Computer does not display even the BIOS after booting up for the first time.

Troubleshooting a New PC Build: No Display Post-BIOS Power-On

When assembling a new PC, encountering a lack of display output after initial power-up can be concerning. Even with all system components seemingly powered on—fans spinning, RGB lighting active—the absence of BIOS display or POST prompts suggests underlying issues that need systematic diagnosis. This article provides a structured approach to troubleshooting this common scenario, using a recent build as a reference.

System Overview

Hardware Configuration

Motherboard: Asus TUF Gaming B650M
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5, 2x16GB DDR5-6000 CL36 (purchased as individual sticks)
Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 5060 8GB
Storage: Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD

Initial Symptoms

System powers on with case fans, RGB lighting, CPU fan, GPU fans all functioning
Motherboard LED indicator (top right) shows a solid white light (meaning varies per motherboard manual)
No display output via DisplayPort cable on the monitor
Confirmed that power cables and display cables are properly connected and functioning

Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

Verify Basic Connections
Display Connection: Confirm that the monitor is powered on and the correct input source is selected.
Cable Integrity: Test the DisplayPort cable with another device to rule out cable issues.
Monitor Functionality: Connect the monitor to a known working source to ensure it operates correctly.
Check Hardware Seating and Compatibility
RAM Modules: Ensure RAM sticks are properly seated in the correct slots. For DDR5 motherboards, consult the manual for recommended configurations.
GPU Seating: Confirm the graphics card is fully inserted into the PCIe slot and that power connectors are secure.
Motherboard Components: Visually inspect for any bent pins or visible damage.
Clear CMOS/Reset BIOS Settings
Resetting BIOS can resolve boot issues caused by incorrect settings. Use the CMOS jumper or remove the motherboard battery briefly, then reinsert.
Power and Hardware Compatibility
Ensure the power supply unit (PSU) provides sufficient power and all connectors are properly connected.
Verify that the CPU is compatible with the motherboard and that BIOS version supports the CPU (consider updating BIOS if necessary).
Utilize BIOS Flashback