Not getting any output from video card or onboard- is my motherboard dead?
Probably a lost cause, but I thought I'd ask before I start replacing hardware.
I have a desktop that's been boxed up for a while, and when I set it back up I wasn't getting any video output. I pulled out the PCIE card and cleared the CMOS, then it started working fine with the onboard GPU. I assumed the card was bad, since I had problems with that model in the past. Then after a day or two the system locked up and I had to do a hard shutdown. Now I'm not getting any video from the onboard either. I cleared CMOS again, tried with and without the card in place, nothing. When I power up the CPU fan spins, but I don't see any other signs of life. The hard drive access light doesn't seem to come on either, which makes me think that this is not just a video problem, but I'm not sure what BIOS does if it can't detect any video device.
EDIT: Interesting development. At Xantec's suggestion I disconnected everything, which worked. I then started reassembling it piece by piece, and I now have everything back together- even the video card and other peripherals that were not attached before- and it's working fine. I'm typing from it right now. I have no idea what the problem could have been, but since I didn't narrow it down to anything I'm afraid it will just happen again.
motherboard troubleshooting
|
show 3 more comments
Probably a lost cause, but I thought I'd ask before I start replacing hardware.
I have a desktop that's been boxed up for a while, and when I set it back up I wasn't getting any video output. I pulled out the PCIE card and cleared the CMOS, then it started working fine with the onboard GPU. I assumed the card was bad, since I had problems with that model in the past. Then after a day or two the system locked up and I had to do a hard shutdown. Now I'm not getting any video from the onboard either. I cleared CMOS again, tried with and without the card in place, nothing. When I power up the CPU fan spins, but I don't see any other signs of life. The hard drive access light doesn't seem to come on either, which makes me think that this is not just a video problem, but I'm not sure what BIOS does if it can't detect any video device.
EDIT: Interesting development. At Xantec's suggestion I disconnected everything, which worked. I then started reassembling it piece by piece, and I now have everything back together- even the video card and other peripherals that were not attached before- and it's working fine. I'm typing from it right now. I have no idea what the problem could have been, but since I didn't narrow it down to anything I'm afraid it will just happen again.
motherboard troubleshooting
1
are there any POST beeps? do you have any spare RAM or, on the outside chance, a spare CPU that you can test in it? Have you tried removing all other devices connected to the motherboard (example: HDD, CD/DVD etc)?
– Xantec
Nov 2 '10 at 19:57
I don't remember any beeps but I really wasn't listening. No spares. I removed all peripheral devices except for the HDD and DVD (both SATA, if that matters). I'll try removing those and listen for beeps.
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 20:05
Could be a bad PSU also. You might consider posting your Make and specific model of PC
– Moab
Nov 2 '10 at 21:03
Unplugged absolutely everything except for CPU RAM and power, and we're back! Now to find the offending device...
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 23:11
Well, it's all back together and still working. See edit. I'm pleasantly confused...
– Travis Christian
Nov 3 '10 at 3:22
|
show 3 more comments
Probably a lost cause, but I thought I'd ask before I start replacing hardware.
I have a desktop that's been boxed up for a while, and when I set it back up I wasn't getting any video output. I pulled out the PCIE card and cleared the CMOS, then it started working fine with the onboard GPU. I assumed the card was bad, since I had problems with that model in the past. Then after a day or two the system locked up and I had to do a hard shutdown. Now I'm not getting any video from the onboard either. I cleared CMOS again, tried with and without the card in place, nothing. When I power up the CPU fan spins, but I don't see any other signs of life. The hard drive access light doesn't seem to come on either, which makes me think that this is not just a video problem, but I'm not sure what BIOS does if it can't detect any video device.
EDIT: Interesting development. At Xantec's suggestion I disconnected everything, which worked. I then started reassembling it piece by piece, and I now have everything back together- even the video card and other peripherals that were not attached before- and it's working fine. I'm typing from it right now. I have no idea what the problem could have been, but since I didn't narrow it down to anything I'm afraid it will just happen again.
motherboard troubleshooting
Probably a lost cause, but I thought I'd ask before I start replacing hardware.
I have a desktop that's been boxed up for a while, and when I set it back up I wasn't getting any video output. I pulled out the PCIE card and cleared the CMOS, then it started working fine with the onboard GPU. I assumed the card was bad, since I had problems with that model in the past. Then after a day or two the system locked up and I had to do a hard shutdown. Now I'm not getting any video from the onboard either. I cleared CMOS again, tried with and without the card in place, nothing. When I power up the CPU fan spins, but I don't see any other signs of life. The hard drive access light doesn't seem to come on either, which makes me think that this is not just a video problem, but I'm not sure what BIOS does if it can't detect any video device.
