How do I know if my CPU is DOA??

[xbdestroya]

Just yesterday put a new system inside my Antec Aria - Abit KV-80, A64 2800, RAM, etc, etc...

Anyway I turn the thing on and stuff starts spinning, but nothing comes up on my monitor. I already returned and exchanged the motherboard today, so it can't be the motherboard. The DVD drive just keeps blinking, nothing comes on the screen.

CPU? And would there be any way to check? My other idea is the RAM may not be compatible with this motherboard, but in the past I think I remember boards at least posting or displaying on screen.

 

[BigBadBiologist]

you just have to swap out components until you find what's wrong. Also, unplug everything from the mobo and see if it posts. If that doesn't work, remove the mobo from the case and see if it posts.

 

[Fenuxx]

Another thing you can try is to reseat everything (CPU, videocard, cables, etc.) and then try everything again. I had to do this once with an old machine of mine (a S478 Celeron and VIA P4X400 mobo).

 

[xbdestroya]

Well, I disconnected everything and nothing will post. I left the USB headers connected, as well as the PCI cards would that matter? Still, would the mobo even be ABLE to post without a cpu or RAM? I'm going to call Abit tonight and see what they can tell me.

 

[BigBadBiologist]

ok, I could have been a little more clear.

Leave the CPU, RAM, video card, power switch, power supply, and speaker connected. Disconnect everything else. Take out the other PCI cards and harddrive/CD drive cables. Disconnect the various drives from the power supply.

 

[Rock Hydra]

No, the CPU will not POST without RAM or a CPU. But the machine will power on and the fans and stuff will start to spin without a CPU in the socket correctly. And BIOS will beep if there is no RAM. Try pulling the CPU out and reseating it and making sure the retension arm is all the way down.