Will a computer run without RAM?

JPH1121

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Mar 11, 2006
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I tried to do a vdimm mod on my ASRock motherboard...a mod that is supposedly very easy but instead of doing it exactly as told, I connected the 2 points with a conductive pen instead of a wire.

Regardless of that though, if I have RAM that was just fried, will my computer start with it in even if it won't load windows? If I remove it, something that is a pain in the ass to do, will it POST or even show anything what-so-ever?

Thanks :/

 

2Xtreme21

Diamond Member
Jun 13, 2004
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You'll hit the power button and it will do the error beep associated with bad RAM.
 

pkme2

Diamond Member
Sep 30, 2005
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Use another stick of RAM and if it doesn't boot, you got a bad mobo. If it does, then you answered your original question. You may have other issues and your mobo may be the fault originally.
Hope everything goes well.
 

Fullmetal Chocobo

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May 13, 2003
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I was actually wondering if a machine will run without a monitor... (I have VNC installed on the computers in my crack rack). I know they will run, but I'm not sure if they will boot.

But without RAM, OP, no, they will not boot. During POST, it will give you a specific beep error as per your mobo, so you can check if it's good up to that point...
 

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
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Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
I was actually wondering if a machine will run without a monitor... (I have VNC installed on the computers in my crack rack). I know they will run, but I'm not sure if they will boot.

But without RAM, OP, no, they will not boot. During POST, it will give you a specific beep error as per your mobo, so you can check if it's good up to that point...


Go into the bios. Under one of the options, you see a "HALT ON" selection. By default it's set to "ALL ERRORS." Change it to "NO ERRORS" and you can then boot up without a KB/MS or monitor.

I ran a small farm of machines for F@H this way. All they had connected was a network cable. Be sure that bios password is turned off, since you'll have no way of inputting it with no KB/monitor connected.
 

Fullmetal Chocobo

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Originally posted by: MichaelD
Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
I was actually wondering if a machine will run without a monitor... (I have VNC installed on the computers in my crack rack). I know they will run, but I'm not sure if they will boot.

But without RAM, OP, no, they will not boot. During POST, it will give you a specific beep error as per your mobo, so you can check if it's good up to that point...


Go into the bios. Under one of the options, you see a "HALT ON" selection. By default it's set to "ALL ERRORS." Change it to "NO ERRORS" and you can then boot up without a KB/MS or monitor.

I ran a small farm of machines for F@H this way. All they had connected was a network cable. Be sure that bios password is turned off, since you'll have no way of inputting it with no KB/monitor connected.

Oh yea!!! I forgot about those settings. LOL. Thanks. The crack rack, "Chocobo Farm" thanks you. :D
 

Fullmetal Chocobo

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Originally posted by: Raduque
Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo

Oh yea!!! I forgot about those settings. LOL. Thanks. The crack rack, "Chocobo Farm" thanks you. :D

Nice, is that a F@H rack?

Not exactly. TeAm Anandtech... We switch our projects once a month, so the project varies. I'm connected to all of the computer via VNC, and I'm always taking on any machines i can get a hold of. Currently I have a P3-550, P3-500, and a dual P3-500. I have a Celeron 733 & P2-266 on stand-by (waiting for packages containing donations of NIC cards, processor upgrades, and a 8-port hub). :)
 

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
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You're welcome. :)

I always enjoy seeing pics of racks like this; stuff all wired together every which way and it all works. I particularly dig your choice of monitor stands. Homer bucket FTW!!!! :D
 

Fullmetal Chocobo

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Originally posted by: MichaelD
You're welcome. :)

I always enjoy seeing pics of racks like this; stuff all wired together every which way and it all works. I particularly dig your choice of monitor stands. Homer bucket FTW!!!! :D

LOL. I got that bucket @ Home Depot (or Lowe's...) for like $5. Found a wonderful use for it...

You should see the mods I have planned for it. I'll start working on it as soon as a fix the machine I'm working on (5th in the fvcking house right now) and I sober up some. LOL

You don't crunch anymore?? :(