I recently built a new system with a Ryzen 5 9600X CPU and an ASUS TUF B650M-PLUS WiFi motherboard. Initially, it booted into the BIOS without any issues. However, after I enabled CSM in the BIOS while trying to boot from a Windows USB installer, the system started cycling in a reboot loop. The LED sequence on the motherboard is orange to red to white, and it won't reach the BIOS anymore. I've tried several troubleshooting steps, including BIOS flashback, CMOS reset, booting with just the CPU and one RAM stick, RAM retraining, reseating the CPU, and even using the integrated GPU without a dedicated graphics card. Now it seems like it could be a defective motherboard or a stuck memory training state. Any advice?
3 Answers
Hey, don't worry! This happens sometimes, especially with new builds. When you enabled CSM, it might have altered some settings that your hardware isn’t compatible with. After rebooting, if you’re still stuck in the loop, try clearing the CMOS once more and see if you can get back to BIOS. From there, you can change the settings back to default. If that doesn't work, double-check your RAM slots and positions, as even a slight change can make a big difference.
It sounds like you've tried a lot of the basic troubleshooting steps already. Since you had it boot into BIOS once, it might be an issue with the settings after enabling CSM. Try resetting the BIOS again and check if it helps. Make sure to disconnect all peripherals and start with just the essentials connected. Sometimes a hardware component can cause these loops. Could be worth seeing if any recent BIOS updates address bugs related to memory training or CSM.
Did you remember to have an OS drive connected before trying to boot from USB? It sounds like your BIOS might be looking for a drive it can't find. Make sure you've got the main drive installed before you attempt to install Windows again. If you're just trying to enter BIOS, go without the USB and see if that gets you anywhere first!
Exactly, make sure the SSD or HDD is recognized by the BIOS before booting the installer. Sometimes it can fail to detect drives, leading to this sort of problem.
I’ve been there, it’s super frustrating! You might want to try booting with a different RAM stick entirely, just to rule out any issues with the ones you're using. Sometimes even the smallest incompatibility can lead to boot loops.