I’ve started using an intel NUC but am struggling to get it to boot smoothly. I want it to boot Windows as soon as DC power is connected (I have it auto logging into Windows and loading my main instance of Cantabile).
The issue I’m having is that it appears to boot twice before booting Windows. This doesn’t happen if I boot it when mains power is already connected (i.e. if I’ve already been through the above process then shutdown from Windows) - this latter approach boots rapidly, but the former “cold start” situation results in a 3 minute delay before it’s playable.
I’ve been through all the relevant bits of BIOS (although I’m not too familiar with this) and from my reading it sounds as though this 3-start cycle is memory training. Is there any way around this? I don’t have options for XMP.
I experienced that same 2X “false boot” then Windows normal boot on a Windows 10 machine when the CMOS battery died. Maybe check that. However, it may be be your boot command when power connected is the root cause. FWIW I have a NUC 12 with no boot issues, but I’m just using the power button for booting.
Tom
Thanks, I had considered the CMOS battery as potential culprit but it measured 3.2v over the terminals when I checked. I appreciate this doesn’t tell the whole story but suspect it’s probably okay.
Can I check: you are using the power button to power up, but what happens boot-wise if you plug in from cold? That is when mine does this 3-part sequence, and given that this is how I’ll be using the rig (leaving the house for rehearsals and gigs) I really need it to boot smoothly from power-in.
Incidentally, the options for how the NUC behaves after a power outage (stay off, boot etc) seem to make no difference when I adjust them
Solved! In case anyone experiences similar: the CMOS battery polarity was wrong. Previous owner had installed one with the opposite polarity to the original. Interestingly the replacements I ordered on eBay were all the same. Must be a peculiarity of this motherboard