PC Turns ON But No Display On Monitor! – Every Possible Solution

Entering the world of tech, dealing with a PC that boots up but shows nothing on the screen—a literal void of ‘what’s going on?’—can turn excitement into full-blown confusion. This ‘Black Blank Screen’ is like a tech riddle, making even the nerdiest tech buffs scratch their heads. Getting to the bottom of this means diving deep into the intricate dance of hardware and software.

First off, give the hardware a once-over: check the RAM, Graphics card, the Motherboard connections, and make sure those display cables are all snug as a bug. But hey, software’s no saint either. It could be those acting up BIOS settings causing the trouble. It’s a tangled mess that needs a Sherlock Holmes-level approach—each solution you try pulls back a curtain, revealing a snippet of the puzzle, inching you closer to fixing that stubborn screen.

In the upcoming chapters, we’re going on an epic quest through these possible solutions, creating a detailed treasure map to solve this mystery and wake up that sleepy screen. It’s all about bringing your computer back to life and saying sayonara to the distress of staring at a blank screen forever.

• Laptop Turns ON But No Display On Monitor! – Every Possible Solution
• Fixing Computer That Won’t Turn ON At All & Remains Dead

Solution #1: Video Cable & Monitor Checkup

If your monitor isn’t showing anything, it might be because your computer and monitor aren’t getting along well. This issue could pop up because of a few things—like loose cables, messed-up connections, or maybe those little adapter things going wonky, messing with how signals travel between your PC and the monitor.

To tackle this headache, first, play detective and inspect every connection between your monitor and your computer’s ports—like VGA, HDMI, or DisplayPort. Make sure they’re all snug as a bug. Check both ends of those cables to be sure they’re jammed in properly. Sometimes, it looks connected but isn’t, causing the signal to play hide and seek.

One way to figure out what’s up with your computer is to check the Num Lock or Caps Lock Keys on your keyboard. Just give ’em a few taps and watch if their little lights turn on and off. This can tell you if your computer is doing alright.

If those lights do their thing—lighting up when you press them and turning off when you press again—it means your computer is probably okay. But if the screen is still MIA despite the keys working fine, it could mean there is definitely an issue with the monitor or the cables.

Solution #2: RAM Checkup

Random Access Memory (RAM) is super important in a computer. It’s like a speed racer—it stores info and instructions the CPU needs pronto. And you know? It plays a vital role in booting up your computer. When you switch it on, the BIOS does its thing, setting up all the hardware, including the RAM. It checks if the memory’s working right. If the RAM’s wonky, it can mess up the boot process, making the display not show or the computer act funky.

When your computer goes ‘no display,’ RAM often takes the blame—like, around 90% of the time. A bad RAM stick can kill the show. Replacing it with a fresh one might be the only way to get your computer going.

Note: Using the anti-static wristband throughout the process can reduce the risk of damaging sensitive computer components due to static electricity.   

• What Is The Importance Of Anti-Static Wrist Bands?

Note 2: Before you start poking around inside your computer, it’s a good idea to blast away all the dust bunnies and dirt hiding inside using a can of compressed air. This helps clean every nook and cranny of your computer case and its components.

 

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To Fix RAM Issues, Here Are Some Tricks:

1. Try removing and reinserting RAM: Take out one RAM stick (if you’ve got more than one) and start the computer. If there’s still an issue, swap the RAM to another slot.
2. Test with a working RAM stick: If possible, borrow a compatible RAM stick to see if that’s where the trouble lies.
3. Clean the RAM: Sometimes, cleaning the RAM stick’s connectors might help—like giving it a good scrub. This might make the RAM work about 80% of the time.

But if cleaning doesn’t do squat or the RAM’s still dead, you might need some advanced mojo—like fixing a dead RAM stick. Online guides can help you with that tricky business.

• RAM Cleaning – One Solution To Fix Memory Related Problems
• How To Repair A Faulty Dead RAM Stick? – Fixing Damaged Memory Stick
• How To Install Memory (RAM) Stick – Desktop PC?
• RAM Compatibility With Motherboard: Identifying Supported/Installed Types

Solution #3: Graphics Card Checkup

Note: Skip if you have any graphics card installed in your computer.

