My PC powers on, but the monitor and all connected peripherals remain inactive. I initially felt static electricity when touching the case, even with the power supply switch turned off, but replacing the faulty power strip resolved that issue. The monitor is connected to the dedicated graphics card, and I also tested the motherboard video ports with no improvement. I removed and reseated the RAM and GPU and reset the motherboard battery, but the system still does not display anything or respond to the keyboard and mouse. What hardware should I check next?
2 Answers
Check whether the keyboard's Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock light changes when you press the key. If none of the indicators respond, the computer probably is not completing POST. Make sure the monitor cable is connected to the graphics card, then test one RAM stick at a time in the recommended slot. Also verify the 24-pin motherboard cable, CPU power cable, and GPU power connectors are fully seated. If the problem continues, the likely causes are the power supply, motherboard, RAM, or a short in the system.
The static was a serious warning sign, so replacing the power strip was a good first step. Avoid using that old strip and do not keep touching the case if you feel any electrical leakage. Try a known-good wall outlet and, if possible, a known-good power supply. Disconnect everything nonessential—including storage drives, USB devices, and extra PCIe cards—and try starting with only the motherboard, CPU, CPU cooler, one RAM stick, and graphics output. If there is still no keyboard response or display, the PSU or motherboard should be tested professionally, especially if the machine is under warranty.
I already reseated both RAM sticks, the GPU, and the motherboard battery, but the peripherals are still completely dead. The static stopped after I replaced the power strip.