PC Will Not Boot Up When PCIe Card Is Inserted

Issue Details

• Why is my PC not booting after inserting my PCIe/PCI card?
• My PCIe/PCI card worked with my old motherboard then stopped working with my new one. How can I determine if my PC or PCIe/PCI card is causing the issue?

Solution

It is important to determine if this issue is caused by the PC, or the PCI/PCIe card. To isolate the issue, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Determine if the PCIe/PCI card is causing the issue:

• Re-seat the PCIe Card in the PCIe Slot to see if it is recognized
• Try the PCIe card in a different PCIe Slot on the same computer to see if it is recognized
• Try the PCIe card in another computer to determine if the PC or card is the issue. If the card works on another computer see step 2 to check the PC settings as they may differ between computers. 
• Try a known working PCIe card in the PCIe slot that is having the problem to confirm if the card is the problem
• Make sure the card is in a compatible slot. For example, the PCIe-1433 is electrically a x4 card. The 1433 supports unplugging, so can be used in x4, x8 and x16 slots.  

2. If the PCIe/PCI card seems to be working correctly, check the PC:

• Update the firmware/BIOS for the computer motherboard.
• Disconnect the card to boot the computer and check if all the Windows updates have been applied in Settings >> Windows Update. Some PCs that had this issue, have been able to boot with the card connected after a Windows Update was performed. 
• Change BIOS settings for the PCIe card from AUTO to GEN1 (Options typically are AUTO/GEN1/GEN2/GEN3). For instructions on how to change your BIOS settings, consult your motherboard's user manual as settings may differ between devices.
• One of the last resources, if the card is working on other PCs, an image of one of those PCs can be created and installed on the PC that is not booting when the card is connected. This will narrow-down if the cause is at lower level (hardware/motherboard) or can be fixed with a new image of the operating system. 

Additional Information

Some motherboards may not automatically recognize the PCIe Card Version. This will cause the system to try and boot the PC with the PCIe card possibly set to the incorrect version, thus inhibiting the PC from booting up.

• ASUS Z270H Motherboard:

• Supermicro X11SCZ-F/Q Motherboard:

• Spectra MI996VF-9400 Motherboard:

In general, NI recommends contacting the PC's manufacturer to verify if the PCIe board can be used with their motherboard based on its specifications.