Member Avatar for Aaronvh

Hi everyone, this is my first thread. Hopefully someone can help me.

I bought a new motherboard, plugged everything in and I have nothing. It powers up, but I don't get a signal to the monitor.

I brought my video card and processor to work to test them here, the video card works no problem. The IT guy here said that if the processor was bad the system wouldn't even power on so the CPU must be ok.

His conclusion was that it has to be the memory. I used the memory from my old machine, which is PC3200, but the new motherboard says it's only compatible with NON-ECC / NON-BUFFERED PC3200. I have no idea if the current ram is compatible.

Would this be the source of the problem possibly? I bought a new ram module today, but haven't been home to test it out yet.

Should I look anywhere else for why I can't get a video signal.

MOTHERBOARD - SY-P4VTE (Prescott-Ready)
VIDEO CARD - RAEDON 9700 128MB

Thanks.
Aaron.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by lightningdemon

Dani AI

Generated

Quick, practical checklist to narrow a “powers on but no video” problem without guessing which part to replace. Since already confirmed the GPU works elsewhere, focus the troubleshooting on the motherboard/CPU/ram/power chain and on whether the board is actually completing POST. ’s tip about seating is common and worth checking, and ’s CPU-swap story shows why a methodical approach matters. is right to push for a speaker or POST indicator—beeps tell a lot.

Try this minimal-boot workflow (one change at a time):

  • Remove every non-essential device (drives, extra cards, USB, front-panel headers).
  • Fit only CPU + cooler, one known-good stick of RAM in the slot the manual recommends, and the video card (if no onboard video).
  • Ensure both the main ATX power and the CPU 4/8-pin power are firmly connected.
  • Attach a case speaker or a small internal speaker to the motherboard speaker pins, then power on and listen for POST beeps.
  • If still dead, bench the board outside the case (check standoffs) to rule out shorting, and try a different PSU if available.

Notes and focused checks: incompatible or buffered/registered memory will often prevent POST even if fans spin—use the exact RAM type the manual lists. Some boards require a BIOS update to support newer CPUs; if a CPU family was just upgraded, confirm BIOS compatibility. A completely silent system with no drive activity or beeps can point to CPU power, a short, or a dead CPU; a single, repeated or patterned beep points at RAM/graphics—consult the manual for the BIOS vendor’s codes.

Safety and next steps: ground yourself, unplug power before swapping parts, and inspect the CPU socket for bent pins. If bench testing with minimal parts and a known-good PSU/ram/cpu still gives no POST, the board may be faulty and RMA is reasonable.

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Member Avatar for >shadow<

:D i hate to tell you this--i had the same problem but its an expensive lesson!

usually its a ram or cpu problem
take the ram out and if the pc posts to tell you there is no ram then you know its not ram

what i did was change my cpu and...it worked no problem!!

good luck

Member Avatar for jpt62089

I know a friend who had a similar problem... he just didnt put the RAM all the way in... lol so make sure your ram is in all the way ;)

Member Avatar for lightningdemon

Hi. Not sure where you work, but your IT guy should be downgraded to a janitor. Even with a bad CPU, your system will STILL power on and all fans will run. You will NOT get any POST beeps. If you are not getting any beeps at all (verify you have an internal speaker properly connected OR external amplified speakers if your board supports POST Reporter) then your CPU is non functional. If you were getting beeps, then we could go from there. If you have no speakers (inside or outside) then do this: Turn your box on, listen for ANY activity OTHER than fans blowing. Hard drives spinning, floppy disk checking, CD-Rom spinning, etc. Im betting the farm its a dead CPU or improperly powered CPU...which will cause death....very quickly.

Danyael

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