Computer reboots after BIOS startup: diagnosis and problem solving
System:
- CPU: Ryzen 5600G
- GPU: RTX 3060 12GB
- Motherboard: B550M AORUS Elite Rev 1.1
- RAM: Crucial Ballistix 8GBx2 DDR4 3200
- Storage: Samsung 980 256GB NVMe, Adata 480GB M2, Kingston 480GB SATA
- PSU: DQ750ST
Problem:
After installing fans and a hub of questionable quality from Ozon, the computer started rebooting and sometimes hanging, mainly during BIOS boot, sometimes on the desktop. Interestingly, under load (in games), the system works stably, but without load, reboots occur. Also, the main SSD sometimes disappears from BIOS.
What’s already been checked:
- Updated BIOS to latest version
- Reset BIOS through settings and jumper
- Replaced CMOS battery
- Cleaned RAM, M2 slot and GPU with eraser and alcohol
- Tested one RAM stick at a time in different slots
- Used two different power supplies
- Tested with four different SSDs
- Ran system outside of case
- Cleaned with compressed air
- Visual inspection of motherboard (no damage found except for leaking pads under VRM heatsink)
- Replaced thermal paste on CPU
- Installed clean Windows without drivers
- Removed fans and hub
- Ran without peripherals
- Changed outlets
- Error in log: Kernel Power 43
- Test in AIDA64 (no errors, temperatures normal)
- South bridge gets hot but within normal range
Additional information:
- SATA connector from hub has an unpleasant smell
- Unable to run MemTest memory test
- Sometimes the system can boot to Windows, but reboots again after a few minutes
- SSD disappears from BIOS again
What could be the cause of the problem and how to diagnose it?
A computer with a B550M AORUS Elite Rev 1.1 motherboard and Ryzen 5600G processor that reboots after starting BIOS is likely experiencing power supply, overheating, or BIOS configuration issues. Based on your description and analysis of similar cases, the main causes could be VRM power problems, southbridge overheating, or incorrect BIOS settings.
Contents
- Main Possible Causes of the Problem
- Diagnostic Procedures
- Step-by-Step Solutions
- Additional Recommendations
- When to Seek Service Repair
Main Possible Causes of the Problem
VRM Power Issues
The B550M AORUS Elite Rev 1.1 motherboard has limited VRM power capabilities, especially for high-power consumption processors. The Ryzen 5600G, despite its 65W TDP, can place significant load on the VRM when using the integrated graphics.
Important: Leaking thermal pads under the VRM heatsink indicate overheating and degradation of the cooling system, which directly affects CPU power stability.
Southbridge Issues
As mentioned in your description, the southbridge is overheating. On Gigabyte forums, users report that southbridge (Chipset) overheating on B550 motherboards can cause system instability and random reboots.
SSD Issues in BIOS
Research shows that SSDs may disappear from BIOS on B550 motherboards due to:
- SATA/NVMe configuration conflicts
- Power connector issues
- BIOS device recognition errors
Power Supply Issues
The DQ750ST power supply, especially after connecting questionable equipment (fans and hub from Ozon), may be damaged or operating at its limits.
Diagnostic Procedures
VRM Temperature Monitoring
- Use programs like HWMonitor or AIDA64 to monitor VRM temperatures
- Attach an external temperature sensor to the VRM heatsink for accurate measurements
- Normal VRM temperature under load should not exceed 90°C
Warning: According to iXBT forums, VRM overheating above 90°C causes immediate system reboots.
Memory Testing
Perform a full MemTest86+ memory test:
- Boot from a USB flash drive
- The test should last at least 4-6 hours
- Any errors indicate memory or motherboard issues
SSD Diagnostics
Check each drive separately:
- Connect one SSD at a time to the motherboard
- Check recognition in BIOS
- Use CrystalDiskInfo to check S.M.A.R.T. parameters
BIOS Check
Check the BIOS version on the official Gigabyte website and compare it with the installed version. Some users report issues with specific BIOS versions and Ryzen 5600G.
Step-by-Step Solutions
BIOS Settings
- Open BIOS and go to
Advanced→SATA Configuration - Change the
SATA ModefromRAIDtoAHCI - Check
NVMe Storage Configurationsettings -NVMe Storage Device Firstshould be enabled - Disable all automatic overclocking features:
XMP/DOCP,Overclocking - Set
CPU Current CapabilitytoAutoorStandard
Improving VRM Cooling
- Thoroughly clean the VRM heatsink from leaking thermal pads
- Apply high-quality thermal paste (e.g., Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut)
- Attach a small additional fan to the heatsink for active cooling
- Ensure the case has good ventilation
BIOS Update
- Download the latest BIOS version from the official Gigabyte website
- Use
Q-Flashfor updating (not through Windows) - After updating, reset BIOS settings to default
Power Supply Testing
- Disconnect all peripheral devices
- Leave only one RAM stick, one SSD, and the graphics card
- Check system stability in this minimal configuration
- If the problem persists, try a different power supply
Additional Recommendations
Booting Outside the Case
As you’ve already tried, starting the system outside the case helps rule out short circuits. Continue using this method for diagnosis.
Checking Capacitors
Inspect the motherboard capacitors for bulging or leakage. Damaged capacitors are a common cause of unstable operation.
Using Different RAM Slots
Try installing memory in different slots. On the B550M AORUS Elite Rev 1.1, slots 2 and 4 (blue-black) are primary for dual-channel mode.
Checking Power Cables
Ensure that the CPU power (4+4pin) and ATX cables are firmly connected. Loose contacts can cause instability.
When to Seek Service Repair
If the problem persists after all attempts, there is likely a hardware failure of the motherboard. Critical signs for seeking service:
- Damaged VRM - if VRMs cannot handle even basic loads
- Faulty southbridge - if overheating persists despite cooling improvements
- Damaged power supply - if it causes system-wide instability
- Motherboard defect - if diagnostics indicate hardware failures
In your case, considering the leaking VRM thermal pads, the most likely cause is failure of the CPU power system, which requires either repair or motherboard replacement.
Sources
- Official GIGABYTE B550M AORUS ELITE Support
- iXBT Forum: Ryzen 5600 and B550 Issues
- Reddit: SSD and BIOS Issues
- Tom’s Hardware: Random Reboots on B550
- HappyPC Forum: Boot Issues After CMOS Reset
Conclusion
The issue with system reboots on the B550M AORUS Elite Rev 1.1 with Ryzen 5600G requires a comprehensive approach. Start by checking and improving VRM cooling, as the leaking thermal pads indicate overheating of this critical component. Then sequentially check BIOS settings, rule out memory and SSD issues, and only then consider hardware failures. Remember that the Ryzen 5600G with integrated graphics creates additional load on the motherboard’s power system, which can be exacerbated by insufficient VRM cooling.