Computer turns on but displays nothing

[Universe]

The desktop turns on, but there's no bios or windows on display. The HDD is functional [sounds like].

The monitor cable connects through the geforce mx 400 VGA port, and I think CRT cable used to connect through the LPT1 OR serial port, about 10yrs ago. I can't tell if the AGP card is alright. CPU fan spins.

The configuration is:
Celeron 1.6 Ghz
Gigabyte GA-8IE2004P
nvdia geforce mx 400
DDR/DDR2 RAM

It is imprecise description to figure out the problem already. But still if any suggestion on finding the problem would help.

What do I need [to buy and know as non-expert specialist] to test, detect and identify the problem?

 

[DanDOGGO]

Hi there. If you could give me a more detailed example to what actually happens when your PC boots that would be great. If your monitor is responding to your PC powering on, then the signal shouldn't be the issue. What I suggest is to just double/triple check that everything is connected right and your GPU is seated correctly. It's never a waste to take the time to unplug and re-seat your RAM and GPU. If still nothing, then it's possible that the GPU could be damaged... But don't draw conclusions yet.

Hope that helps

 

[Universe]

Hi there. If you could give me a more detailed example to what actually happens when your PC boots that would be great. If your monitor is responding to your PC powering on, then the signal shouldn't be the issue. What I suggest is to just double/triple check that everything is connected right and your GPU is seated correctly. It's never a waste to take the time to unplug and re-seat your RAM and GPU. If still nothing, then it's possible that the GPU could be damaged... But don't draw conclusions yet.

Hope that helps

The GPU, ram & HDD checked once again.

The screen is already plugged in through adapter, but doesn't respond to the PC powering on. After powering the PC on, the CPU fan starts spinning normally. The pata hdd must have very low vibration than the sata ones, as it is almost undetectable whether running or not, but there is a clear sound if the pata connector to the board is unplugged while the PC is running. However there is steady ticking sound coming out of the HDD [this is new].

Are today's LED monitors incompatible with the older systems?
btw is it necessary for jumper cable to connect to pata drive?

 

[Balubish]

Have you tried getting it to post without the HDDs? Any faulty codes on ur MB?

 

[Universe]

Have you tried getting it to post without the HDDs? Any faulty codes on ur MB?

What code?
Never powered on without HDD, but like I mentioned unplugged while the PC was running

 

[The Paladin]

Your NVIDIA MX400 has an AGP slot card type(plugs into motherboard) but more importantly it outputs to monitor (CRT or LED) in the VGA format which is a standard so to answer the question; "can you use an LED monitor to test if your CRT is no longer working" the answer is yes as long as it has a 15 pin VGA connector (usually a blue connector in color on the monitor).

 

[Balubish]

Have you tried getting it to post without the HDDs? Any faulty codes on ur MB?

What code?
Never powered on without HDD, but like I mentioned unplugged while the PC was running

Depeninding on what moderboard you have, high end motherboards have both Q-code and LEDs showing certain problems. Low-end and medium usually have LED only somewhere that flash or change color reporting the problem. Check ur manual.

Also if you unplug for example a hardrive or DVD while the PC is on you can fry it right there and then. Only time its most unlikely to break is with USB. Internal components should "NEVER" be unplugged while running.

 

[Universe]

Your NVIDIA MX400 has an AGP slot card type(plugs into motherboard) but more importantly it outputs to monitor (CRT or LED) in the VGA format which is a standard so to answer the question; "can you use an LED monitor to test if your CRT is no longer working" the answer is yes as long as it has a 15 pin VGA connector (usually a blue connector in color on the monitor).

I see, got it. Thanks.

 

[Universe]

Depeninding on what moderboard you have, high end motherboards have both Q-code and LEDs showing certain problems. Low-end and medium usually have LED only somewhere that flash or change color reporting the problem. Check ur manual.

Also if you unplug for example a hardrive or DVD while the PC is on you can fry it right there and then. Only time its most unlikely to break is with USB. Internal components should "NEVER" be unplugged while running.

Thank you for the alert.
I couldn't find any info regarding Q-code problems in the manual. Maybe they aren't there?

 

[Universe]

Update: Discovered wrong ram was installed, changed it. Still no screen.