Member Avatar for CrystlAngl13

Ok, I have a Dell Dimension 8200 desktop and an LCD flat screen. One day the monitor just went black. I thought it was the cord, so I tried using a DVI cable to connect my CPU to my monitor, but it still didn't work. When the monitor is on but not connected to the CPU, the self-test thing comes up on the monitor, and when i connected the monitor to my other laptop, it worked fine, so I think it might be a problem with my CPU. If anyone has any ideas about what's wrong, I would LOVE some advice.

Kristin

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by LinkWithUs

Dani AI

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Several replies (notably and ) point toward the fault being in the PC rather than the monitor. Below is a concise, practical diagnostic checklist that isolates parts in a safe order so you can identify whether it’s the PSU, motherboard, video card, RAM, or (less likely) the CPU.

Start with basic power/POST checks

  • Confirm the case fans, drive LEDs and keyboard lights power up when you press the power button. Listen for any POST beeps (if no internal speaker is present, add one before testing).
  • If nothing powers or there are no signs of life, stop and suspect the PSU or a short; if things power but there’s no display, proceed.

Minimal-boot isolation (do this with power unplugged and ESD precautions)

  • Remove all nonessential cards and drives. Leave only power, motherboard, CPU, one RAM stick, and video (onboard or discrete).
  • Try one RAM stick at a time in different slots. Reseat the video card and try the onboard video (or a spare card) if available.
  • A successful boot into BIOS or a single beep narrows the fault away from CPU; persistent no-POST with fans running points more to motherboard or PSU.

Power supply and motherboard checks

  • Swap the PSU with a known-good unit or measure +12V/+5V rails with a multimeter (only if comfortable doing so).
  • Visually inspect the motherboard for bulging or leaking capacitors and burnt components — a common failure mode on older systems.
  • Reset CMOS by removing the battery for a minute and retry. Check Dell POST/beep code documentation for diagnostics specific to the model.

If these steps do not isolate the fault or if swapping parts isn’t possible, professional diagnostics are recommended. For older systems, weigh repair costs (PSU, motherboard) against replacement; CPUs rarely fail alone, so failures commonly trace back to PSU, RAM, video card, or the board itself.

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All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for Coconut Monkey

I do think there's something wrong with your actual PC, which could be any number of things (motherboard, CPU, video card, PSU). Is it still under warranty?

Member Avatar for LinkWithUs

I had the same problem. My Dell 15inch Flat Panel just went black and would not turn on 1 week after getting the product. All thought I got another one from Dell free of charge I still would like to see how I might get the one that stopped working fixed to use on another system.

Member Avatar for Coconut Monkey

I had the same problem. My Dell 15inch Flat Panel just went black and would not turn on 1 week after getting the product. All thought I got another one from Dell free of charge I still would like to see how I might get the one that stopped working fixed to use on another system.

LinkWithUs, your problem is actually different. The original poster had a problem with his PC (motherboard, CPU, power supply - any number of things) - his LCD screen still functioned correctly (as proven by testing on a laptop). Your problem was a faulty screen, which you've replaced. The only way to get the faulty screen working again is to take it in for repairs, which may end up costing enough for you to think twice about it and just buy a brand new model instead.

Member Avatar for LinkWithUs

LinkWithUs, your problem is actually different. The original poster had a problem with his actual PC - his LCD screen still functioned correctly (as proven by testing on a laptop). Your problem was a faulty screen, which you've replaced. The only way to get the faulty screen working again is to take it in for repairs, which may end up costing enough for you to think twice about it and just buy a brand new model instead.

You know I believe you are right. I have been told that before I just was hoping that I could get it fixed for less the the price of buying a new on at $279. lol

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