I have since tried the following:

- Install OS on a different drive (SATA SSD)
- Different PSU from a higher wattage system (850W)
- Install different OS Win 11 instead of Win 10
- Install OS from a different USB stick

None of this had made any difference. Conclusion is its not drive nor PSU. System still freezes in motherboard loading screen after boot. I found a post on a different forum describing identical scenario with the original poster claiming replacing a CPU fixed his issue and he was able to carry on. I found it very unlikely as all my limited knowledge suggests a PC would never even get to bios with a faulty CPU (temps seem to be fine). I also do not have a spare CPU compatible with this motherboard.

See if a copy of memtest86 will boot and run error free.

 

[masqurin]

See if a copy of memtest86 will boot and run error free.

I just ran it today. It passed successfully. I am starting to run out of ideas 🙁

https://imgur.com/a/3JAwHfu

 

[masqurin]

Another update. I tried installing ubuntu. Tried with 2 different USBs but having same issue.

Installation: freezes randomly within the first few steps of the installer
Try ubuntu: freezes pretty much instantly as soon as it launches

This has to be a hardware issue despite all parts being new. Motherboard and CPU are the only two components
I haven't been able to test/replace. Can't return them to the store as its been over 30 days. That only leaves me with the warranty option.
Is one of these more likely than the other or should i send both back?

Thanks

 

[masqurin]

Solved, turns out a post I found blaming CPU for this behaviour was correct. Replaced CPU and booted with no issues.

What made me suspect it was the CPU afterall was the usb bootable linux hanging at different points after launching.