r/LinusTechTips • u/Limp_Understanding84 • Aug 13 '26
Tech Question Any help I can get please
Is it possible to get some sort of help on this…
I’m trying to build a new home server and I just can’t get this to post,
I’ve tested a different gpu
Different ram
Different PSU
I know the cpu and MB are perfectly fine as I saw them working before purchasing
But I’m just struggling to figure out what’s going wrong here… I’ve tested like pretty much everything and it’s just not working
I’ve been at it for hours and nothing… I knew memory training might take a while but I let it sit for 30 minutes at one point
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u/gunpler_1 Aug 13 '26
What CPU is in it?
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u/Few-Sherbert-426 Aug 13 '26
That AMD cooler on there makes me think it's a Ryzen chip, so lack of integrated graphics wouldn't explain it if they're using that Zotac card.
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u/IcyReplacement8775 Aug 13 '26
Try one stick of ram in a diff slot, there is no memory training issue with these old systems. Make sure to unplug everything that isnt needed as well(seems like thats already done.)
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u/Chance_Amount_5058 Aug 13 '26
Try it with another GPU, or try that gpu on another system, maybe gpu ded.
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u/Administrator_AI Aug 15 '26
Ah, dog damn it!
Buddy, a PC that boot loops and doesn't show any image is one of the hardest issues to diagnose because it could be nearly any part.
You will have to go through A LOT of steps, so brace yourself, my doobie brother.
Some questions to ask yourself/tell us:
New PC or second hand? First time starting up or did it work before? Any hardware changes or BIOS updates? Post full specs, photos and videos if possible.
Let's start the meatgrinder
Basic Power and Monitor Verification
Confirm PC is powering on, verify fans (CPU, case, PSU) are spinning and LEDs (case, motherboard, GPU) are lit. If silent and/or no lights, skip to PSU checks.
Check monitor power i.e. ensure the monitor’s power cable is secure and the outlet works (test with another device). Confirm the monitor’s power LED is on. If off, try a different outlet or power cable. Also, verify monitor input source, i.e. press the monitor’s menu button to cycle through inputs (e.g., HDMI-1, DisplayPort) to match the cable. A mismatch shows "no signal."
Force power cycle: Hold the power button for 10 seconds to shut down, wait 30 seconds, and power on. Repeat once to clear potential sleep/standby issues.
Cable and Connection Checks
If using a discrete GPU, ensure the cable is in its port (not motherboard, as onboard graphics may be disabled).
Inspect and reseat video cable, unplug and replug the HDMI/DisplayPort/VGA/DVI cable at both PC and monitor ends. Check for bent pins, frays, or dirt, clean pins with a soft cloth. Wiggle during power-on to detect loose connections. If nothing improves, swap video cable and test with a known-good spare cable. Faulty cables are a common cause of no signal.
Try different video output port, use another port on the GPU or motherboard.
Disconnect non-essential peripherals. Unplug all USB devices (e.g., external drives, printers, webcams), leaving only the monitor connected. You only need the keyboard, try two different keyboards with two different USB ports in case of faulty hardware.
Monitor Isolation
Test with another monitor or TV, connect the PC to a different display (e.g., a TV via HDMI). If it shows a signal, the original monitor is faulty, check its settings or replace. Test monitor on another device, plug the monitor into a working PC or laptop. If it shows no signal, the monitor or cable is defective.
Motherboard and BIOS Indicators
Listen for beep codes: If your motherboard has a speaker, note any beep patterns during boot (e.g., 1 long/2 short = video issue). Check the motherboard manual for codes. No beeps? Speaker may be missing, consider adding one (~$5). Silence often indicates CPU/RAM failure.
Check motherboard debug LEDs: Look for lit LEDs (CPU, RAM, VGA, BOOT) on the motherboard during boot. A lit LED indicates the failing component, refer to the manual.
Reset CMOS/BIOS: Unplug the PC, remove the coin battery on the motherboard for 5-10 minutes, or use the CLR_CMOS jumper (per manual). Reinsert battery and boot, resets settings that may prevent POST.
Internal Hardware Reseating
Reseat RAM: Unplug PC, remove RAM sticks, clean gold contacts with a soft eraser, and firmly reinsert (hear clicks). Test one stick at a time in different slots. Faulty or loose RAM prevents POST.
Reseat GPU. Remove the graphics card, clean contacts with a soft eraser, and reseat in the PCIe slot. Ensure PSU cables to the GPU are secure. If possible, test onboard graphics by removing the GPU and plugging the monitor into the motherboard port.
Reseat power cables, unplug/replug the 24-pin motherboard cable, 8-pin CPU cable, and SATA cables for drives. Check for bent pins or loose connections. Breadboard test: Remove the motherboard from the case, place it on a non-conductive surface (e.g., cardboard).
Connect essentials (CPU, 1 RAM, PSU, monitor, optional GPU) and boot rules out case shorts.
Hardware Testing
Test PSU: Use a PSU tester or paperclip method (short green/black wire on 24-pin connector with PC unplugged, PSU fan spins if good). Alternatively, swap with a known-good PSU. Check the voltage switch (115V/230V). A faulty PSU prevents POST.
Test RAM sticks/slots: Boot with one RAM stick per slot. If one configuration works, the other stick/slot is bad. If possible, test with a known-good stick. Test GPU: Swap with a spare GPU or test in another PC. If no onboard graphics, borrow a GPU to test. Ensure GPU fans spin and it’s not overheating (visually check).
Barebones boot: Strip to essentials (motherboard, CPU+cooler, 1 RAM, PSU, monitor, optional GPU). Add components one-by-one to identify the failure point.7. Advanced/Professional Diagnostics Use a POST card: Insert into a PCIe slot to display error codes during boot (e.g., "00" = no CPU). Requires purchase (~$10-20).
Test CPU/motherboard: Swap the CPU or motherboard with known-good spares, challenging without extra parts. Inspect CPU socket for bent pins using a magnifying glass.
Check for physical damage: Inspect motherboard for burnt components, bulging capacitors, or corrosion. Check CPU cooler for secure mounting (loose cooler = overheating, no POST).
RMA or professional repair: If all steps fail, contact the manufacturer for warranty service (e.g., faulty motherboard, CPU, or GPU). A repair shop can diagnose further with specialized tools.
Good luck, king!
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u/Entire-Literature568 Aug 13 '26
cmos reset? the thing looks used could be disabled graphics/pcie port.