Troubleshooting BIOS Video Issues: A Guide for First-Time PC Builders

Building a new PC is an exciting venture, but it can also present a few challenges, especially when it comes to troubleshooting video output issues. If you’re facing a situation where you don’t see any video output after connecting just the power supply, you’re not alone. Here’s a case study to shed some light on what to check and how to proceed.

The Build in Question

Imagine putting together a powerful PC setup featuring:

• Motherboard: MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
• CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X
• GPU: GeForce RTX 3090
• RAM: 4 x Micron MTA18ASF2G72PDZ-3G2R1 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (ECC)
• Storage: 1 x SAMSUNG MZVLB2T0HALB-000L7

In this case, the builder omitted an important step: updating the BIOS prior to installing the Ryzen 9 5900X. After booting up the assembled components, they encountered an issue where no video was displayed via HDMI on either the motherboard or the graphics card.

The Troubleshooting Journey

Realizing that a BIOS update was necessary, the builder successfully flashed the BIOS with version 7C91v28 while all components were still installed. However, they still experienced no video output. While the system provided power (all fans and LEDs appeared to function normally), a frustrating red CPU light illuminated on the motherboard, indicating a potential issue.

In an attempt to rectify the situation, the builder explored multiple BIOS versions, including one from October 13, 2023, specifically designed to support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. They diligently followed the BIOS update process, utilizing the designated USB port for updates and ensuring the stick’s LED indicator confirmed data access for more than five minutes.

Common Questions and Considerations

At this point, the builder was left wondering about a few critical aspects:

• Should there be any indications of a failed BIOS POST on the display output, even with minimal components connected?
• Does the motherboard possess integrated graphics, or is it entirely reliant on the CPU for video output?

Key Takeaways for Builders

1. Check for Integrated Graphics: Many motherboards, especially those designed for more powerful CPUs, may not have integrated graphics. This means that the