I'm building a PC for my younger sister using an Intel Core i5-10400F, ASRock B560M-C motherboard, DDR4-3600 memory, a 500GB Colorful SSD, an EVGA GTX 1660 Super, and a Montech Beta 2 550W power supply. I initially tried some used parts, but the system would not boot, so I replaced several components with brand-new ones. The exact same problem remains.
When I power it on, the DRAM light comes on first and then turns off. After that, the VGA and BOOT lights appear together; sometimes the BOOT light flickers. Both lights eventually turn off, but there is still no display. The TV detects that an HDMI device has been connected, but I do not get an image. The graphics card's 8-pin power cable is connected. I have also tried one RAM stick in both the A2 and B2 slots and cleared the CMOS. Could this be a BIOS, wiring, seating, or compatibility issue?
3 Answers
Start with the simplest checks: test with only one RAM stick installed, make sure it is fully clicked into the recommended A2 slot, and reseat the graphics card and both motherboard power connectors. Also verify that the CPU power cable near the top of the board is connected. Since the 10400F has no integrated graphics, the monitor must be connected to the GTX 1660 Super, not the motherboard video outputs.
Clearing the CMOS and updating the BIOS are different procedures. Resetting the CMOS only restores the current firmware’s default settings; it does not install a newer BIOS. Check the motherboard’s installed BIOS version and CPU support information. That said, a B560 board should generally support a 10th-generation i5, so I would first verify the cabling, monitor input, GPU seating, and possible case short before attempting a BIOS update.
I had cleared the CMOS already, but I wasn’t sure whether that also updated the BIOS. I’ll check the board’s BIOS information separately.
The system may be passing the initial memory check and then failing during graphics or boot-device initialization. Try starting it with the SSD disconnected and only the CPU, cooler, one RAM stick, graphics card, and power supply installed. If it reaches a BIOS screen, reconnect the SSD afterward. It is also worth testing the board outside the case in case a misplaced standoff is causing a short.
I tried one stick in both A2 and B2, and the graphics card’s 8-pin cable is connected. I’ll double-check the motherboard and CPU power connections.