What happens if no compatible power supply is connected to a motherboard requiring a 24-pin connector?

When a motherboard requires a 24-pin power connector, it is essential for the system to receive the appropriate power supply to function properly. If no compatible power supply is connected, the motherboard will not receive the required voltage and power to initiate its operations. As a result, the system will not power on at all, meaning that none of the components—such as the CPU, RAM, and any connected peripherals—will be able to start up or operate.

The other options do not accurately describe the behavior of a motherboard in this scenario. The system cannot boot normally, as there is no power supplied. A short-circuit is unlikely, as the absence of power simply means that the motherboard remains inactive. Additionally, the USB ports won’t function without power, as they are also reliant on the motherboard receiving power to operate.