COMPUTER POWERS, BUT DOES NOT BOOT. WHICH COMPONENTS DO I REPLACE?

[JacobSiu]

Here is my problem straightforward:
1. The computer powers on, but does not boot. (The monitor is fine)
2. Every fan starts, but the heat-sink/CPU fan starts, yet it shortly stops each time I power the computer. (So I guess this indicates that I don't need to replace the fan? dunno...)
3. I can't even tell if the processor is the problem or not
4. No beeps when I take out the ram. Either I don't know or there really is a problem
5. The PSU I guess seems to work fine
6. I'm scared that it has affected my motherboard...

I have no other computers to test because they aren't compatible.

My computer is a HP Pavilion Elite m9660f - Phenom II X4 940 3 GHz

Here is the link to the specs:
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-pavilion-elite-m9660f/4507-3118_7-33573219.html

If you need any more questions please ask! I really need help! Thank you!

 

[Ubrales]

Well written post!

Here is a good checklist: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-boot-video-problems

Even though it is for new builds, the principles apply to existing computers as well.

 

[mdd1963]

PSU outputs multiple voltages....just because comp 'turns on/fans spin' does not mean PSU is 'good'.

PSU failures very common, much more so than actual CPU issues.....

 

[JacobSiu]

PSU outputs multiple voltages....just because comp 'turns on/fans spin' does not mean PSU is 'good'.

PSU failures very common, much more so than actual CPU issues.....

Another thing I forgot to mention is that my motherboard does not "beep" when I remove RAM.
So is it obvious that the MB is faulty?...

I will look into more info about PSU problems online, thanks.

 

[hunter315]

Did the motherboard ever beep? Many systems dont ship with case speakers these days so you will need to get one to hear the beep codes, normally on successful POST the system will emit one short beep, if you dont remember it ever beeping before then assume no case speaker and check the board to confirm. There is a link to where you can get one cheap in the checklist Ubrales linked to.