How to Fix Issues With No Boot or No Display for Self-Build Systems with Intel® Processors
Content Type: Troubleshooting | Article ID: 000021605 | Last Reviewed: 02/07/2025
Support Knowledge Base
| Note | This guide only applies to the system installed on Intel® Boxed Desktop Processors: Intel® Core™, Pentium®, and Celeron®. |
Description of no boot / display issues
No boot means that the computer isn't functioning as expected and, while lights can be On or Off in the motherboard, no video is displayed on the screen. The system could be power cycling (keeps rebooting) with no post. No display can also mean no lights (LED) on the motherboard or no video is being displayed to the monitor. Both terms are interchangeable and are used to describe issues in which the computer doesn't start. Refer to the motherboard manual for Beep code and POST interpretation details.
Videos solutions for LED issues
Watch these two videos (about 2 minutes each).
Troubleshooting wizard (Recommended)
You can use Processor Troubleshooting Wizard to help you troubleshoot your issue or review the troubleshooting tips below.
Troubleshooting tips
Click or the topic for details:
Use external graphics card for processor with no supported integrated graphics (processor's number has the letter "F")
- If your processor includes the letter F in the product line suffix, you need to use external graphics card. Example: Intel® Core™ i3-13100F
- Try to check a different PCIe* socket from the motherboard; if another PCIe socket works, refer to the motherboard manufacturer
Try to clear the CMOS
- Start with the minimal hardware in your system, such as power supply, one DIMM of memory.
- Clear the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor). Review instructions on how to clear the CMOS.
Try another motherboard
- If there are no lights on the motherboard, try to use a different working motherboard if you have one.
Update the BIOS if you have 13th Gen Intel® Core™ and Intel® 600 Desktop Series Chipsets
- The 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors are based on socket LGA1700, and they are compatible with Intel® 700 Desktop Series Chipsets (Z790, H770, B760) and the Intel® 600 Desktop Series Chipsets (Z690, W680, Q670, H670, B660, H610). However, the Intel® 600 Desktop Series Chipsets will need to be updated with the latest BIOS version. Refer to your motherboard vendor for support.
If the system worked before, revert changes
- Determine if there have been any recent changes. Often if a change is made, that recent change is the cause of the problem. If there were any hardware changes, revert the changes.
If this a new processor, or new DRAM, ensure they are compatible with the motherboard
- If you have a new processor, make sure it's compatible with the motherboard. Refer to How to Find Compatible Motherboards for your CPU using the Intel® Product Compatibility Tool.
- The DRAM should also be compatible. Refer to your motherboard manufacturer's site and the product specification page (ARK) for the CPU to check memory compatibility.
Try to load BIOS default settings
- Try to enter the BIOS and load the default settings. Contact your motherboard vendor for information about resetting BIOS to default settings.
Ensure the processor is installed properly
- Check if the processor installed properly.
- Check if you have properly applied thermal paste.
Ensure the fan heatsink (cooler) is installed properly
- Check if the fan heatsink is installed properly.
Ensure DRAM is seated properly
- Start with one memory stick and insert it into the first channel. Refer to the motherboard manual for the proper memory location.
- Refer to How to Install Two DRAM Memory Modules.
- Refer to How to Install Four DRAM Memory Modules.
Other tips to consider
- Try to use another working processor if you have. For swap testing scenarios and recommendations, you can visit How to Troubleshoot an Issue by Swapping between Processors.
- Check for visibly bent or broken pins on the motherboard. Physical damage may affect optimum functionality of the processor.
- Check if the front panel header connector is firmly plugged into the board.
- Check cable connections for monitor, power supply, and fans.
- Check the monitor for video input selection: VGA, DVI, HDMI, or USB-C.
For step-by-step troubleshooting, you can use the No Boot/No Display Wizard at Intel® Desktop Boxed Processors – No Boot/No Display Troubleshooting Wizard.
If the problem persists, contact Intel Customer Support for help with this issue.