Will it harm my motherboard to start it up without a Processor installed?

[pineapples10]

Im trying to figure out if ym motherboard or CPU are the reason my system isn't posting. If I take out the processor and start up the computer, can the board still post, and show video output? Also, will starting the computer without a processor in any way harm the motherboard? thanks.

Chris

 

[TSDible]

No,

The board will not post without a processor. I suggest trying to find another processor or MB to test. I don't believe that you will hurt anything by trying, but nothing will happen.

 

[Jeff7]

Try making a person live and talk to you without a brain. It won't work either. A motherboard needs a CPU and RAM installed to POST; some need a videocard too.

 

[TSDible]

Originally posted by: Jeff7
Try making a person live and talk to you without a brain. It won't work either. A motherboard needs a CPU and RAM installed to POST; some need a videocard too.

Hmmm... I think I had some roomates like this in college....

Sorry... couldn't resist.

 

[nageov3t]

I've done it more times than I'd like to admitt, especially when building new boxes at work. occasionally, my wonderful coworkers will take the cpu off of a motherboard but put the heatsink back on top of the slot. heh.

no, it's not going to damage your computer, but at the same time, your computer is going to be useless.

 

[pineapples10]

this particular computer is useless as it is, even wth the CPU installed...i'm just trying to narrow the problem down. I'm trying to find someone I know that has a Socket A motherboard, but alas, my search has been in vain thus far. Anyway, thanks for the help, I figured thats what the asnwer would be.

Chris

 

[Snoop]

What is happening when you startup your computer? Are the fans coming on? Is there any mobo beeps?

 

[pineapples10]

fans come on, keyboard lights show up, but I get no video output, no matter what graphics card I use. I dont get any beeps from the motherboard, and its an epox, so it has a LCD error code display, and all it shows is "88" (which according to the manual is reserved and means nothing) So, im trying to figure out if its proc or motherboard, as ive tried everything else. Over 15 sticks of ram, 2 PSU's, ive fiddled with every damn jumper on the board, i've cleaned the CPU and reseated it and the heatsink twice....nothing seems to make a difference.

 

[harsh]

Have you thought about seeing if someone would loan you a board to use for troubleshooting. If you need one shoot me a PM or email and I will help you out. I have a couple of boards just sitting around. As a matter of fact one of them is an Epox, 8K7A I believe. Anyway let me know.

 

[pineapples10]

im trying to find a friend or relative in the area that has a suitable board, but have been having trouble. Ill keep looking for the time being, but if someone is willing to loan me a board, i'd do that as a last resort. I'll let you know, thanks for the help.

Chris