How do you test a motherboard or CPU?

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Floccinaucinihilipilificator

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Dec 7, 2013
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I know this question has been asked a hundred times before, but I can't find anything that really helps. I know one of these parts are causing problems, because all other major components are working fine in another system. The problem is a no-video screen on the monitor (don't worry, I tried the different input channels), though the computer fans all run. The motherboard doesn't have an HDMI port, so I can't test anything without reliance on a GPU. The fans run and the motherboard (Asus p8p67 pro) has a solid green light for power, solid red for memory, and a green LED for the CPU flashes once when pressing the power button.

The problem started after uninstalling the graphics card driver, turning off the system, cutting the power, and changing both RAM and the GPU. After that, I've been having this problem, no matter the setup, so long as it's on this mobo and CPU (which I can't test separately because my other system to test on isn't compatible with either of these components).

If it means anything, the CPU is water-cooled, there's also an optical drive plugged in that I haven't technically tested, and this is the first time cutting the power in several years.

Is there any way to test these two remaining components? I know where I can buy a POST speaker if you know of a surefire test that requires one.

Thanks for any advice you can offer. Sorry if it's a much-weary topic already, or if the best answer is already out there.
 
Solution
Dr_JRE
The system speaker is something you should invest in. It may help us now and it will definately help in the future.

Without that we cant hear beep codes. Without beep codes or more spare parts there isn't much to do becides buy an expensive POST code reader.
Try a different screen.
Disconnect everything excect CPU, ATX power and one RAM module.
Reset BIOS with jumper (check motherboard owners manual)
Does it start?
If so connect the parts one by one and test untill you find the problem or there is no problem.
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Dr_JRE

Dr_JRE

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Aug 12, 2012
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The system speaker is something you should invest in. It may help us now and it will definately help in the future.

Without that we cant hear beep codes. Without beep codes or more spare parts there isn't much to do becides buy an expensive POST code reader.
Try a different screen.
Disconnect everything excect CPU, ATX power and one RAM module.
Reset BIOS with jumper (check motherboard owners manual)
Does it start?
If so connect the parts one by one and test untill you find the problem or there is no problem.
 
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Solution
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Floccinaucinihilipilificator

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Dec 7, 2013
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Sounds good, I'll go get one later today. But when you say resetting the BIOS, will taking out and putting back in the battery suffice?
 
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Dr_JRE

Dr_JRE

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Aug 12, 2012
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Well next up is to try known good RAM and a known good graphics card.
Do you have a friend with a computer that may be compatible and willing to let you rip it apart?

Also, try it on a different TV.
I have had problems with TVs not wanting to accept the HDMI signal (sometimes this can be fixed by turning the TV off and back on while the PC is running)
 
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Floccinaucinihilipilificator

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Dec 7, 2013
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I've tried different RAM and a different graphics card, yes. Although I didn't try this motherboard/CPU on a different monitor, I tried a different HDMI cable and I didn't touch the monitor anyway, so I can't see it being the problem by refusing to accept input from a certain motherboard/CPU, while still working in any other scenario.
 
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Floccinaucinihilipilificator

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Dec 7, 2013
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Well, okay, I fixed the problem. It was the USB 3.0 header. Some pins were bent. Quite underwhelming, really. At least the board is okay, save for the loss of two USB 3.0 ports that I never used. I hadn't originally thought of unplugging those things because I didn't imagine those as being a cause for issues, but, well, there you go...

Also, the system speaker helped a lot. Thanks for pushing me to get it. I probably would've given up without it.
 
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