EDIT: Interesting development. At Xantec's suggestion I disconnected everything, which worked. I then started reassembling it piece by piece, and I now have everything back together- even the video card and other peripherals that were not attached before- and it's working fine. I'm typing from it right now. I have no idea what the problem could have been, but since I didn't narrow it down to anything I'm afraid it will just happen again.
motherboard troubleshooting
motherboard troubleshooting
edited Aug 13 '16 at 22:52
Hennes
59k792141
59k792141
asked Nov 2 '10 at 19:54
Travis ChristianTravis Christian
14319
14319
1
are there any POST beeps? do you have any spare RAM or, on the outside chance, a spare CPU that you can test in it? Have you tried removing all other devices connected to the motherboard (example: HDD, CD/DVD etc)?
– Xantec
Nov 2 '10 at 19:57
I don't remember any beeps but I really wasn't listening. No spares. I removed all peripheral devices except for the HDD and DVD (both SATA, if that matters). I'll try removing those and listen for beeps.
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 20:05
Could be a bad PSU also. You might consider posting your Make and specific model of PC
– Moab
Nov 2 '10 at 21:03
Unplugged absolutely everything except for CPU RAM and power, and we're back! Now to find the offending device...
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 23:11
Well, it's all back together and still working. See edit. I'm pleasantly confused...
– Travis Christian
Nov 3 '10 at 3:22
|
show 3 more comments
1
are there any POST beeps? do you have any spare RAM or, on the outside chance, a spare CPU that you can test in it? Have you tried removing all other devices connected to the motherboard (example: HDD, CD/DVD etc)?
– Xantec
Nov 2 '10 at 19:57
I don't remember any beeps but I really wasn't listening. No spares. I removed all peripheral devices except for the HDD and DVD (both SATA, if that matters). I'll try removing those and listen for beeps.
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 20:05
Could be a bad PSU also. You might consider posting your Make and specific model of PC
– Moab
Nov 2 '10 at 21:03
Unplugged absolutely everything except for CPU RAM and power, and we're back! Now to find the offending device...
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 23:11
Well, it's all back together and still working. See edit. I'm pleasantly confused...
– Travis Christian
Nov 3 '10 at 3:22
1
1
are there any POST beeps? do you have any spare RAM or, on the outside chance, a spare CPU that you can test in it? Have you tried removing all other devices connected to the motherboard (example: HDD, CD/DVD etc)?
– Xantec
Nov 2 '10 at 19:57
are there any POST beeps? do you have any spare RAM or, on the outside chance, a spare CPU that you can test in it? Have you tried removing all other devices connected to the motherboard (example: HDD, CD/DVD etc)?
– Xantec
Nov 2 '10 at 19:57
I don't remember any beeps but I really wasn't listening. No spares. I removed all peripheral devices except for the HDD and DVD (both SATA, if that matters). I'll try removing those and listen for beeps.
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 20:05
I don't remember any beeps but I really wasn't listening. No spares. I removed all peripheral devices except for the HDD and DVD (both SATA, if that matters). I'll try removing those and listen for beeps.
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 20:05
Could be a bad PSU also. You might consider posting your Make and specific model of PC
– Moab
Nov 2 '10 at 21:03
Could be a bad PSU also. You might consider posting your Make and specific model of PC
– Moab
Nov 2 '10 at 21:03
Unplugged absolutely everything except for CPU RAM and power, and we're back! Now to find the offending device...
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 23:11
Unplugged absolutely everything except for CPU RAM and power, and we're back! Now to find the offending device...
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 23:11
Well, it's all back together and still working. See edit. I'm pleasantly confused...
– Travis Christian
Nov 3 '10 at 3:22
Well, it's all back together and still working. See edit. I'm pleasantly confused...
– Travis Christian
Nov 3 '10 at 3:22
|
show 3 more comments
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
Any lights on in the motherboard? This is probably either a failing motherboard or failing power supply (I wouldn't throw that video card out yet!). I suspect it is a failing power supply as it couldn't power the card by itself, then when you took some load off of it, it eventually couldn't provide enough power to the motherboard. Newer motherboards won't power on without sufficient power, but older ones might still power whatever they can.
I would hook a volt meter up to one of the power supply's rails and see what you get.
unless you are confident in your ability with a volt meter I recommend getting a power supply tester. its a good weapon to have in your PC troubleshooting arsenal as it is quick and easy. PSU testers @ Newegg tinyurl.com/2b8wz5p
– Xantec
Nov 3 '10 at 0:25
add a comment |
May be your main board got a short circuit inside.In most cases when we do a clean re installation of hardware, these issues will get solved.
At sometimes residual voltage will also cause this issue. to bypass residual voltage you have to hold the power button on CPU cabin for a minute and during this process do not plug the power cable to wall socket.
