Member Avatar for birthwell.mbiri

I have a problem with my computers especially my two cpu. Some days ago they got struck by lightening. When i switch on the computers the cpu powers up normally and the monitor works 100% ok. But the problem is that the cpu does not display on the monitor. Whilst the other cpu display faintly on a background.

Looking forward to your assistance

Edited by pritaeas because: Removed all caps. Considered rude, so please be more careful next time.
  • 4 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 213 Views
  • 3 Weeks Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by niyazhasib

Dani AI

Generated

Brief diagnosis tied to the symptoms: both machines power and fans run but one shows only a faint background while the other shows nothing. That pattern most often means the video output stage (graphics card or onboard video) or related power rails survived only partially, or the motherboard/BIOS was damaged. , and are correct that surge damage is the root cause, but the immediate job is to identify which component failed so data can be saved and a cost-effective repair/replacement decision made.

Suggested, prioritized troubleshooting (do steps in order; disconnect power before touching hardware):

  1. Confirm the monitor and cable first: try the monitor with a phone/laptop or try a known-good monitor and a different video cable/input.
  2. Check for POST/beeps: attach a small chassis speaker (or listen for built-in speaker); note any beep pattern and match it to the motherboard BIOS manual.
  3. Test video hardware: if there is a discrete GPU, remove it and try the motherboard video port (or test the GPU in a working PC). Swap in a known-good GPU if available.
  4. Memory and minimal-boot: boot with only one RAM stick in the primary slot, no extra PCI cards, no USB devices. Try different sticks and slots.
  5. Power and connectors: inspect 24-pin/8-pin connectors for burn marks; if able and experienced, swap in a known-good PSU rather than opening the PSU. Do not open the PSU if untrained.
  6. Visual check: look for bulging/leaking capacitors, scorched components or a burned smell on the motherboard, GPU, PSU, and monitor.

If the drives remain spinning but the systems do not boot, remove the HDD/SSD and connect it to another computer (SATA or SATA-to-USB adapter) or boot the machine from a Live USB to copy data. If the disk is noisy or failing, stop and consider a professional data-recovery service.

Safety and next steps: avoid mains-side repairs, use ESD precautions, and if component swaps do not isolate the fault, seek a shop for board-level diagnosis. After recovery, invest in grounded surge protection and a UPS with good surge suppression to reduce repeat risk.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for rubberman
  1. Use a GOOD surge suppressor - most commercial/consumer ones can only handle a limited number of surges before they become useless. They must be replaced at least yearly - more frequently in areas where there are frequent surges or lightning strikes.
  2. Get a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) that has positive (industrial grade) surge suppression capabilities. That's what I use, and never have had a problem in 10+ years.

In any case, the surge from the lightning strike has damaged your computer(s) and they need to be repaired or replaced. If you are lucky, the data on your discs is still intact, but no promises there without running some tests to verify the file system and data integrity.

Member Avatar for Rakesh456

Try to use your cpu with other monitor if you see the display on the monitor then your monitor is faulty.
You can use other surge suppressor which is of high-quality.

Member Avatar for niyazhasib

In any case, the surge from the lightning strike has damaged your computer(s) and they need to be repaired or replaced.You can use other surge suppressor which is of high-quality.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.