2nd hand gaming PC, off FB Marketplace, no signal on monitor

Title: Troubleshooting a Non-Display Issue on a Second-Hand Gaming PC Purchased via Facebook Marketplace

Buying a pre-built gaming PC from a marketplace platform like Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to save money and obtain high-spec components. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when the system exhibits issues such as no signal on the monitor. In this article, we’ll explore a real-world scenario involving a second-hand gaming PC purchase and outline steps to diagnose and potentially resolve display-related problems.

Scenario Overview

Recently, a user purchased a gaming PC for $700, equipped with notable components such as an NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics card, 32GB of RAM, an ASUS X570-Plus motherboard, and a Corsair RM850x power supply. The seller claimed the system was fully functional; however, upon setup, the monitor displayed no signal despite all internal fans spinning and the system seemingly powering on correctly.

Initial Observations

The PC’s fans and internal lighting are operational.
The GPU fans are spinning, indicating power delivery.
The monitor reports “no signal,” suggesting display output issues.
The user inspected the motherboard and noted that the “DRAM” light was illuminated.
Moving RAM sticks across different slots yielded no change.

Diagnosing the Issue

Troubleshooting such problems involves systematic verification of each component and connection:

Check Monitor and Cable Connections
Ensure the HDMI/DisplayPort cable is securely connected to both the GPU and the monitor.
Test the cable with another device or try a different cable to rule out faultiness.
Confirm the monitor is set to the correct input source.
Verify GPU Seating and Power
Reseat the graphics card to ensure it’s properly seated in the PCIe slot.
Confirm that all necessary power connectors are plugged into the GPU.
Test with Integrated Graphics (if available)
If the CPU or motherboard has integrated graphics, remove the GPU and connect the monitor to the onboard video output.
This helps determine if the issue is GPU-related.
Inspect RAM Modules
The illuminated DRAM light indicates a memory issue.
Try booting with only one RAM stick inserted, testing each module individually in the same slot.
Experiment with different RAM slots to rule out slot issues.
Check for Other Motherboard Indicators