How to check other macbook problems without HD installed.

[smnjms]

Hi, ive been lurking these forums for a while now and everyone always seems helpful so i thought id register and join in the fun myself!

My first problem is that of a macbook... 2.1ghz, 1gbram, model no. a1181.

Basically i bought 2 broken macbooks. the idea was to send them off and get them fixed, but the guy who usually sorts them out for me hasnt been in touch for a while, so i thought is try and save some money and bodge it myself.

The macbook im fixing has a broken lcd and the panel around it is also cracked. The other mac display is intact so i figured i could just switch them over, not a problem. The only thing that concerns me is that once i go through the effort of switching them over that it still might not work. as it stands neither macbook has a HD or sled/caddy in it and im wondering if there is anyway of testing the other hardware inside without a HD? both macbooks switch on and the fan runs continuously (no sudden shut down after 5 seconds) however there is no chime and a blank black screen on both. the white power light stays on throughout.

any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[GfulDedFan]

Have you tried inserting an OS disk and booting to it? This may be an easier and cheaper method of checking more hardware. Pick up a copy of Snow Leopard... you'll eventually need it anyway.

 

[Synchromesh]

If nothing comes on screen, I would try swapping memory out and checking each stick separately. Or try a known-good stick. If it's not a memory problem you might have 2 dead logic boards which is expensive.