Computer starting up but no display.

My friend has a computer with the following specifications:

HP OEM Computer:

• Intel Core2Duo processor
• 2 RAM Sticks (unsure of capacity)
• XFX GeForce 9600GT

The computer boots up and the LEDs on the motherboard don't show any errors. All the fans work, including the GPU.  I've cleared the CMOS. Reseated the RAM sticks.

This leads me to believe it's the GPU because the monitor says no signal.

..I don't happen to have any spare GPUs lying around, but are there any other diagnostic measures I can take?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luc1d 

Try taking out the gpu and plugging the display in the motherboard.

Unfortunately there's no IGPU

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOS_equis 

Make sure that the mobo doesn't have a PCIe disable jumper set for the slot you're using in the disable position. Reseat the card and verify that you have the power cables firmly connected (at both ends if using a modular PSU). Make sure the cables are firmly attatched on both ends. Make sure you are using the first PCIe slot. Try using just one stick of RAM in the primary slot. You may have to get a cheap test VGA card from the store or eBay to troubleshoot.


DOS_equis

I'm sure all the connectors are in properly, the cables were managed very nicely surprisingly. I'll probably have to try a different card and a cheap one from eBay sounds like a good idea

Quote:

Originally Posted by satrow 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luc1d 

Try taking out the gpu and plugging the display in the motherboard.

Or try the GPU in another 'board.

Good chance it's the GPU, they're getting pretty old now, any previous history over the last few months of flashes, blackouts?

PSU failing would be the next most likely.

I'll be sure to try that as well. And nope, nothing. Was working fine then  suddenly the monitor kept saying no display signal. Probably is the GPU.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smex 

does the HDD seem to load windows or does it just power up?

Actually it doesn't, it just powers up.

Also when it was working the fans would sound like jet engines then slow down to a reasonable speed, but now the fans stay at jet engine levels.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr-Mechraven 

Any beeps coming from onboard speaker ? What Motherboard ?

Usual problems with no display >

GPU not having sufficient power - faulty card/psu - = check cables
PSU unable to sustain adequate power/current on any or all rails etc - What brand an rating of psu ?
Faulty GPU
Wrong display port used
Loose connection - either monitor end/or gpu end
Faulty RAM / Faulty Dimm socket
CPU Overheat
Hard Drives misconfigured

Anything can be a potential cause but these are usual suspects ^^ The motherboard spec and beep code could be helpful if you are able to provide ?

I've crossed out all the ones that I've diagnosed. The system was working perfectly. And it's an OEM HP motherboard, so no beep codes or the likes. There are a few LED's like labeled heart rate, system fan fail, cpu fan fail. But just the heart rate is lighting up (which is good). And there is no information on the PSU about the wattage or manufacturer. Just says HP OEM and a bunch of other unhelpful info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smex 

stupid Q but.. tried resetting the bios to default?!

I have, unfortunately. Taken out the CMOS battery for 5 minutes.