FAQ
TL;DR: 0 beep codes with spinning fans usually means a no-POST condition; "You must have a processor on the list." [Elektroda, badboy84, post #16670729]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps builders fix a PC that powers on but won’t show BIOS or install Windows, fast.
Quick Facts
- Symptom pattern: fans spin, HDD LED lights, no display → suspect CPU support or POST failure. [Elektroda, Setka933, post #16670574]
- Always verify motherboard CPU support list before first boot (Asus P5E3 case). [Elektroda, Dra98, post #16670659]
- Connect a case speaker; no beeps = vital POST clues missing. [Elektroda, badboy84, post #16670664]
- Budget replacement CPU tip: Core 2 Duo E8400 available for approx. 20 PLN. [Elektroda, badboy84, post #16670729]
- For install issues, use F8 to force boot from the optical drive. [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16690382]
Why does my PC power on but the BIOS won’t start?
Your symptoms match a no-POST condition. On the Asus P5E3 build, members flagged CPU compatibility as the top cause. If the processor isn’t on the supported list, the board will not start. The silent speaker reinforces no-POST. Check the CPU list first, then reseat parts only after confirming support. "CPU must be on the list." [Elektroda, badboy84, post #16670729]
Is the Intel Celeron D 346 supported by the Asus P5E3?
In the thread, the builder identified a Celeron D 346, and a responder stated the board will not start if the CPU isn’t supported. The guidance was to verify against the Asus CPU support list and replace the chip if absent. This mismatch explains power-on with no BIOS screen. [Elektroda, badboy84, post #16670729]
What first checks should I do for a no-POST PC?
Confirm the speaker is connected, then power on and listen for beeps. Recheck 24‑pin and 8‑pin CPU power, GPU power, and display cable. Try one RAM stick. Clear CMOS once. These steps mirror the case where fans and HDD LED worked but there was no display. [Elektroda, Setka933, post #16670574]
How do I clear CMOS correctly on this kind of build?
- Power off and unplug the PSU.
- Move the CLRTC jumper to the clear position (or remove the battery) for 10–30 seconds.
- Restore the jumper (or battery), plug in, and boot.
The OP tried both jumper and battery methods; use only one clean attempt. [Elektroda, Setka933, post #16670574]
Do I really need the tiny system speaker?
Yes. It provides POST beep codes that pinpoint faults. Without it, you lose key diagnostics. In the thread, a helper asked specifically about the speaker to confirm beeps, because silence narrows causes toward CPU or board issues. Connect it before further testing. [Elektroda, badboy84, post #16670664]
What budget CPU should I try if mine isn’t supported?
A respondent suggested the Core 2 Duo E8400 as a cheap drop‑in for testing. It was available around 20 PLN, making it a practical compatibility probe. Swapping to a supported CPU often restores POST immediately if the board is fine. [Elektroda, badboy84, post #16670729]
Everything spins and HDD LED blinks; does that prove my PSU and GPU are fine?
It suggests power is present, but it doesn’t prove full health. In the case discussed, similar symptoms occurred despite proper power and a discrete GPU. Prioritize CPU support and POST beeps before assuming PSU or GPU failure. [Elektroda, Setka933, post #16670574]
My build worked on another disk. What does that tell me?
That points away from a PSU or GPU fault and toward configuration or compatibility on the current setup. The OP noted everything worked on a different disk, indicating the core hardware can run, but the present combination still failed to reach BIOS due to CPU support concerns. [Elektroda, Setka933, post #16670612]
How do I fix “BOOTMGR is missing” when installing Windows 7?
Force boot from your install media. Restart, press F8, and select the optical drive from the one‑time boot menu. This bypasses a mis‑ordered boot list and starts the installer. If the message persists, recreate the media. [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16690382]
What does the “BOOTMGR is missing” error actually mean here?
It indicates the system tried to boot from a drive without valid boot files, not from the installer. The thread’s builder saw it on multiple discs, implying boot order or forced boot selection was the fix path rather than media failure. [Elektroda, Setka933, post #16689723]
Could outdated BIOS settings be the reason Windows setup won’t start?
Yes. Wrong boot priority or disabled optical drive can block the installer. Use the one‑time F8 boot menu to confirm the disc starts, then adjust BIOS boot order after installation completes. This method was advised in the thread. [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16690382]
Why are there no beep codes even though the speaker is connected?
Silence during POST often points to CPU incompatibility or a failed motherboard. In the discussed case, the speaker was connected yet silent, which aligned with an unsupported CPU on the Asus P5E3. "The board will not move if the processor is not supported." [Elektroda, badboy84, post #16670729]
