Quick Answer

"No signal" on a gaming PC means the monitor isn't receiving video - it's almost always a loose cable, the wrong input source, or the cable plugged into the motherboard instead of the GPU. Plug the monitor into the graphics card's ports (not the motherboard's), check the cable is seated, and select the correct input. Most no-signal issues are a 2-minute fix.

Check The Obvious First

The most common cause is the display cable plugged into the motherboard's HDMI/DisplayPort instead of the graphics card. With a dedicated GPU like an RTX 4060, the monitor must connect to the card's ports lower down the case, not the motherboard's. Next, reseat both ends of the cable firmly, and press the monitor's input button to select the correct source (HDMI 1, DisplayPort, etc.).

If The Cable And Input Are Fine

Try a different cable and a different port - a faulty DisplayPort cable is a common culprit. If the PC fans spin but there's still no signal, reseat the GPU in its PCIe slot and confirm the GPU power connectors are fully plugged in. A mid-range card like an RTX 4060 needs its 8-pin or 12V-2x6 power lead seated firmly, and a build needs a quality 550W+ PSU - a loose GPU or power cable stops video output entirely.

Deeper Causes

If basics don't help, reseat the RAM (a single stick out of place can prevent boot), clear the CMOS to reset BIOS, and listen or watch for motherboard debug LEDs that indicate the failing component. A dead PSU or a failed GPU is rarer but possible if nothing displays at all.

FAQ

Why does my PC say no signal but the fans are running?

The most likely cause is the monitor plugged into the motherboard instead of the graphics card, or a loose cable or GPU. Connect to the GPU's ports and reseat the card.

Should I plug my monitor into the GPU or motherboard?

The GPU. With a dedicated graphics card, the monitor must connect to the card's ports. Using the motherboard ports gives no signal because the iGPU is disabled.

How do I fix no signal if the cable is fine?

Try a different cable and port, reseat the GPU and its power connectors, then reseat the RAM. If it still fails, clear the CMOS and check the motherboard debug LEDs.

TIP

| Always plug the monitor into the graphics card's ports, not the motherboard's - this is the number-one cause of "no signal" on new builds.