Member Avatar for star344

I installed some additional memory last week because the desktop computer moved slowly. Now, the monitor shows black. I've hooked the computer to two different monitors and get the same result. It is an emachines computer, and I have taken the new memory out, but the monitor still doesn't work. It's like the monitor isn't connected to the PC, but the monitor works when connected to another PC.
I've turned off the PC, disconnected and waited for days, but the PC will turn on, make a few clicking noises, and continue to run without the monitor changing. Right now, nothing is connected to the PC besides the monitor.
Any suggestions?

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Short summary and what the symptoms point to: the machine powers on (fans, clicking) but never produces video and the same monitor works on another PC. That strongly narrows the failure to the system’s POST/video path, the power delivery to the board, or visible motherboard damage — not the monitor itself. Several good points have already been raised by , and ; below are complementary checks and observations that move the diagnosis beyond “try another monitor” or “remove the new RAM.”

First, isolate the video path and look for POST evidence you can record. If the case has a system speaker or the board has POST LEDs, note any beep patterns or two‑digit POST codes and write them down (they map to specific faults for your BIOS vendor). If there’s absolutely no POST feedback, the next things to consider are the discrete video card and power delivery: visually inspect the video card for secure seating and any auxiliary power plugs; try the monitor on each available video output (PCI/AGP card vs. motherboard port) to confirm where the signal should come from. Also inspect the motherboard closely for bulged or leaking capacitors, burn marks, or displaced standoffs — those are common causes of a no‑display condition even when fans spin.

If those checks don’t show the problem, document the exact behavior (which LEDs come on, whether HDD activity blinks, exact sounds), power down and avoid unnecessary swapping if you’re unsure. If you have access to a known‑good PSU or a spare video card, swapping those is the fastest way to prove whether the board or power subsystem failed. If the machine still refuses to POST after these non-destructive checks, the fault is likely the motherboard or CPU and professional repair or board replacement is the pragmatic next step.

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Member Avatar for mdk2k4

First try another monitor, preferably an LCD, and check the manual of the motherboard, it may not support the amount of memory you installed; hey nothing personally but it's an eMachine. it may only support op to 1.2 gb. and besides make sure that the memory you installed is also compatible with the board. good luck.

Member Avatar for star344

mdk2k4,
Thanks for your reply, but I've already tried another monitor (LCD) which didn't help. Plus, I took out the new memory and left in the memory that came with the PC, and still no change. Any other suggestions?

First try another monitor, preferably an LCD, and check the manual of the motherboard, it may not support the amount of memory you installed; hey nothing personally but it's an eMachine. it may only support op to 1.2 gb. and besides make sure that the memory you installed is also compatible with the board. good luck.

Member Avatar for mdk2k4

Try reseting the BIOS, CMOS and see if it help, just make sure you change all the setting on your first boot. Look for any loose or not plug wires in the motherboard. What i would also do, is check that memory in another pc see if it's good.

Edited by mdk2k4 because: n/a
Member Avatar for Adamsappleone

Check your BIOS settings for AGP/PCI video

Member Avatar for Suspishio

Try reseting the BIOS, CMOS and see if it help, just make sure you change all the setting on your first boot. Look for any loose or not plug wires in the motherboard. What i would also do, is check that memory in another pc see if it's good.

This is imnportsnt advice. The CMOS stores the configuration. When you add memort, especially if it happens to be where the boot ROM loads itslef, if the CMOS is not in a state of grace, it won't load.

So short the CMOS pins, return the jumper to the correct position and when you boot, if there was no other problem, the CMOS will repopulate itself and it might work.

Member Avatar for sweetbigmoma

im having the same same problem, its also an emachine. ive tryed everything to no avail, some one plz help. black srceen.

Member Avatar for Bob_180_Bob

Hi.
You have hijacked another thread, if what I tell you will not work, open a new thread with more information about your PC and problem, How long has been happening, when did it start....
Remove your memory chips (RAM) clean the contacts with a pencil eraser and replace and try. (Do not touch contact with your fingers.)

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