Member Avatar for hopeyjane

I used to always be working on computers whether it was building, repairing, etc. I recently took on the job of refurbishing some machines that were donated to a local non-profit organization. There were several machines, all from the same place with the same operating system and everything. Heres the problem: I cant get one of them to POST. When I power up, all the fans come on, things are sounding normal EXCEPT there is nothing on screen. I did notice that with the other machines, they were in a "quiet boot" mode. When the machines came up, it went straight to a splash screen, then would go into windows. There was no post sounds on the other machines. So my problem is I don't know where to start, I have checked the video card and exchanged it with another card I had. I also exchanged the hard drive. I have not changed out the power supply yet, and I don't have another processor laying around. (well I do, but not the right one) Does anyone have any ideas? It has just been so long since I have done this, I seem to have forgotten everything I used to know.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Supernatural

Dani AI

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Building on the suggestions from , and , here is a compact, practical checklist to isolate whether the fault is PSU, motherboard, CPU, RAM, or just wiring. Work through each step and stop when you see a change — that will tell you which component to focus on next.

  • Do a minimal "breadboard" boot: motherboard, CPU + cooler, one known-good RAM stick (try each slot), power supply, and video (onboard or one card). Remove all drives, cards and front-panel USB. This removes variables that can short or confuse POST.
  • Fit a small chassis speaker or use the board's POST LEDs/post-code display. Check the manual for codes. If there are no codes/beeps and nothing changes after the minimal boot, move on.
  • Clear CMOS (jumper or remove battery for a few minutes) to rule out corrupt settings. Then try again with the minimal kit.
  • Inspect the socket/CPU for bent pins (PGA) or damaged contact area (LGA), and look for bulging/leaking capacitors or scorch marks on the PCB.
  • Test the PSU properly: use a PSU tester or multimeter to verify rails under load if possible. The paperclip test only verifies the fan spins — it does not guarantee stable voltages under load. If a spare PSU is available, swap it in for a definitive check.
  • Breadboard outside the case to rule out standoffs or shorts from the chassis. Also check front-panel power-switch wiring or a stuck reset switch.
  • If you have access to a POST diagnostic card, use it to read the motherboard codes; that pinpoints early-stage failures.

If these steps still give no POST and the PSU checks out, the motherboard or CPU is the likely cause. If time or parts are limited, following 's idea and harvesting usable parts to repair other machines is a practical next move. Take ESD precautions when handling CPU/memory and document which steps produced changes so repair or replacement is targeted.

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Member Avatar for Suspishio

My serious advice is to regard this PC as spares for the almost certain next PC that doesn't work properly.

It's only to be expected that some donated PCs won't work for any number of reasons and to have spares is a useful luxury.

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

seem like a bad mobo. but seeing that all the pc are identical, try one of the other processors on the mobo, but i beleive it's the mobo when u are not getting anything to the monitor or for it to post

Member Avatar for Supernatural

Honestly I agree. Motherboards are easily damaged and are the main cause of No Post Boot on a system.

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