Motherboard Testing

I was wondering if a motherboard can be tested without the presence of a CPU or RAM modules. I ask this because I would like to purchase my new system in pieces rather than all together and getting slapped in the face with the bill$. However I am worried that if I fail to purchase all my components before the return policies are up then I might get stuck with a 'DOA' part. So back to my main ? can i test the functionality of a mainboard without anything but the case and PSU, or if not what parts should i purchase first?

 

Preferably minimum purchase should be
Motherboard
CPU + fan
One stick of ram

That assumes you have a PSU. already

 

Preferably I would purchase that combination but if I were to purchase only the motherboard first, could I test it for functionality without those other components?

 

Those are the three starters, assuming that the motherboard has on-board video.
Psu to Motherboard , then a series of tests checks that the CPU is o.k, and ram,- if you want to check the motherboard basics, you will need graphics, to see it, and it would be difficult to know if any part was doa, without the basics.