Question:

Greetings,

I have an RTX 4090 graphics card connected to my monitor via an HDMI 2.1 cable. Although both devices support this configuration, I’m unable to receive any video output until the Windows login screen is displayed. Interestingly, when I connect the monitor to the integrated GPU’s HDMI port, it displays the entire boot process without issue.

Additionally, when I attempt to enter the BIOS by pressing the DEL key during startup, the motherboard displays the A9 Q-code, indicating entry into the BIOS, yet there’s no video output if the RTX 4090 is connected.

Despite these initial display issues, the RTX 4090 performs flawlessly in gaming and other applications once Windows has booted. I have the latest Nvidia drivers installed and have recently done a clean Windows installation.

Troubleshooting Attempts:

• Toggling Fast Boot: Unsuccessful
• Enabling/Disabling XMP: Unsuccessful
• Adjusting System Agent Configuration for Multi Monitor Support: Unsuccessful
• Setting the primary GPU to PEG in System Agent Configuration: Unsuccessful, as it reverts to CPU on restart.

System Specifications:

• CPU: Intel i9 14900k
• Motherboard: Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero Intel Z790
• GPU: Asus ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition 24GB GDDR6X
• RAM: GSKILL 64GB (2x32GB) Trident Z5 RGB 6400MHz CL32 DDR5 1.4V
• PSU: MSI PSU MEG AI1300P PCIE5 1300W 80+ PLATINUM
• BIOS Version: 1801 (latest as of 2023/12/22)
• Nvidia Driver Version: 551.23″

I

hope this rephrasing meets your needs. If you have any more requests or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Answer:

A user has encountered a perplexing issue with their high-end RTX 4090 graphics card. Despite a proper connection via an HDMI 2.1 cable, which is supported by both the monitor and the GPU, there is no video output until the Windows login screen is reached. This problem does not occur when using the integrated GPU’s HDMI port, which displays the boot process as expected.

The Mystery of the Missing BIOS Display:

Further complicating matters, attempts to access the BIOS by pressing the DEL key during startup result in the motherboard displaying an A9 Q-code. This code signifies that the computer has entered the BIOS setup, yet the monitor remains blank when connected to the RTX 4090.

Performance Post-Login:

Interestingly, once past the login screen, the RTX 4090 performs exceptionally well in all tasks, including gaming and other applications. The latest Nvidia drivers are installed, and the operating system has been freshly set up, ruling out software issues.

Troubleshooting Efforts:

The user has diligently tried several troubleshooting steps, including toggling Fast Boot, enabling/disabling XMP, adjusting multi-monitor support settings, and setting the primary GPU to PEG. Unfortunately, none of these measures have resolved the issue, and the primary GPU setting reverts to CPU upon restart.

System Specifications:

–

CPU:

Intel i9 14900k

–

Motherboard:

Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero Intel Z790

–

GPU:

Asus ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition 24GB GDDR6X

–

RAM:

GSKILL 64GB (2x32GB) Trident Z5 RGB 6400MHz CL32 DDR5 1.4V

–

PSU:

MSI PSU MEG AI1300P PCIE5 1300W 80+ PLATINUM

–

BIOS Version:

1801 (latest as of 2023/12/22)

–

Nvidia Driver Version:

551.23

Expert Analysis:

This situation is indicative of a potential issue with the GPU’s firmware or a compatibility problem between the motherboard and the GPU. It’s also possible that the motherboard’s BIOS settings for video output need to be adjusted, or there could be a hardware fault with the GPU or the HDMI cable.

Recommendations:

–

Check for BIOS Updates:

Ensure that the motherboard’s BIOS is up-to-date, as manufacturers often release updates that improve compatibility and fix issues.

–

Inspect the HDMI Cable:

Test with another HDMI 2.1 cable to rule out a faulty cable.

–

Consult the Motherboard Manual:

Look for specific BIOS settings related to video output that may need to be adjusted for the RTX 4090.

–

Contact Support:

If the issue persists, reaching out to the GPU and motherboard manufacturers’ support teams may provide additional insights or solutions.

Conclusion:

The RTX 4090 is a powerhouse of a graphics card, and it’s understandably frustrating when such issues arise. However, with methodical troubleshooting and expert assistance, the problem can often be resolved, restoring the full functionality of this impressive hardware setup. If you require further guidance or have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support.