Troubleshooting why "new" desktop is not booting

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gzjdoe

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#323351 21-Nov-2025 22:06

I'm putting together a PC with 2nd hand parts for a TrueNAS box. Sadly the PC is not booting (no BIOS sound, or video output), but the case fan, CPU fan, HDD and GPU fans are all spinning.

I've already tried all the RAM sticks one at a time on each slot to discount any issues with them but got the same outcome. I wonder if the issue is with the CPU or MB now, is there any way to determine for certain?

Used Parts
- Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4 GHz Quad-Core Processor
- Gigabyte GA-Z77MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
- 2 x Corsair Vengeance 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR3-1600 CL9 Memory
- Gigabyte GV-N1030D4-2GL GeForce GT 1030 DDR4 2 GB Video Card
New Parts
- Deepcool AK400 66.47 CFM CPU Cooler
- Gigabyte P550SS 550 W 80+ Silver Certified ATX Power Supply

Related - are these AliExpress (ZSUS B75) motherboards any good? If the motherboard is the issue I might try a new cheap MB instead of trying 2nd hand ones on TradeMe.

gzt

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#3436531 21-Nov-2025 22:10

Tried a bios jumper reset already?

gzjdoe

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#3436535 21-Nov-2025 22:28

Yes, and also replaced the CMOS battery as well. :(

gzt

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#3436538 21-Nov-2025 22:38

I'd remove all the components and run the board without them. You should get bios beep codes at least.

That's what I'd do in this position, then build it up.

I'm not an experienced builder and someone may come along who knows more than me about this scenario.

JemS

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#3436555 22-Nov-2025 06:47

Also try removing the 1030 and trying to get video out through the motherboard.

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Behodar

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#3436557 22-Nov-2025 07:22

Just in case you were only trying with a "bare minimum" system, I have a Gigabyte board here that won't POST if there's no HDD/SSD. Do you have one connected?

richms

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#3436586 22-Nov-2025 10:03

gzjdoe:

Related - are these AliExpress (ZSUS B75) motherboards any good? If the motherboard is the issue I might try a new cheap MB instead of trying 2nd hand ones on TradeMe.

I have had 100% success with the aliexpress used/reconditioned boards I have got for 8/9th and the one for 10th gen that I got.

CPUs I had one dead out of the box and it was a $6 celeron so I didn't bother doing anything about it.

Often the funny names they give the boards are that there are trademark issues to sell into some markets so they will not use asus/gigabyte etc on them, but there are some boards that they are making with chipsets and stuff pulled off ewaste boards. I have only gone for the slightly more expensive listings that actually had the brands in them so I knew I would be ok to put a normal bios onto them. - thats why I would be sus with any new board for older platforms since they will have their hacked together bios and no legit ones to grab when you have problems.

I used this store - https://www.aliexpress.com/store/5001179 and https://ancy.aliexpress.com/store/1901425

Richard rich.ms

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SpartanVXL

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#3436606 22-Nov-2025 11:41

Sure you have a speaker attached? Just checking. Use the iGPU if you can to rule out the gpu.

That z77 would be pushing 14 years by now if brand new back in the day. Wouldn’t be surprised if it got too old, though I can’t say much since my 3770k z77x-ud3h is still running lol.

gzjdoe

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#3436841 22-Nov-2025 21:47

Thanks for the tips everyone. I have now:

Removed the video card
Tried booting with a SSD drive from an old laptop (that is working)
Tried every single stick of ram

The only variables I didn't try were a different MB or CPU. If the CPU fan is working I imagine that the MB is fine, right? I saw some old CPUs with the LGA 1155 on Trademe for $20, I might try get a spare one to rule that out before forking out for another MB.

gzjdoe

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#3436842 22-Nov-2025 21:51

richms:

Often the funny names they give the boards are that there are trademark issues to sell into some markets so they will not use asus/gigabyte etc on them, but there are some boards that they are making with chipsets and stuff pulled off ewaste boards. I have only gone for the slightly more expensive listings that actually had the brands in them so I knew I would be ok to put a normal bios onto them. - thats why I would be sus with any new board for older platforms since they will have their hacked together bios and no legit ones to grab when you have problems.

I used this store - https://www.aliexpress.com/store/5001179 and https://ancy.aliexpress.com/store/1901425

Thanks for the links. I'm happy getting old MBs from eWaste as long as they're working. And the stores you mention say they test the used boards, so I hope I can get an OK one. :)

gzt

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#3436901 22-Nov-2025 23:11

I'm wondering why you have no bios beep codes

JemS

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#3436908 23-Nov-2025 07:02

I would have a few spare lga 1155 mobos and CPUs lying around...

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