Most PCs emit a single POST beep at power-on to indicate basic hardware health. If there is no beep at boot, what is the first item you should check?

Introduction / Context:
Power-On Self-Test (POST) beeps are basic diagnostic signals. A single short beep typically means the system passed POST. If no beep is heard, do not assume a major failure first; verify that the audible signaling path actually exists.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• System powers on but you hear no POST beep.
• Motherboard is expected to provide beeps via a chassis speaker or onboard piezo.
• Goal: Determine the very first, quick check before deep hardware replacements.

Concept / Approach:
Many builds lack a connected chassis speaker, have the speaker header miswired, or use a case with no speaker at all. Some boards require a small piezo beeper. If the speaker is missing or disconnected, you will not hear beeps even if POST is running. Therefore, the fastest first check is the presence/connection of the speaker.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Open the case and verify the speaker or beeper is installed and connected to the correct front-panel header pins.Ensure polarity/placement matches the motherboard manual.If present and connected, then proceed to check PSU rails, RAM seating, and other components.

Verification / Alternative check:
Many motherboards include onboard POST code LEDs or debug displays; if available, consult these while you confirm speaker connectivity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• power supply / system board / RAM / microprocessor: These can fail, but checking the speaker first is quicker and rules out a simple cause of 'no beep'.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming silence means a dead board; often it is simply a missing buzzer module or an unplugged case speaker harness.

Final Answer:
speaker