Question:

How to fix a PC that does not display anything on boot, but works fine after plugging and unplugging the display port cable?

I have a PC with the following specifications:

• CPU: Ryzen 7 7800x3D
• Motherboard: MSI MAG B650 tomahawk Wifi
• RAM: Corsair Vengeance (2x16GB) 6000mhz CL30
• GPU: RTX 4070ti Super (MSI Ventus 3x OC)
• Cooler: Arctic Freeze ii 360mm

The problem is that when I turn on the PC, it does not show anything on the monitor, not even the BIOS screen. However, I can tell that it boots into Windows because the CAPS LOCK key works and the power button takes a second to turn off the PC. The only way to get a display is to plug the display port cable into the motherboard first, then switch it to the GPU. This works until I shut down the PC completely, then the problem repeats.

I have tried the following troubleshooting steps, but none of them solved the issue:

• Using a different GPU (an old 1050ti)
• Clearing CMOS
• Re-installing GPU drivers using DDU
• Reseating RAM and CPU
• Using HDMI instead of display port
• Removing and reinserting the GPU
• Removing all peripherals

I have also updated the BIOS and the VBIOS to the latest versions, and verified them with GPU-Z. I am puzzled by this behavior, as it seems like the PC is skipping the step where it calls the GPU to display on boot. I would have thought this was a GPU issue, but once I have a display, it plays games fine and there are no other issues.

What

could be the cause of this problem, and how can I fix it? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer:

If you have a PC with a Ryzen 7 7800x3D CPU, an MSI MAG B650 tomahawk Wifi motherboard, a Corsair Vengeance (2x16GB) 6000mhz CL30 RAM, an RTX 4070ti Super (MSI Ventus 3x OC) GPU, and an Arctic Freeze ii 360mm cooler, you might encounter a strange problem where your PC does not show anything on the monitor when you turn it on, but works fine after you plug the display port cable into the motherboard and then switch it to the GPU. This problem only happens when you shut down the PC completely, and not when you restart it. You might have tried various troubleshooting steps, such as using a different GPU, clearing CMOS, re-installing GPU drivers, reseating RAM and CPU, using HDMI instead of display port, removing and reinserting the GPU, and removing all peripherals, but none of them solved the issue. You might have also updated the BIOS and the VBIOS to the latest versions, and verified them with GPU-Z. You might be puzzled by this behavior, as it seems like the PC is skipping the step where it calls the GPU to display on boot. You might have thought this was a GPU issue, but once you have a display, it plays games fine and there are no other issues.

So, what could be the cause of this problem, and how can you fix it? The answer is not simple, as there could be multiple factors involved, such as the power supply, the motherboard, the GPU, the display port cable, the monitor, or the Windows settings. However, based on some online research and user feedback, here are some possible solutions that you can try:

1. Check the power supply. One of the most common causes of PC boot problems is a faulty or insufficient power supply. Your PC components require a certain amount of power to function properly, and if the power supply is not delivering enough power, or is delivering unstable power, it can cause various issues, such as no display, no boot, random shutdowns, or performance drops. To check the power supply, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage output of the different connectors, or you can use a power supply tester to check the health of the power supply. You can also try using a different power supply, preferably one with a higher wattage and a higher efficiency rating, and see if that solves the problem. If the power supply is the culprit, you should replace it with a new one as soon as possible, as a faulty power supply can damage other components as well.
2. Check the motherboard. Another possible cause of PC boot problems is a defective or incompatible motherboard. Your motherboard is the main hub that connects all the other components, and if it has any issues, such as a damaged circuit, a loose connection, a faulty BIOS chip, or an incompatible BIOS version, it can prevent the PC from booting properly. To check the motherboard, you can inspect it visually for any signs of physical damage, such as burns, cracks, or bulging capacitors. You can also check the motherboard manual for any specific instructions or troubleshooting tips. You can also try resetting the BIOS to its default settings, or updating the BIOS to the latest version, and see if that helps. You can also try using a different motherboard, preferably one with the same chipset and socket as your CPU, and see if that works. If the motherboard is the problem, you should replace it with a new one, or contact the manufacturer for a warranty or repair service.
3. Check the GPU. Another possible cause of PC boot problems is a faulty or incompatible GPU. Your GPU is the component that renders the graphics on your monitor, and if it has any issues, such as a broken fan, a loose connection, a corrupted driver, or an incompatible VBIOS version, it can cause no display, no boot, or performance issues. To check the GPU, you can inspect it visually for any signs of physical damage, such as burns, cracks, or dust buildup. You can also check the GPU manual for any specific instructions or troubleshooting tips. You can also try using a different GPU, preferably one with the same or lower power consumption and performance as your current one, and see if that works. You can also try using a different display port cable, or a different monitor, and see if that makes a difference. You can also try re-installing the GPU drivers using DDU, or updating the VBIOS to the latest version, and see if that helps. If the GPU is the problem, you should replace it with a new one, or contact the manufacturer for a warranty or repair service.
4. Check the Windows settings. Another possible cause of PC boot problems is a misconfigured or corrupted Windows setting. Your Windows operating system controls how your PC boots and operates, and if it has any issues, such as a corrupted registry, a missing file, a malware infection, or an incompatible update, it can cause no display, no boot, or performance issues. To check the Windows settings, you can try booting into safe mode, which is a diagnostic mode that only loads the essential drivers and services, and see if you can get a display. You can also try using the Windows recovery options, such as startup repair, system restore, or reset this PC, and see if that fixes the problem. You can also try using a different Windows installation media, such as a USB flash drive or a DVD, and see if you can boot from that. If the Windows settings are the problem, you should try to repair or reinstall the Windows operating system, or contact Microsoft for technical support.

These are some of the possible solutions that you can try to fix your PC boot problem. However, please note that these are not guaranteed to work, and you should always backup your important data before attempting any of these steps. You should also consult a professional technician or a reputable online forum for more guidance and assistance. Hopefully, you will be able to solve your problem and enjoy your PC again. Good luck!