Can’t access BIOS. Attempted to solve but now PC won’t POST.

[HazzaCrawf]

Does anyone have any advice re the above? I wanted to do a fresh install of Windows as I’m just about to install a 2TB M.2 SSD (not yet installed).

I prepared my USB boot media, but could not load into the BIOS to reinstall a fresh copy of Windows from the boot media;


- No ASUS splash screen appeared (in fact none has ever appeared since I upgraded my GPU and monitor 6 months ago)
- A VGA light has been permanently illuminated on the motherboard since the GPU/monitor was upgraded but has had no effect on performance
- tried repeatedly pressing Del upon restarting, just boots back to Windows
- using the UEFI Firmware option in Advanced Startup just booted me back to Windows
- disabling Fast Boot in power options has no effect

I then tried to force the system to enter BIOS by disconnecting my boot drive and clearing the CMOS

- the system now doesn’t boot and shows a green “boot” QLED on the board itself, permanently, whereas before it booted to windows without allowing the option to access BIOS.
- reconnecting the boot drive does not allow me to boot into Windows, instead giving me just a black screen
- I have tried removing the GPU and using integrated graphics; no change
- Clearing CMOS again causes the system to boot cycle 2-3 times before settling on the green QLED once again, so something is going on in there

So the question is: am I dealing with a display issue where the BIOS has loaded but I’m not seeing it, or does my BIOS need reflashing using a USB stick/rescue CD?

Specs:

- Ryzen 7 3700X
- 32GB DDR4 Crucial Ballistix 3200MHz
- ASUS TUF Gaming X570
- Gigabyte GTX 1080Ti (bought second hand as a stopgap while waiting for 3000 series stock to improve)
- Kingston 120GB SSD (boot drive)
- Kingston 240GB SSD
- 1TB Seagate Barracuda (mass storage)

- Monitor: Gigabyte G34WQC connected via DisplayPort

Any advice would be helpful as I’m tearing my hair out over this!

[Origin Unknown]

Can you connect a monitor via the VGA port? Are you sure its the DEL key to enter the BIOS? F2 is another common key.

[HazzaCrawf]

I’ve tried Del, F12, F2 and F10 - no joy I’m afraid. I’ve accessed the BIOS for this motherboard using Del before, so I’m confused as to why I now can’t access it. Even using the advanced startup option in Windows 10 to directly access the BIOS is not working

It’s as if the BIOS has…gone (although this isn’t possible I don’t think).

I will try connecting the monitor via HDMI (no VGA input on ‘board or graphics card).

[Jinx]

Resetting the bios would have lost all the memory timings so whilst they should have defaulted to 2133 it is possible it is struggling. Strip it down to the basics (one stick RAM, one hard drive - the 3700X doesn't have an iGPU so you will need your 1080Ti installed as well).

The Q-LED indicator should be pointing to what is wrong:

https://www.asus.com/uk/support/FAQ/1042678

So have a read and see if you can pin point the fault.