I'm a total newbie to building computers and I'm desperate for some help! Last week, after not using my computer for a few months, I turned it on and Windows just wouldn't load. I noticed that the BIOS takes a while to show up too, which is concerning. I suspect my motherboard might be failing or that I need to upgrade my RAM. I think it's strange since I hadn't touched the computer during my move, and it was working fine before.
Here are my specs:
- Motherboard: ASUS Prime A320M-F (BIOS Ver. 5862)
- CPU: Ryzen 5 1600 (6 cores / 12 threads @ 3.2GHz)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 @ 2133MHz (1 stick in DIMM_B1)
- Temp: CPU is good at 38°C, but motherboard is a bit high at 54°C idle.
I need this computer for 3D art and rendering, and it's really stressing me out since all my old work is saved on it. I'd appreciate any guidance on what's going wrong and how I might be able to fix it! Thanks a lot!
4 Answers
Just a heads up, when you see 'single channel' in your RAM configuration, it means you’re only using one stick. Dual-channel (using two sticks) is usually better for performance. If your motherboard can see the BIOS, that’s a good sign. You might need to focus on getting an operating system back on your build. If you're thinking of a new storage drive, make sure to identify what type you need. Prices and options can be all over the place, so bring your old drive with you when shopping!
Entering the BIOS is a good sign, but you definitely need some storage that the system can recognize. Just to clarify, when you check your drive, remember that SSDs and HDDs have different shapes and connectors, so if you're replacing it, note what kind you need.
No worries about being new! It seems like your build has potential, especially for starters! Can you try booting from a USB drive with an OS installation? That might help diagnose if the hardware is indeed the problem. Also, keep learning—every step is progress!
It sounds like your main issue is that the storage isn't being detected. You might want to open the case and check all the connections to your hard drive. Sometimes a loose cable can cause problems like this.
Thanks for the suggestion! It’s a simple thing I might have overlooked.
Got it! I'll make sure to check the type before buying.