Having a working computer with a black screen is one of the most frustrating scenarios for a computer user. A few lights are on, some fans are spinning, and the case has started beeping.
On the monitor, you cannot see any vital signs, including no images, lights, or descriptions.
If you’re a PC enthusiast, you know that there’s nothing more frustrating than turning on your computer and finding that there’s no display on your monitor. One of the most common causes of this problem is an issue with the central processing unit (CPU). In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your PC’s CPU may turn on but there’s no display, as well as some troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the problem. From hardware failure to software glitches, we’ll look at all the possible causes and give you the information you need to get your PC up and running again.
Some Of The Basic Concepts
Check The Connections
It is possible for the monitor to not power on despite being in perfect condition.
In your next diagnostic effort, check all the associated ports, cables, and adapters.
A couple of screws should be fastened on both ends of the video and power cables.
Ensure that your power cord works with another outlet as well as your graphic cable with other ports.
To find out if your cables are damaged, try an alternative cable.
If your monitor supports any other cable types, for example, try connecting your monitor via an HDMI cable if you are currently using a VGA cable.
You should check that the adapters are in good condition and make sure they are used correctly.
Converting from DVI to VGA, for example, is not possible.
Check Your Monitor
Your computer may not display anything if it starts but there is a problem with the monitor.
Ensure that your monitor is turned on by checking its power light.
You can turn on your monitor by unplugging its power adapter, and then plugging it back in. Your monitor needs to be taken to the repair shop if the problem still persists.
If your monitor works properly, move on to the next step.
Force restart your computer
You should restart your computer if you are experiencing a Black screen. Keep the power button pressed for 5 to 10 seconds if your computer freezes. This will reset the system. By doing this, you will be able to restart your computer without having to worry about a total power outage.
Reset your BIOS settings
You can also get a black screen when your BIOS settings are incorrect. Try resetting your BIOS to factory defaults to see if that is the problem. Below are the instructions:
Your computer will turn off when you hold the power button.
After disconnection, open your computer case and unplug the AC power cord.
Remove your CMOS battery from your motherboard by pressing your fingernail against it or by using a nonconductive screwdriver.
Wait 5 minutes before reinstalling your CMOS battery.
Using the AC power cord to connect your computer to the power supply will allow you to see whether the issue persists.
Steps when PC CPU Turns On But No Display summarized
- Check the connections: Make sure that all cables and connections between your monitor, CPU, and power supply are properly plugged in and secure.
- Check the monitor: Ensure that the monitor is turned on and that the cable connecting the monitor to the CPU is securely in place. Try connecting your monitor to a different computer to see if it works.
- Check the power supply: Make sure that the power supply is providing enough power to the CPU by checking the voltage level.
- Check the graphics card: Make sure that the graphics card is securely connected to the CPU and that the drivers are up to date.
- Boot into safe mode: If you are able to access the BIOS, try booting into safe mode to see if the problem is caused by a software issue.
- Try a different monitor: Try connecting a different monitor to your computer to see if the issue is caused by the monitor.
- Check the RAM: Make sure that the RAM is securely inserted in the motherboard and that the RAM is functioning properly.
- Check the BIOS settings: Make sure that the BIOS settings are set to the correct configuration for your hardware.
- Try a different power cable: Make sure that the power cable is properly connected and if it’s possible try using a different cable to see if the problem is caused by a bad cable.
- If all the above steps fail, it could be a hardware failure, you may need to get your computer serviced by a professional.
Note: These are general troubleshooting steps and may vary depending on the specific hardware and software configuration of your PC.
Always be careful when handling the components inside your computer, and make sure to unplug the power cable before opening the computer.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of a dead CPU?
There are several signs that can indicate a dead CPU, including:
- No power or no POST (Power On Self-Test): If the computer fails to power on or the BIOS does not initialize, it could be a sign of a dead CPU.
- Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): If the computer crashes and displays a blue screen with an error message, it could be a sign of a dead CPU.
- Random restarts or shutdowns: If the computer restarts or shuts down unexpectedly, it could be a sign of a dead CPU.
- Overheating: A dead CPU can cause the computer to overheat due to a lack of proper cooling.
- No display: if the computer powers on but there’s no display on the monitor, it could be a sign of a dead CPU
- Beep codes: Some motherboards will emit a series of beeps to indicate a dead CPU.
- Programs and software fail to run: If you are experiencing a lot of software crashes and programs fail to run, it could be a sign of a dead CPU.
- Freezing or lagging: if the computer is freezing or lagging, it could be a sign of a dead CPU.
Why does my PC turn on but the screen is black?
There are several reasons why your PC might turn on but the screen is black, some of the common causes include:
- Monitor not turned on: Make sure that the monitor is turned on and that the cable connecting the monitor to the PC is securely in place.
- Incorrect input selection: Make sure that the monitor is set to the correct input, if the monitor is connected to the PC via HDMI or VGA cable, it should be set to HDMI or VGA input respectively.
- Bad graphics card: The graphics card is responsible for sending the video signal to the monitor. If the graphics card is malfunctioning, it can cause the screen to be black.
- Loose cable or connector: Make sure that the cable that connects the monitor to the PC is properly plugged in and connected, and that the connector is properly seated.
- Incorrect BIOS setting: Make sure that the BIOS settings are set to the correct configuration for your hardware.
- Dead or failing graphics card: If the graphics card is dead or failing, it will cause the screen to be black.
- Bad or outdated drivers: Make sure that the graphics card drivers are up-to-date and compatible with your system.
- Power or voltage issue: Make sure that the power supply is providing enough power to the PC, and that the voltage is set to the correct level.
- Dead or failing CPU: If the CPU is dead or failing, the computer may still turn on but the screen will be black.
- Damaged monitor: In some cases, the monitor may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Can CPU cause no display?
A dead or failing CPU can cause the computer to turn on but there’s no display on the monitor. The CPU is responsible for running the operating system and all associated processes, if the CPU is not functioning properly, it may not be able to send the necessary signal to the monitor to display an image. However, a black screen or no display can be caused by a variety of other issues, such as a malfunctioning graphics card, a loose or disconnected cable, or incorrect BIOS settings, among others.
It’s always best to troubleshoot by checking all the possible causes before assuming that the problem is caused by a specific component. It’s important to note that a CPU failure can also cause other symptoms such as random restarts, shutdowns, overheating, programs and software failing to run, and the PC not booting at all. It’s always best to use a monitoring tool to check the temperature and usage of your CPU, and check if it’s overheating or malfunctioning, if that’s the case, it’s best to get it serviced by a professional.