Motherboard Troubleshooting: No Power or Display After Booting
December 8, 2022
Introduction
If your computer's fans and LED indicators operate normally after pressing the power button, but there is no display on the monitor, follow these troubleshooting steps.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check the power jumper on the front panel.
- Check CPU compatibility.
- Check computer hardware.
- Check the display screen.
- Check EZ Debug LED indicator.
- Perform a POST test.
- Discharge to clear CMOS.
1. Check the Power Jumper on the Front Panel
Ensure the Power Switch pin of the case is correctly connected to the JFP1 header on the motherboard. If the front panel cables are damaged, the system might not boot using the power button. Try removing the front panel boot cables and short-circuiting the Power Switch pin directly with a metal object (e.g., a screwdriver) to see if the system boots.
The JFP1 header is typically located at the bottom edge of the motherboard. It contains pins for the HDD LED, Reset Switch, and Power Switch. The Power Switch pins are usually labeled as pins 6 and 8.
2. Check CPU Compatibility
Verify that your CPU is compatible with your motherboard. Visit the MSI official website, search for your motherboard model (e.g., "MEG Z590 ACE"), and navigate to the "Compatibility" section. Check the CPU support list to confirm compatibility.
Some motherboards may require a BIOS update to support certain CPUs. Refer to the motherboard's manual or MSI's website for instructions on how to update the BIOS.
The compatibility page typically lists processors, their core names, CPU speeds, cache sizes, wattages, and compatibility results.
3. Check Computer Hardware
CPU Power Supply: Ensure the CPU power cable from the power supply unit (PSU) is securely connected to the CPU power socket on the motherboard (e.g., CPU_PWR1).
Memory Installation: Verify that the memory stick(s) are properly installed in the DIMM slots. If you have multiple memory modules, try booting with a single stick to rule out memory issues. Ensure the memory is seated correctly, with the clips on both ends locking into place.
Graphics Card Installation: Confirm that the graphics card is correctly installed in the PCIe slot. Reinsert the graphics card to ensure a secure connection. If your CPU has integrated graphics, try connecting your monitor to the motherboard's display output (HDMI or DisplayPort) after removing the dedicated graphics card to see if the system displays an image. This helps determine if the issue lies with the graphics card.
4. Check the Display Screen
- Ensure the monitor is powered on and properly connected to the power source.
- Verify that the video cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort) is securely connected to both the computer's graphics output and the monitor.
- Check that the monitor's input signal source is set correctly to match the connected cable.
- Try using a different video cable to rule out cable failure.
The motherboard's rear I/O panel typically includes HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for integrated graphics.
5. Check EZ Debug LED Indicator
Motherboards often feature EZ Debug LEDs that indicate the status of key components during the boot process (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT). If any of these LEDs remain constantly lit, it indicates a problem with the corresponding component. Consult your motherboard's manual to interpret the LED status codes.
6. Perform a POST Test
To perform a Power-On Self-Test (POST), you will need minimal components: the CPU, CPU cooler, one stick of memory, the PSU, and a monitor. Disconnect all external devices (USB drives, hard drives, other PCI-e devices). If the system boots successfully in this minimal configuration, it suggests that one of the removed components or peripherals may be causing the issue. Reconnect devices one by one to identify the faulty component.
7. Discharge to Clear CMOS
Clearing the CMOS settings can resolve boot issues caused by incorrect BIOS configurations. After completely disconnecting the computer's power supply, you can clear the CMOS by either short-circuiting the CMOS jumper (JBAT1) with a metal object or by removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard for about 5 minutes and then reinstalling it. After clearing the CMOS, try booting the system again.
The CMOS battery is a small, coin-shaped battery typically located on the motherboard. The JBAT1 jumper is also found on the motherboard, usually near the CMOS battery.
