PSU Failure

Austupaio

Duke

• Jan 27, 2015

• #1

Maybe. I'm not sure. My computer started up for about half a second, then suddenly cut off. Now it will not even begin the start up process.

I've checked all my external stuff, cords, plugs, sockets, the button itself, all seems fine.

Is there any real way to diagnose the problem?

 

Splintert

Count

Old Guard

• Jan 27, 2015

• #2

Swap the suspected part for something that you know works, if it works, you've found your problem.

Does it power on, and stay 'on', without a beep? That means hardware failure - the startup process failed on one or more components in which you might have to consult your motherboard's manual to find out how to tell which part.

 

Austupaio

Duke

• Jan 27, 2015

• #3

It literally will not start at all, not a peep of noise. That's why I'm a little unsure how to proceed.

As for part swapping, I don't exactly have a spare power source or mother board lying around.

 

Splintert

Count

Old Guard

• Jan 27, 2015

• #4

If it doesn't even try then it's probably the power supply and you'll need to replace it. Do you have any old computers lying around that you could salvage? A friend/relatives'?

 

Austupaio

Duke

• Jan 27, 2015

• #5

Aha, I went back to the button while waiting for your input, and somehow one of the little connectors inside of it broke. Shoddy Chinese plastic, or Taiwanese.

Anyway, thankfully it's not my PSU, my computer case just has (had) an overly complicated button, which took me a bit to disassemble.

Thanks for the advice though, Splinter.

 

Jace

Captain Codeine

Duke

Old Guard

• Jan 27, 2015

• #6

Also for future reference and in case others randomly find this topic, there's a method to test if your PSU is dead using just a paperclip.