fans, LEDs etc...but no POST

[teknodude]

I'm helping a friend troubleshoot his machine.

When you power on the LEDs come on, the fan and the drives spin up but there is no output to screen and no POST (indicated by the lack of a beep - not even any error codes).

I know that it's not the memory or CMOS battery as I've tested them. So I'm thinking it's probably the CPU or mobo (it can't be the graphics card can it, or I'd get some beeps at least indicating a problem, right?). How can I test the CPU and mobo? (btw it's a PIII).

TIA for any help

teknodude

 

[pcman2002b]

I'd try reseating the CPU, just an idea. Also check your internal speaker, no beeps usually means bad mobo or speaker disconnected. Bad mobo might explain the lack of video and everything else for that matter.

 

[teknodude]

Ok, I'll try some of that...I just need to identify the mobo so I can check whether all the LED, speaker cables are correctly placed.

teknodude

 

[SwampsterFL]

All a system needs to POST is a CPU, one stick of RAM (in an appropriate slot), and a video card.

No video will not give you a beep code on many boards, so I would start there. If it is built-in video, then add any ole card you happen to have handy. Nothing Else . . . then try to boot.

Let us know what that does.

 

[teknodude]

Ok...I'll go try that

 

[teknodude]

Well, I took out all of the PCI cards, unplugged all the drives and just had the graphics card, memory and CPU on the mobo. I just get the same Only LEDs and fans, but no output to the screen.

The graphics setup in the computer was a PCI and an AGP card. The PCI card had 2 VGA connectors (one male and one female). You connect the monitor to the male connector and then a short cable connects the female connector on the PCI to the female connector on the AGP card. I tried it with this original setup to start with. Then I tried the AGP and PCI cards separately. Then I tried it with a totally different PCI card that I know is working, but no joy with any of them

What now? I've tried pcman2002b's idea of reseating the CPU. It's definitely now only the CPU or the mobo. How can I test these as I don't have any other PII CPUs or mobos available? (btw I've discovered it's actually a PII! The owner incorrectly informed me that it was a PIII...)

Thanks for your help so far.

teknodude

 

[SwampsterFL]

At this point, it is not important whether it is the CPU or the motherboard, as you would be better off upgrading a bit.

You say it is a PII . . . is it in an ATX case? If so, you can get a good motherboard bundle for something in the neighborhood of $100-125.

 

[teknodude]

I'm afraid that's not really an option, as remember I'm trouble shooting this computer for a friend. I don't think he'd be too keen on upgrading, so the fact that it's outdated kit is not the point.

I really need to figure out which it is and then he can look at replacing the problem component. If you could please hang in there a little longer and give me some advice on figuring out whether it's the CPU or mobo then that'd be appreciated.

Thanks

teknodude

 

[SwampsterFL]

The problem is not that they need to be upgraded (which they do), the problem is that neither component (CPU or motherboard) is readily available in the new market, thus leaving you with what you might find at a "computer show" or something like this.

At this point, it could be either or it is just as likely to be BOTH as a bad motherboard can fry a CPU.

 

[teknodude]

Thanks for your all of your help. I shall discuss with the owner the next steps.

teknodude