Question:

Greetings,

I am encountering a persistent issue with my computer where it enters a boot loop with every restart. Occasionally, the system successfully boots after approximately five attempts, while other times it requires continuous reboots for up to 30 minutes before it starts properly. Once the system is up and running, it operates stably for extended periods without any problems. This issue persists even when attempting to boot from external media, such as a USB drive with Ubuntu Live, suggesting it is not a software-related problem.

To date, I have undertaken several diagnostic steps without success, including:

• Executing various Windows repair commands, which have not identified any issues.
• Performing a BIOS reset and update, along with multiple configuration adjustments, yet the problem remains.
• Testing the memory by removing sticks, using them individually, and conducting an overnight memtest, all of which resulted in no change or detected issues.
• Updating the SSD firmware and assessing its health via Samsung’s tool, which reported no problems.
• Disconnecting all non-essential peripherals.
• Replacing the GPU, which did not resolve the issue.
• The most recent attempt involved replacing the motherboard, which was initially suspected to be the cause. Unfortunately, the problem persists and has potentially worsened, as the system now occasionally fails to restart on its own. I have documented this occurrence in a video recording.

Given the steps already taken, I am left to consider the CPU, power supply, and SSD as potential culprits, although I would expect different symptoms if they were at fault.

The components in question are:

• Asrock B550 Pro4 (recently replaced with Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE, to no avail)
• AMD Ryzen 5 5600
• Kingston 3200MHz DDR4 2x16GB
• Samsung EVO 860 M.2 NVMe SSD

Could

you provide your expert insight into what might be causing this boot loop issue?”

Answer:

Computer boot loops are a perplexing issue that can stem from a myriad of causes, ranging from hardware failures to software conflicts. In the scenario described, where the system intermittently boots correctly after several attempts and runs stably thereafter, we can deduce that the issue is likely not related to the operating system or software, as it also occurs when booting from an external source like a USB with Ubuntu Live.

The diagnostic steps taken so far have been thorough and methodical, ruling out common culprits such as BIOS configuration errors, memory faults, and SSD health issues. The fact that the problem persisted even after replacing the motherboard—a significant step—narrows down the potential causes.

Given the symptoms and the steps already taken, here are some expert insights into what might be causing the boot loop issue:

An inconsistent or failing PSU can cause boot loops. It may provide enough power to eventually boot but struggle initially, especially under the load of startup processes.

2.

CPU Issues:

While less common, a faulty CPU can lead to boot instability. It’s worth checking if the CPU is properly seated, if the thermal paste has been applied correctly, or if there are any bent pins on the processor or the socket.

3.

SSD Firmware or Compatibility:

Even though the SSD’s health was reported as fine, there could be firmware issues or compatibility problems with the motherboard that aren’t detected by standard health checks.

4.

Electrical Short or Grounding Issue:

If there’s an electrical short or a grounding problem within the case or with one of the components, it could cause erratic behavior like boot loops.

5.

Peripheral or Expansion Card Issue:

Sometimes, a faulty peripheral or expansion card can cause boot issues. This includes internal components like sound cards, network cards, or additional storage controllers.

6.

Environmental Factors:

External factors such as electrical surges, fluctuations in power supply, or even a problematic power outlet could contribute to the issue.

7.

Motherboard Firmware (BIOS/UEFI) Bug:

Even with a BIOS update, there could be a lingering firmware bug specific to the combination of hardware in use.

In conclusion, the next steps would involve systematically testing the PSU, examining the CPU and its installation, and considering the possibility of an SSD firmware update or compatibility issue. Additionally, inspecting the computer’s environment and electrical setup could unveil overlooked factors contributing to the boot loop.

It’s a challenging puzzle, but with patience and a process of elimination, the root cause can often be identified and resolved. Good luck!