Member Avatar for lostandconfused

Hey guys, I'm new here and after seeing how helpful the community is I thought I'd give it a shot. Heres the specs

ECS PT890T-A board w/ E6420
Ultra 500 watt X-Connect PSU
Ultra 1gb dual channel (shipping)
60gb WD UDMA
200gb Seagate Barracuda UDMA
evga 7600 gs 256mb pci-e
Thermaltake cooling fan w/ arctic silver

So the problem is that everything runs and has power but my screen stays blank. I tried to go sans ram and still no post. I tried resetting the CMOS and reseating the bios battery. Nothing works. I really hope that theres nothing wrong with my new system cause i just bought it yesterday -_-... Any help appreciated, thanks!

  • 2 Contributors
  • 4 Replies
  • 114 Views
  • 12 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by lostandconfused

Dani AI

Generated

As already pointed out and given 's initial checks, the next steps should be a short, methodical isolation routine that targets three things: power delivery, shorts, and POST signalling. The suggestions below are focused on tests that often reveal the fault without assuming anything about specific connectors or parts already discussed.

Recommended troubleshooting steps:

  • Bench-test the board outside the case on a non-conductive surface to rule out shorts caused by standoffs or a misaligned I/O shield.
  • Fit only the essential components: CPU with cooler, a single known-good memory module in the slot the manual designates for single-module operation, and a graphics adapter only if no onboard display is available. Power the board by the front-panel header or by briefly shorting the power pins.
  • Attach a basic motherboard speaker so POST beeps can be heard; beep codes quickly narrow the failing subsystem.
  • Swap the PSU with a known-good unit or use a reliable PSU tester/multimeter to verify rail voltages under load.
  • Try a different monitor and cable, and test the video card in another system (or try a spare card) to rule out display hardware.
  • Do a careful visual inspection of the CPU area and memory slots for bent pins, foreign material, damaged components, or misplaced thermal paste; remove the cooler only if comfortable doing so.

If these steps still produce no video, the most likely culprits are a motherboard fault, an underperforming PSU under load, or a compatibility/firmware issue between CPU and board. Before pursuing RMA, document the swaps (PSU, RAM, GPU) and the bench-test results — vendors typically ask for that info and it speeds up replacement decisions.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for lostandconfused

OK I've narrowed it down to maybe a few problems. I think it could be the psu. Its 20 pin and the mobo "requires" a 24 pin. I've read elsewhere that most new mobos dont really need the extra four pins and work fine if the psu has enough juice. JW if 500 watts is good enough. Another thing, ram maybe? It should be able to post without it right? Right now it just stays on a blank screen and since theres no onboard speaker i dont even know if its beeping. I've tried going barebones with just psu, video, and monitor. Still wont post. Im outta ideas here guys, any help appreciated. Also, Ive tried resetting the cmos numerous times and it still doesnt work. The only thing I havent checked is the cpu but thats cuz the fan is such a %^%$% to take off! Any help aprreciated!

Member Avatar for dcc

Disregard this post, read the second, posting error.

Member Avatar for dcc

First of all there is a square four pin connector that is located just above and to the left of the CPU, you can see it here, this connector is also from the PSU, it is a P4 connector and powers the CPU,is this connected.

Some motherboards will not be stable without the 24 pin type PSU.

Member Avatar for lostandconfused

Haha yeah, dont worry I knew about the 4 pin one. But yeah... I'm trying to find a spare 24 pin psu right now. Thanks!

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.