Troubleshooting: Does the MB start without CPU?

[lindholm]

I think the topic says it all, although it sounds really dumb

I just want to know if todays motherboards gives power to the HD's etc even without a processor plugged in (I know it did on many earlier MB's)? The thing is that my computer wont start and I dont have anyone to try the memory and the processor with. All other components (PSU, gfxcard, etc) is tested with an older mainboard that doesnt support the processor I own (asus a7v333 and athlon xp 1900+). Therefor I really need to know if the mainboard is supposed to 'start up' giving power to the hd etc without the cpu plugged in. Just so I know that the mainboard is really broken.

So if anyone knows how it usually works nowaday, please let me now, especially if you own (or know how it works) an Asus A7V333 mainboard.

Regards,
Daniel Lindholm

 

[Buz2b]

Your question is valid but not hopeful. NO, almost all MB's will not work/boot without a cpu. The second part of your equation is the PS and MB though. Will your PS support your new MB/CPU combo?? Doubt it! That may be the root of your trouble. You really need to give more info if you want more than general "guesses" though. MB specs, CPU rating, PS make and model number, RAM specs, etc, etc. The more info you give, the better informed answers you will get.

 

[Zim Hosein]

lindholm, your Asus A7V333 will not start up w/o a CPU, like Buz2b posted give us some more info so that we can help you out.

 

[lindholm]

Hello!

Well, you have answered my question. I forgot to write it in my post. I bought some new stuff, MB, memory and cpu. The gfxcard I had (geforce3 ti200) didnt work with that mobo, so I sold it and bought another card. So, after about two weeks with my new stuff, the gfxcard arrives. I shut down my computer, replaced the tnt2 ultra I had been using while waiting for the other card, with my new gfxcard. I followed instructions precisly (I have been dealing with computers for 18 years) but when I try to start the computer, it was dead. The little green diode did light up when I plugged the power back in.

Yesterday I returned the MB to where I got it, but later at night, it struck me that perhaps it really wasnt any fault with the MB. As I said, I have nowhere to try the components. I just moved to this small village

Ahwell, all I can do is probably to wait. Wait and see what they say.

 

[Buz2b]

You still really haven't given us much to work with as far as telling us exactly what components you were using and what Power supply, etc. That would have given us more to work with and provided better answers for you. However, since you already returned the MB and card, I guess it does not matter now.
In the future, it would be easier for someone to help if you provide as much specific information as you can. By the way, if the only item you replaced on the board in the last instance was the video card (and it would not boot), then there is about a 50/50 chance that it was not the power supply.

 

[lindholm]

Thank you for being so helpful. However, the only thing I needed to know was if the MB should give power to the HD's etc without a CPU installed.

I'll get this thread going again when the dealer let me know whats happening (if I returned a functional MB or not).

Thanks!

Best regards,
Daniel Lindholm

 

[Peter]

The power cycle is pure hardware, so yes, pushing the power button should fire the power supply unit up even without a CPU.

Will the board start? Hell no. BIOS is software, executed by the main CPU from step 1. If you don't have a CPU, nothing will happen.

regards, Peter

 

[lindholm]

Ah, cool. Thank you.

I did the right thing then, when I sent the motherboard away, because nothing at all happend when I pushed the powerbutton with or without the cpu installed.

The powersupply is working because I tried another motherboard wich works (not compatible with the athlon xp though).

Best regards,
Daniel Lindholm

 

[Buz2b]

BTW, what make and model is that Power Supply you were using? Just curious.