Another cause will be your power supply, when you install video card, ensure that you have installed a power supply with enough watts to power up the whole system.
add a comment |
I've had this happen a few times, and in most cases, there was a thin build-up of dust along the contacts to the motherboard, which short-circuited the card or motherboard. This happens more frequently with video cards that have fans, and the amount of dust is often difficult to see, unless you look carefully.
The same problem happens to RAM and other cards (less frequently).
It's likely that while removing the components and setting them aside to remove others, you dislodged the dust, removing the short-circuit. Your system should be okay, this rarely causes permanent damage, but it's good to use a can of compressed air to clean your system every few months.
add a comment |
I have had the problem of power-supplies not generating enough power in the start-pulse to start the computer. They way of solving that was to remove the cables and rearrange them in the power-supply. It is entirely possible that is similar to your situation.
add a comment |
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Any lights on in the motherboard? This is probably either a failing motherboard or failing power supply (I wouldn't throw that video card out yet!). I suspect it is a failing power supply as it couldn't power the card by itself, then when you took some load off of it, it eventually couldn't provide enough power to the motherboard. Newer motherboards won't power on without sufficient power, but older ones might still power whatever they can.
I would hook a volt meter up to one of the power supply's rails and see what you get.
unless you are confident in your ability with a volt meter I recommend getting a power supply tester. its a good weapon to have in your PC troubleshooting arsenal as it is quick and easy. PSU testers @ Newegg tinyurl.com/2b8wz5p
– Xantec
Nov 3 '10 at 0:25
add a comment |
Any lights on in the motherboard? This is probably either a failing motherboard or failing power supply (I wouldn't throw that video card out yet!). I suspect it is a failing power supply as it couldn't power the card by itself, then when you took some load off of it, it eventually couldn't provide enough power to the motherboard. Newer motherboards won't power on without sufficient power, but older ones might still power whatever they can.
I would hook a volt meter up to one of the power supply's rails and see what you get.
unless you are confident in your ability with a volt meter I recommend getting a power supply tester. its a good weapon to have in your PC troubleshooting arsenal as it is quick and easy. PSU testers @ Newegg tinyurl.com/2b8wz5p
– Xantec
Nov 3 '10 at 0:25
add a comment |
Any lights on in the motherboard? This is probably either a failing motherboard or failing power supply (I wouldn't throw that video card out yet!). I suspect it is a failing power supply as it couldn't power the card by itself, then when you took some load off of it, it eventually couldn't provide enough power to the motherboard. Newer motherboards won't power on without sufficient power, but older ones might still power whatever they can.
I would hook a volt meter up to one of the power supply's rails and see what you get.
Any lights on in the motherboard? This is probably either a failing motherboard or failing power supply (I wouldn't throw that video card out yet!). I suspect it is a failing power supply as it couldn't power the card by itself, then when you took some load off of it, it eventually couldn't provide enough power to the motherboard. Newer motherboards won't power on without sufficient power, but older ones might still power whatever they can.
I would hook a volt meter up to one of the power supply's rails and see what you get.
answered Nov 2 '10 at 23:06
ResorathResorath
8622918
8622918
unless you are confident in your ability with a volt meter I recommend getting a power supply tester. its a good weapon to have in your PC troubleshooting arsenal as it is quick and easy. PSU testers @ Newegg tinyurl.com/2b8wz5p
– Xantec
Nov 3 '10 at 0:25
add a comment |
unless you are confident in your ability with a volt meter I recommend getting a power supply tester. its a good weapon to have in your PC troubleshooting arsenal as it is quick and easy. PSU testers @ Newegg tinyurl.com/2b8wz5p
– Xantec
Nov 3 '10 at 0:25
unless you are confident in your ability with a volt meter I recommend getting a power supply tester. its a good weapon to have in your PC troubleshooting arsenal as it is quick and easy. PSU testers @ Newegg tinyurl.com/2b8wz5p
– Xantec
Nov 3 '10 at 0:25
unless you are confident in your ability with a volt meter I recommend getting a power supply tester. its a good weapon to have in your PC troubleshooting arsenal as it is quick and easy. PSU testers @ Newegg tinyurl.com/2b8wz5p
– Xantec
Nov 3 '10 at 0:25
add a comment |
May be your main board got a short circuit inside.In most cases when we do a clean re installation of hardware, these issues will get solved.
At sometimes residual voltage will also cause this issue. to bypass residual voltage you have to hold the power button on CPU cabin for a minute and during this process do not plug the power cable to wall socket.
Another cause will be your power supply, when you install video card, ensure that you have installed a power supply with enough watts to power up the whole system.
add a comment |
May be your main board got a short circuit inside.In most cases when we do a clean re installation of hardware, these issues will get solved.
At sometimes residual voltage will also cause this issue. to bypass residual voltage you have to hold the power button on CPU cabin for a minute and during this process do not plug the power cable to wall socket.
