The SpecsI just build a PC with the following specs:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q6CqpHMainly focused on the MB (ROG MAXIMUS Z690 HERO) and GPU (ROG-STRIX-LC-RTX3080TI-O12G-GAMING) due to the issue.
The PSU Setup2x CPU power cables are connected.
3x PCIe cables connected directly to the GPU (no daisy chain).
1x ATX cable connected to the MB's power connector and its split.
The IssueWhen booted with BIOS primary GPU set to either CPU or Auto and connected the HDMI cable to the GPU, I get QCodes 97, 98, or 99.
When booted with BIOS primary GPU set to either CPU or Auto and connected an HDMI cable to the GPU and another the CPU (both connected to the display), I get QCodes 97, 98, or 99. This will sometimes work and load windows.
When booted with BIOS primary GPU set to either CPU or Auto and connected the HDMI cable to the MB, I get QCode A0 and load onto windows just fine. If I then change the HDMI cable to the GPU all is good.
When booted with BIOS primary GPU set to either CPU or Auto and connected the DisplayPort cable to the GPU, I get QCode A0 and load onto windows just fine. If I then change the cable to the GPU’s HDMI all is good.
I tried this with the BIOS versions: default (I don't remember the number), 1304 , 1403
Important note, after upgrading the BIOS to 1304 and newer I have not gotten QCode99.
The process I followedCase 1:
Setup:
My HDMI cable (tested 3 different HDMI cables) connected to the GPU’s connectors (tried both).
BIOS - Primary Graphics Option: CPU
Result: QCode 97 or QCode 98, or QCode 99
Case 2:
Setup:
My HDMI cable (tested 3 different HDMI cables) connected to the GPU’s connectors (tried both).
BIOS - Primary Graphics Option: AUTO/PCIe
Result: QCode 97 or QCode 98, or QCode 99
Case 3:
Setup:
My HDMI cable connected to the Motherboard’s connector.
BIOS - Primary Graphics Option: CPU
Result: QCode A0, boots to windows.
Follow up: Disconnect HDMI (after windows has loaded) and connect to GPU
Result to follow up: Works just fine.
Case 4:
Setup:
My HDMI cable connected to the Motherboard’s connector.
BIOS - Primary Graphics Option: AUTO/PCIe
Result: QCode A0, boots to windows.
Follow up: Disconnect HDMI (after windows has loaded) and connect to GPU
Result to follow up: Works just fine.
Case 5:
Setup:
DisplayPort cable connected to the GPU connector (the one closest to the HDMI connectors, I did not try the others).
BIOS - Primary Graphics Option: CPU
Result: QCode A0, boots to windows.
Follow up: Disconnect DisplayPort (after windows has loaded) and connect to GPU’s HDMI
Result to follow up: Works just fine.
Case 6:
Setup:
DisplayPort cable connected to the GPU connector (the one closest to the HDMI connectors, I did not try the others).
BIOS - Primary Graphics Option: AUTO/PCIe
Result: QCode A0, boots to windows.
Follow up: Disconnect DisplayPort (after windows has loaded) and connect to GPU’s HDMI
Result to follow up: Works just fine.
Case 7:
Setup:
Two HDMI cables (tested 3 different HDMI cables) 1 cable connected to the GPU’s connector (tried both) and the other cable connected to the motherboard..
BIOS - Primary Graphics Option: CPU or AUTO
Result: QCode 97, QCode 98, or 1 time I got A0 and booted to windows just fine.
Results and Questions
The iGPU works fine.
The GPU's DP works fine.
The GPU's HDMI causes issues.
Why is it that the iGPU and the GPU's DP work just fine and the only issue is when using the GPU's HDMI?
What could be the issue? MB, GPU, or something else?
I ask because I contacted ASUS and their responses were... vague to say the least, and I am 14 days away from not being able to request a replacement for either the GPU or the MB (both bought from newegg).
PS: I also posted this in reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/PcBuildHelp/comments/tyob11/brand_new_intel_build_wont_boot_only_when/Thank you all for your help!
Edit: Amended case number 5 being duplicate and DP cable can only be connected to the GPU.