Member Avatar for manchurianCEO

Long story short, my little cousin turned on the computer, don't know how long it was on but when I found it there was no display. It's a compaq presario originally had windows ME but it was upgraded to XP.

Since I plugged the screen to my laptop and it worked fine I moved on to find the issue on the computer.

Reset the mobo battery, no result.

This computer has a dedicated video card and no integrated video card so no way to connect the monitor directly to the MOBO. I took the video card off, cleaned off the dust and put it back on to no result.

Took RAM off and put it back on, nothing.

Disconnected all drives except hard drive, nothing.

Then I remembered I have a POST card so tried it, the code read "no-C" which is no CPU detected so I opened the computer, put some new thermal paste on the processor but nothing changed.

Then I tried a different power supply and tried to turn on the computer, the red "Compaq" screen appeared but it froze there and didn't do anything else.

I turned the computer off, waited a few seconds, then back on and again no video output.

I got a couple of computers at home but none could fit in that video card to test it. At this point my question is, is there a way to know if it's only the video card malfunctioning and not the whole MOBO?

Any other suggestions to repair the current problem are very welcome!

Edited by manchurianCEO because: n/a
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Dani AI

Generated

Given the visible scorching and burnt smell reported by , a failed motherboard (usually the CPU power/VRM area or a shorted trace) is the most likely root cause rather than the video card alone. ’s instinct that the mobo is at fault is reasonable, and the intermittent splash of the vendor screen followed by silence points at unstable CPU power or BIOS/initialization failure rather than a simple GPU fault.

Quick, practical diagnostics (ordered by how much they isolate the fault):

  1. Perform a careful visual check for bulging/leaking capacitors, charred MOSFETs, burned traces or solder joints; photograph everything for reference.
  2. Breadboard the system outside the case with the minimum parts: PSU (24‑pin + CPU 4/8‑pin), CPU + cooler, single known good RAM stick in the recommended slot, and a speaker. Remove all drives, USB devices and extra cards. Listen for beep codes.
  3. Swap GPUs: test the suspect video card in a known working PC, or try a known-good card in the Compaq. If the GPU works elsewhere, the mobo is the problem.
  4. Swap CPUs/RAM between compatible donor boards if available. If the CPU works in a donor board the motherboard is defective; if it fails there too the CPU is suspect.
  5. If comfortable and equipped, measure PSU rails and the EPS CPU 12V rail during power-up. Missing/stressed CPU power rails indicate VRM or connector failures.
  6. If obvious scorching is present near the CPU/VRM, replacement of the motherboard is usually faster and cheaper than component-level SMD repair unless experienced in board rework.

For ’s new board that powers but shows no display: check CPU/memory compatibility and BIOS version, verify memory seating and correct slot order, and ensure the front-panel and VGA connectors are properly attached.

Safety and next steps: work with power unplugged, follow ESD precautions, and if voltage checks or chip-level repair are needed, consider a local repair shop. If replacing the board, confirm exact part numbers and CPU support before buying a donor.

Member Avatar for benmar

something wrong with your mobo...you need to buy a new... it's 95% mobo issue..

Member Avatar for manchurianCEO

something wrong with your mobo...you need to buy a new... it's 95% mobo issue..

As a matter of fact, I inspected carefully the MOBO with a flashlight about an hour ago, there are signs of scorching and if I get close enough it smells like there was a short.

Member Avatar for jjos

I have replaced a new same serial number motherboard which is n1996 to my acerm3640, motherboard works, light on the front but not on the back, no display on to the monitor, monitor works fine with other computer, all leads connected properly, no extra device added apart from keyboard and mouse, no vga card, connected to main board, first installation, removed the ram and did check, beep present, processor works well, no cd available with motherboard which i did buy from ebay, any friends can help please?

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