PC boots with black screen on first attempt, works only after restart (i5-10400, H410M, Corsair CX550, new RAM & PSU)

Understanding and Resolving Post-Startup Black Screen Issues in Modern PC Systems

Introduction

Encountering a black screen during the initial boot process can be a perplexing experience for many PC enthusiasts and users. While the hardware and software landscape is vast, certain issues tend to recur across different configurations, especially during system startups or wake events. This article aims to shed light on such problems by examining a representative case and providing systematic troubleshooting strategies.

Case Overview

A user recently upgraded their desktop system, which comprises components such as an Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, Gigabyte H410M H V2 motherboard, Corsair CX550 power supply, and a single 16 GB Corsair Vengeance RAM module. The system previously operated smoothly with a basic setup but now exhibits a peculiar behavior: on initial power-up, the system powers on but the monitor remains black. The user reports that a forced restart—either via the power supply switch or the case button—generally results in a normal boot. Additionally, when resuming from sleep mode, the monitor sometimes stays black until another restart.

Hardware and Software Configuration

Key hardware components include:
– Motherboard: Gigabyte H410M H V2 rev.1.0
– Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 with stock cooling
– Memory: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance LP DDR4 3200 MHz (operating at 2666 MHz due to motherboard constraints)
– Power Supply: Corsair CX550 550W
– Storage Devices: SATA SSD (OS boot drive) and HDD
– Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
– Power Backup: APC Back-UPS 600

System software comprises Windows 11 Pro 64-bit, with BIOS updated to the latest version and all drivers current.

Identified Symptoms

• The system powers on with visible signs such as spinning fans and illuminated case lights, but the display remains blank on the first boot attempt.
• Mechanical restart is often required before a successful boot.
• Occasionally, resuming from sleep results in a black screen until a restart.
• Once fully booted, the system operates stably without crashes or performance issues.

Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

1. BiOS and Firmware Settings

2. Check the BIOS Display Settings: Ensure that the primary display output is set correctly (e.g., integrated graphics as default if no dedicated GPU is installed).
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