Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: System RAM problem
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
When a display stays dark despite the monitor powering on, the fault could lie with the display, cabling, or the computer’s graphics output. Prioritizing likely causes saves time and avoids unnecessary part swaps.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The most frequent culprits are simple: loose or disconnected video cables, wrong input selection, or a defective monitor/backlight. A failed GPU or motherboard video output is also plausible. While bad RAM can prevent boot (causing no video signal), it is generally less likely than the direct display path faults when the symptom is specifically “monitor on, screen dark.”
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Swap components systematically: if the monitor works elsewhere, focus on the PC; if a second monitor also stays dark, focus on the GPU/cable.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Video cable disconnects and defective monitors are frequent and directly produce a dark screen. Faulty video circuitry in the PC is also common. RAM issues do cause no-POST scenarios, but relative to display-specific faults, they are less likely for this symptom.
Common Pitfalls:
Skipping simple checks (cable, input source), or ignoring monitor OSD messages like “No Signal.”
Final Answer:
System RAM problem
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