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Question

Turn on my computer and the monitor won't turn on

May 13, 2015 2:58AM PDT

I have an Intel E6550 Dual which is 7 years old. It's been setting around for about 6 months and now the monitor won't turn on. I bought a new Video card, tried 2 monitors with 2 different connections, took the RAM out and re-seeded it. The power supply turns on. So is there something else I can try or that I'm missing. Otherwise I will just junk it but wanted to post before I did.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Did you replace the CMOS battery?
May 13, 2015 3:04AM PDT

It's a dollar part that on some machines when it gets too low won't let the machine boot.

When the RAM and video card is out, does the machine beep in protest on power up? (no need for keyboard, display or drives for this test.)
Bob

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No Beeps
May 13, 2015 3:59AM PDT

No Beeps, could it be the cmos?

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No.
May 13, 2015 4:07AM PDT

But it could be that battery. Did you get out the Volt meter? How many Volts?

Since it's a buck or two, many folk replace it and hope. Some folk don't think it's worth trying.
Since I'm in an office where we do design work, I get out the Volt meter and know in seconds.
Bob

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No volt meter
May 13, 2015 4:20AM PDT

Thank you for your input. However I worked in Silicon Valley for 20 years, build over a thousand computer and I can't remember ever using a volt meter. I'm retired for 12 years and that's why I'm posting.
I'm guessing but when I turn on the computer there is no sound coming from the motherboard or hard drive. Even with a dead or removed cmos there should be some sound when the power is turned on. My fans in the case are working. I'm wondering if I just have a dead motherboard?

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So no classic HDD spin up?
May 13, 2015 4:25AM PDT

That could tell us the +12V rail is blown. Another fine example where a Volt meter can nail what's up.

Since you can get it to power up, before the power up, unplug the data cable to the drive and leave the power connection. Same for the ODD. I test such when I didn't bring the VOM by listening to the HDD spin and the DVDRW drive eject button test (both require no mainboard to operate.)

Yes the fans are working but given many PSUs have more than one 12V rail, a rail could be blown.
But as you are an old hand, I only write as a reminder.
Bob

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No HHD spin - DVD has power
May 13, 2015 4:56AM PDT

No HHD spin and even change the power input to the known good HHD - DVD has power - So could that be a bad motherboard?

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But did the DVD eject work?
May 13, 2015 5:07AM PDT

Sorry but it's a little cheat to avoid the VOM or swap the PSU test. The HDD not spinning is a bad sign but I could take the HDD to a known good PC to connect power and see.

No, I can't diagnose it with just what's here. You're missing the VOM so we can't nail it.
Bob

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The problem here maybe to find THE motherboard...
May 13, 2015 5:51AM PDT

at a good enough price to make it worthwhile, assuming that is the problem.

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So everything is so automated, hehe.
May 13, 2015 4:40AM PDT

Just replace the modules. That's how I do my trouble shooting...just replace them (process of elimination, so call), even though I have an voltmeter.

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Just replace the modules
May 13, 2015 6:15AM PDT

Just replace the modules. What does that mean? If your talking about the motherboard that means you scrap a 7 year old computer.

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I see where Old is headed.
May 13, 2015 6:40AM PDT

If we don't have the VOM, we are left with swapping modules, boards and such because we can't nail it with a reading. I tried to work around the missing VOM but no answer to my question so I have to bow and give in to start swapping parts.
Bob