PC turns on, reaches the BIOS screen, then powers off and auto-restarts right after

Troubleshooting a Persistent Restart Loop: What to Do When Your PC Won’t Boot

If you’ve ever encountered a situation where your computer powers on, shows the BIOS screen, then immediately shuts off and restarts, you’re not alone. This perplexing issue can originate from various sources, and identifying the problem can often seem daunting. Allow me to share some insights based on a recent experience.

After maintaining a stable PC configuration for about a year—albeit with GPU and PSU upgrades last year—my setup was functioning perfectly until just yesterday. Upon returning home from work, I encountered an unexpected hurdle. The system initiated the boot process, displayed the ASRock motherboard screen, and then abruptly powered down, only to restart a few seconds later. This cycle continued until I turned off the power supply.

Given this scenario, diagnosing the underlying issue can be tricky, especially when you can’t access the BIOS menu to modify any boot settings. Here are some potential steps to explore before considering costly component replacements:

Check Power Connections: Ensure all power cables from the PSU to the motherboard and other components are securely connected. A loose connection can cause premature shutdowns.
Reseat Hardware Components: Sometimes a component can become unseated over time. Carefully remove and reseat your RAM, GPU, and any other expansion cards to ensure a proper connection.
Test with Minimal Configuration: To isolate the issue, try booting with a minimal setup—remove any non-essential hardware. This includes extra RAM sticks, additional drives, and peripherals. If the PC boots successfully, gradually add components back to identify the culprit.
Inspect for Overheating: Check if your CPU cooler is properly attached and if dust buildup is obstructing airflow. Overheating can lead to shutdowns to protect hardware.
Listen for Beeps or LED Codes: Many motherboard brands provide diagnostic codes through speaker beeps or LED patterns. If your system produces any beep codes, reference your motherboard manual to interpret these signals.
Consider a PSU Issue: A malfunctioning power supply can often lead to instability. If possible, test with a different PSU to determine if that’s the source of the problem.
Consult Documentation and Online Communities: Review your motherboard’s manual for troubleshooting steps and seek advice from online communities that focus on PC issues. You may find that someone experienced a similar situation.