A graphics card, also called a video card or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), is like the artist in your computer—it’s in charge of making all the pictures and videos appear on your screen. So, when your computer goes ‘no display,’ the graphics card might be the troublemaker if you can’t be able to find any problem with the RAM Stick.

Running the computer without a dedicated graphics card helps figure out if the problem is because of a bad graphics card or something else. If the integrated graphics work and you suspect a faulty graphics card, you might need professional help or a new graphics card to fix this problem.

Here’s A Way To Check It:

1. Power down and unplug: Turn off your computer completely and unplug it from the power. Make sure it’s totally off before doing anything else.
2. Take out the graphics card: Open your computer case and find the dedicated graphics card in the slot on the motherboard. Carefully remove it by pressing the clip or unscrewing it gently, then pull the card straight out.
3. Connect to the motherboard: Find the video output ports on the motherboard (like HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA). Use the right cable to connect your monitor to one of these ports. These ports use integrated graphics if your CPU or motherboard has them.
4. Power up: Plug your computer back in and switch it on. It’ll run without the dedicated graphics card, using the integrated graphics instead.
5. Keep an eye on the screen: Watch to see if the computer boots up normally and if you get any visuals on the screen. If it boots up and you see stuff on the screen, it suggests the issue might be with the dedicated graphics card.

To read in-depth guide: How to Install Graphic Card In Your Desktop Computer?

Just remember that without the graphics card, the computer might not perform as well graphically because integrated graphics are usually not as powerful as dedicated GPUs. If you find a problem with the graphics card, consider getting it fixed or replaced.

Sometimes, a fix for a graphics card acting up and causing a booting problem can be as simple as giving it a good clean. Dust and grime can build up on the contacts of the graphics card or inside the slot on the motherboard where it’s plugged in. This buildup can mess with the connection between the graphics card and the motherboard. By cleaning these contact points really well, you might get that solid connection back, making the graphics card work properly again.

Here’s a simple guide to cleaning the gold contacts of a graphics card:

• Gather your tools: You’ll need a soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth) and 100% isopropyl alcohol.
• Dampen the cloth: Dip one end of the cloth in the isopropyl alcohol. Make sure it’s just damp, not soaking wet.
• Gently wipe the contacts: Carefully wipe the gold contacts on the bottom edge of the graphics card with the damp cloth. Use gentle, light motions to remove any dirt or residue. Be thorough but don’t press too hard to avoid damage.
• Reinstall the graphics card: Once the contacts are dry, put the graphics card back into the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Make sure it’s snug and secure.

If cleaning won’t work to fix your GPU; How To Repair A Broken Graphics Card By Reflow?

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Solution #4: Internal Components Checkup

Next up, it’s time to really dig into your computer’s insides. You’ll need to carefully check every part in there to see what’s what. This means looking closely at stuff like the BIOS, motherboard (where everything connects), storage drives (like HDDs or SSDs), power supply unit (gives power), CPU (the brain), and any extra cards you might have (like network adapters or sound cards).

The goal here is to really study each part, searching for any problems, damage, loose bits, or anything that seems off. This thorough check helps find what might be causing the issue or stopping your computer from working properly.

Step 1 – Resetting the BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a fundamental software component stored on a motherboard’s ROM (Read-Only Memory) or firmware chip. It serves as an interface between the hardware components of a computer system and the operating system. BIOS settings provide essential instructions to the computer during the boot process, controlling hardware initialization and facilitating communication between the hardware components and the operating system.

The CMOS battery is a small cell-shaped battery located on the motherboard. It powers the CMOS chip, which stores the BIOS settings, date, and time. Removing the CMOS battery interrupts the power supply to the CMOS chip, causing the BIOS settings to reset to their default configurations. This troubleshooting technique can resolve certain issues, including the black blank screen problem.

• How To Reset BIOS on Both Laptop and Desktop?

Step 2 – Testing The Computer’s Power Supply (PSU)

Making sure your computer gets the right amount of power is crucial. If the power supply to the motherboard isn’t enough or it’s acting wonky, it can mess up your whole system, causing problems when starting up or making things unstable.

