Why Does My ASUS PC Hang on the UEFI Screen When Installing a New GPU?

Recently, I have faced a peculiar issue with my ASUS PC while installing a new graphics card (GPU). Specifically, my system hangs on the UEFI (UEFI) screen. This problem has occurred both when installing a brand new 1660 Super and a replacement card. This ASUS PC is a combination of components that have worked flawlessly up until now, which adds another layer of intrigue to the issue.

Factors to Consider Before Installation

First and foremost, the issue could be related to several factors. It's important to rule out basic troubleshooting steps before diving into more technical reasons. This includes ensuring the 1660 Super replacement is in good condition, positioned correctly on the motherboard, and compatible with the rest of the system. It's also crucial to check the stability of the power supply (PSU) and ensure proper insertion into the PCIe slot.

Possible Causes of the Problem

Here are some potential causes of the hanging issue: Faulty motherboard: It's possible that the motherboard is not handling the new GPU correctly. Checking the motherboard with the onboard graphics might help determine if the issue lies with the motherboard. Incompatible GPU: The new GPU may be incompatible with the motherboard or its firmware. Always ensure that the GPU is compatible with the motherboard before installation. Static discharge: Static electricity can damage electronic components, including GPU. Always handle the card and components carefully to avoid static discharge. BIOS settings: Incorrect BIOS settings might cause the system to hang on the UEFI screen. Ensure that the BIOS is up-to-date and settings are correct. Legacy timer issues: The High Precision Event Timer (HPET) might be the culprit. HPET needs to be enabled in the UEFI settings for some systems to avoid issues.

Diagnosing the Issue

To diagnose the problem, start by checking if the 1660 Super or any other GPU can be correctly inserted into the PCIe slot on the motherboard. If the system doesn’t boot up with the 1660 Super or the onboard graphics, it might be a hardware issue. If the system boots up but hangs on the UEFI screen, the issue is likely software-related, such as a BIOS setting or HPET.

The Role of HPET in UEFI Boot Process

A recent observation has led me to suspect the HPET (High Precision Event Timer) as the cause of the hanging issue. The HPET is a legacy component that might not be necessary for most modern operating systems (OS) to function properly. However, it is crucial for the UEFI boot process, which might explain why enabling or disabling it could affect the system behavior.

Here’s a more detailed explanation: UEFI Boot Process: UEFI is the firmware used for booting modern computers. It is responsible for initializing hardware and loading the operating system. HPET Functionality: The HPET is a x86 architecture timer that can be used for high-precision timing events. While most modern OSes use the TSC (Time Stamp Counter) for such purposes, some systems rely on HPET for compatibility with legacy drivers. UEFI Settings: In the UEFI settings, there is a setting that controls whether the HPET is enabled. This setting is crucial for the UEFI boot process. If the HPET is disabled, it can cause the system to hang on the UEFI screen or fail to boot properly.

By enabling the HPET in the UEFI settings, the system might be able to complete the boot process without hanging. This is an experimental fix, but given the lack of other leads, it is worth considering.

Conclusion

The issue with my ASUS PC hanging on the UEFI screen when installing a new GPU is likely related to the HPET setting. Enabling this legacy timer in the UEFI settings might resolve the problem. If you face a similar issue, check the BIOS settings and specifically look for the HPET option. This should resolve the hanging issue.

I have documented this issue, especially because it seems to be a unique problem that hasn’t been widely reported. If anyone else faces the same issue, they might find this information helpful. If anyone can provide a more detailed explanation of why HPET is necessary for UEFI boot, that would be greatly appreciated.