Another cause will be your power supply, when you install video card, ensure that you have installed a power supply with enough watts to power up the whole system.
add a comment |
May be your main board got a short circuit inside.In most cases when we do a clean re installation of hardware, these issues will get solved.
At sometimes residual voltage will also cause this issue. to bypass residual voltage you have to hold the power button on CPU cabin for a minute and during this process do not plug the power cable to wall socket.
Another cause will be your power supply, when you install video card, ensure that you have installed a power supply with enough watts to power up the whole system.
May be your main board got a short circuit inside.In most cases when we do a clean re installation of hardware, these issues will get solved.
At sometimes residual voltage will also cause this issue. to bypass residual voltage you have to hold the power button on CPU cabin for a minute and during this process do not plug the power cable to wall socket.
Another cause will be your power supply, when you install video card, ensure that you have installed a power supply with enough watts to power up the whole system.
edited Oct 3 '13 at 10:01
answered Jun 26 '13 at 6:21
Renju Chandran chingathRenju Chandran chingath
1,43121018
1,43121018
add a comment |
add a comment |
I've had this happen a few times, and in most cases, there was a thin build-up of dust along the contacts to the motherboard, which short-circuited the card or motherboard. This happens more frequently with video cards that have fans, and the amount of dust is often difficult to see, unless you look carefully.
The same problem happens to RAM and other cards (less frequently).
It's likely that while removing the components and setting them aside to remove others, you dislodged the dust, removing the short-circuit. Your system should be okay, this rarely causes permanent damage, but it's good to use a can of compressed air to clean your system every few months.
add a comment |
I've had this happen a few times, and in most cases, there was a thin build-up of dust along the contacts to the motherboard, which short-circuited the card or motherboard. This happens more frequently with video cards that have fans, and the amount of dust is often difficult to see, unless you look carefully.
The same problem happens to RAM and other cards (less frequently).
It's likely that while removing the components and setting them aside to remove others, you dislodged the dust, removing the short-circuit. Your system should be okay, this rarely causes permanent damage, but it's good to use a can of compressed air to clean your system every few months.
add a comment |
I've had this happen a few times, and in most cases, there was a thin build-up of dust along the contacts to the motherboard, which short-circuited the card or motherboard. This happens more frequently with video cards that have fans, and the amount of dust is often difficult to see, unless you look carefully.
The same problem happens to RAM and other cards (less frequently).
It's likely that while removing the components and setting them aside to remove others, you dislodged the dust, removing the short-circuit. Your system should be okay, this rarely causes permanent damage, but it's good to use a can of compressed air to clean your system every few months.
I've had this happen a few times, and in most cases, there was a thin build-up of dust along the contacts to the motherboard, which short-circuited the card or motherboard. This happens more frequently with video cards that have fans, and the amount of dust is often difficult to see, unless you look carefully.
The same problem happens to RAM and other cards (less frequently).
It's likely that while removing the components and setting them aside to remove others, you dislodged the dust, removing the short-circuit. Your system should be okay, this rarely causes permanent damage, but it's good to use a can of compressed air to clean your system every few months.
answered Mar 7 '16 at 10:53
jb listenerjb listener
211
211
add a comment |
add a comment |
I have had the problem of power-supplies not generating enough power in the start-pulse to start the computer. They way of solving that was to remove the cables and rearrange them in the power-supply. It is entirely possible that is similar to your situation.
add a comment |
I have had the problem of power-supplies not generating enough power in the start-pulse to start the computer. They way of solving that was to remove the cables and rearrange them in the power-supply. It is entirely possible that is similar to your situation.
add a comment |
I have had the problem of power-supplies not generating enough power in the start-pulse to start the computer. They way of solving that was to remove the cables and rearrange them in the power-supply. It is entirely possible that is similar to your situation.
I have had the problem of power-supplies not generating enough power in the start-pulse to start the computer. They way of solving that was to remove the cables and rearrange them in the power-supply. It is entirely possible that is similar to your situation.
answered Oct 27 '14 at 15:31
GemtasticGemtastic
2011313
2011313
add a comment |
add a comment |
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are there any POST beeps? do you have any spare RAM or, on the outside chance, a spare CPU that you can test in it? Have you tried removing all other devices connected to the motherboard (example: HDD, CD/DVD etc)?
– Xantec
Nov 2 '10 at 19:57
I don't remember any beeps but I really wasn't listening. No spares. I removed all peripheral devices except for the HDD and DVD (both SATA, if that matters). I'll try removing those and listen for beeps.
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 20:05
Could be a bad PSU also. You might consider posting your Make and specific model of PC
– Moab
Nov 2 '10 at 21:03
Unplugged absolutely everything except for CPU RAM and power, and we're back! Now to find the offending device...
– Travis Christian
Nov 2 '10 at 23:11
Well, it's all back together and still working. See edit. I'm pleasantly confused...
– Travis Christian
Nov 3 '10 at 3:22