Using a PSU tester is a handy way to check if your power supply unit is doing its job properly. Here’s what you do:

1. Connect the PSU tester: Hook up the PSU tester to the different power connectors from your power supply unit. These testers usually have a bunch of connectors that match the ones on your PSU—like 24-pin, 4/8-pin CPU connectors, SATA, molex, and PCIe connectors.
2. Flip the PSU switch: Turn on the power supply using the switch at the back of the unit. The PSU tester will show you readings for the voltage outputs, telling you if they’re at the right levels.
3. Check the voltages: Look at the readings on the PSU tester’s display. Make sure the +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and other outputs fall within the expected ranges.
4. Understand the results: If the PSU tester shows voltages way off from what they should be, it could mean your power supply’s gone wonky and might be causing issues in your computer.

To read in-depth article: Test Computer’s PSU: Checking Power Supply Without Motherboard

Step 3 – Testing The Computer’s Motherboard

To figure out if the motherboard or another part is causing trouble in your computer, you’ll want to check the motherboard separately. This means taking it out from the computer case and checking it on its own.

A motherboard can do its startup thing and show the Power-On Self-Test (POST) screen using just these basic parts: RAM, Processor (CPU), CPU Fan for keeping things cool, and a working PSU. With these bits, the motherboard can start up and show signs that it’s working by displaying the POST screen on the monitor. This way, you’ll know if the issue is because of the motherboard itself or if something else in the computer is causing trouble.

1. Watch How-to Videos: Look for instructional videos on assembling and disassembling computers. These videos, often found on platforms like YouTube, offer step-by-step guidance, including how to remove a motherboard. They show which cables and parts need to be disconnected to take out the motherboard safely.
2. Identify Cables to Disconnect: Figure out which cables and parts are connected to the motherboard. You’ll likely need to disconnect power supply cables (like ATX and CPU connectors), front panel connections (such as power buttons and LEDs), data cables (like SATA and USB), and any attached cards (like Graphics or Network Cards). And don’t remove the CPU, CPU Fan, or RAM from the motherboard.
3. Be Careful: Before starting, ensure the computer is entirely turned off and unplugged. Use the right tools and handle everything gently to avoid accidental damage.
4. Remove the Motherboard: Based on what you’ve learned from the videos, carefully unscrew and detach the motherboard from the case. Remember any standoffs or screws holding it in place and remove them correctly.
5. Connect the Power Supply: Place the motherboard on a non-conductive surface, like wood. Connect both the 20-pin ATX (or 24-pin for newer boards) and the 4-pin CPU (or 6 or 8-pin for newer boards) power connectors.
6. Find the Power Button Pins on the Motherbaord: There is an alternate method to power on a computer without utilizing the physical power button. By directly shorting the Power SW (Power Switch) Pins on the motherboard, you can kickstart the system. This method serves as a shortcut, bypassing the need to press the power button.
7. Test the Motherboard: Use a screwdriver to short the POWER SW pins on the motherboard, and it will start your computer.

# What to Do if Monitor Shows POST Screen?

If the monitor displays the POST screen fine during the separate test, switch off the computer and put everything back into the computer case. Then, start reconnecting each component one by one. After plugging in each part, test the computer before connecting the next one.

This step-by-step process helps figure out if a specific part or connection is causing trouble. By methodically reconnecting and testing each component separately, you can identify and pinpoint any hardware problems within the system. This method ensures a systematic check of each part’s function before moving on, making it easier to accurately diagnose potential issues.

# What to Do if Monitor Still Shows Nothing?

If the monitor still doesn’t show any display, even after trying to fix the issue, it might point to a problem with how the CPU talks to the motherboard. This could be due to a faulty CPU, compatibility problems, or issues with the part of the motherboard that deals with the CPU.

A good way to troubleshoot this is by testing the system with a different compatible CPU. If you replace the current CPU with another one that’s known to work and fits with the motherboard, it helps figure out if the problem is with the original CPU or something else related to how the CPU and motherboard work together.

Suggested Articles:

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• How To Buy A Processor (CPU) For Desktop PC?
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• How To Reflow GPU Or Chipset Chip Of Desktop’s Motherboard?