BIOS needs no DRAM to write to video's memory (create a video
display). However BIOS may halt and not attempt to write to video if
BIOS does not see some memory. Each motherboard will require only one
type of memory or be more flexible - multiple types of memory. Some
motherboards already have the minimum memory chip attached. Your
question must first provide information from manufacture datasheet.
But if the BIOS does not halt (and beep), then BIOS can write to video
card without using motherboard memory.

What will initialize processor, RAM, and graphics? Depends on which
initialization you are talking about. BIOS performs minimal
initialization of these. OS then replaces BIOS and reinitializes - more
comprehensively. BIOS only needs minimal RAM to get past the RAM
detection test.

Not to complicate things too much, the motherboard has this whole
other 'operating system' that, for example, detects and sets up the PCI
bus and other hardware. This also performs only using components
inside motherboard. That PCI, et al setup makes DOS look simple. And
yet most users don't even know that complex embedded program even
exists.

Most hardware that requires extensive initialization looks to you as
if is automatically powers up configured. I don't know who deep you
want to go into this, but the best way is to just perform the strip
down minimal testing as described earlier and ask questions with
details provided. There are no simple answers to your questions
because there are so many more 'ifs' and 'buts'.

nos1eep wrote:
The type of answer I was hoping for was if a bad processor would keep the mb
|from energizing video,
*yes*
if the motherboard would report errors via flashes of
|the drive lights,
*no*
if bad memory would show up after post,
*sometimes*
therefore after initializing video?
*yes*
Will the mb initialize video without drives connected?
*yes*
What is the minimum that needs to be connected for the mb to initialize
|video?
*processor, RAM, graphics*
...