PC Won't Power On

dead.pixel · Jun 22, 2009, 05:46 PM

I have searched for this problem but haven't found any definitive answers and was hoping you all may have some

.

About 2 days ago my system was unexpectedly powered down...pretty much every thing on the same wall was. I assume it was a surge...but I have a surge protector, so thought little of it.

Ever since then my computer would abruptly shut-off without warning. Usually after being on for hours. Then this morning I had the same issue, powered it back on, right as windows loaded it shut-off (according the my fiance) a few minutes later I tried powering up again, but it immediately shut off.

It did that two times and then there were no longer any lights on my computer as there normally is after a shutdown (a couple red lights usually stay on). Now my computer is completely unresponsive.

I know it is most likely the MB or the PSU, but I am not sure which...and unfortunately don't have a backup PSU or the money to buy one and be wrong. I was hoping that maybe someone here may know from these symptoms.

And if it helps to know, my MB has a built-in temp alarm that never went off before the power down. Figure that would mean it isn't likely a temp issue.

Thanks for any tips you guys could give me!

SeraphicSorcerer · Jun 22, 2009, 05:51 PM

It's most likely your power supply, I can't garuntee it as any tech will test it with a known good. you can get this one cheap Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

It's a 39.99 OCZ Power Supply However, it's only 400 Watts.

Direct Link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341021 The offer is only good for Today Monday

shaman9876 · Jun 22, 2009, 06:44 PM

You could also check the motherboard for blown cap's. Dells (gx150 - gx270's were notorious for this) had a problem with there caps where they would bulge there tops and release the oil after a brownout or surge.

cozumel · Jun 22, 2009, 07:06 PM

Hi dead.pixel and welcome to DriverHeaven.

Before you buy any new components it would be good to check what you have already.

Could you list your hardware please.

Have you tried a different power socket and power cable?
Have you checked the fuse?
Do any of the internal fans spin when you power up?

dead.pixel · Jun 22, 2009, 08:00 PM

Here is a link to the model of my computer: Velocity Micro ProMagix T1000 - Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 3 GHz specs and Desktop specifications - CNET Reviews

and my Motherboard is : Abit AN-M2HD

I have tried a different socket and cable, no avail.

No issues with the fuse.

And I meant to mention that in the first post, no my fans don't spin when I connect to power or try to power up.

cozumel · Jun 22, 2009, 08:41 PM

Is the fan inside the PSU spinning and is the LED light on the motherboard lit? (In-between the Floppy, IDE and ATX power headers should be a surface mount VCC LED that indicates system power).

Edit: Maybe disconnect the IDE & floppy data ribbon cables from the motherboard to make sure you can see LED (if lit).
Edit 2: Take a look at this which gives a close up photo showing the location of the power LED

dead.pixel · Jun 22, 2009, 08:49 PM

No, I have no lights and no fan movement, including PSU.

Tyrsonswood · Jun 22, 2009, 08:51 PM

I'm thinking PSU.............. have been from your initial post.

dead.pixel · Jun 22, 2009, 08:55 PM

I was leaning toward the PSU as well, I just wanted to get more opinions before I spend the money...ah...poor college student life!

purush · Jun 22, 2009, 08:57 PM

I have had this very same issue with my AMD processor on Asus MB. I am quite sure your motherboard is fried. After numerous frustrating efforts to locate the problem, including replacing the power supply. The problem continued. Finally I replaced the MB with a new processor.

cozumel · Jun 22, 2009, 09:00 PM

I tend to agree that your PSU is probably dead.

Just a couple more things.

It is possible the power switch on the front of the case is broken. Try removing the cable that goes from this switch the PWR header and plug the reset switch cable into this header instead (so you will bypass the power switch on the front of the case)

If that does not make any diffrence, then unplug evrything that is connected to the PSU. Remove memory and graphics card, Plug you power switch cable back into the PWR header. Make sure the CPU fan is connected and that the motherboard is connected to PSU. Now power up and see if there is any life (fans/LED etc)

dead.pixel · Jun 22, 2009, 09:07 PM

I am at work ATM, but I do know that the case does not have a reset switch.

cozumel · Jun 22, 2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purush

I have had this very same issue with my AMD processor on Asus MB. I am quite sure your motherboard is fried. After numerous frustrating efforts to locate the problem, including replacing the power supply. The problem continued. Finally I replaced the MB with a new processor.

If it was defnitely the motherboard then the PSU fan would still be spinning.

Tyrsonswood · Jun 22, 2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozumel

If it was defnitely the motherboard then the PSU fan would still be spinning.

Not if it wasn't getting a "power good" signal back from the mobo, the PSU would immediatly shut down. But if it were that, and a mobo issue I wouldn't think it would "fade away" it just wouldn't fire up one day........ So, I'm still thinking power supply.

@ dead.pixel .................. no friends with a spair psu you can test with?

shaman9876 · Jun 22, 2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozumel

If it was defnitely the motherboard then the PSU fan would still be spinning.

Not alway's if the 3volt side of the motherboard is dead then the it could not let the PS no to start. Which means no fan.

dead.pixel · Jun 22, 2009, 09:58 PM

Yeah the fact that it was a progression spanning two days makes me want to exclude the motherboard. The time between shutdowns kept getting shorter until it would stop immediately and then I got not standby lights. Almost like a battery at the tail end of being drained.

I actually may have a spare PSU laying around, but it is old (no SATA or PCI-e). So I can't replace mine with it, but I could hook it to the MB to at least test that I guess.

edwards82 · Jun 22, 2009, 10:12 PM

To test wheather its defiantly the psu cant he just unplug all psu connectors and short out the two pins on the 20/24 pin atx connector to see if psu will pwr up ??!!

Tyrsonswood · Jun 22, 2009, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwards82

To test wheather its defiantly the psu cant he just unplug all psu connectors and short out the two pins on the 20/24 pin atx connector to see if psu will pwr up ??!!

Yeah the PSU could be tested that way..... for function, not for proper specs.

anybody got a quick link to a diagram for him? So he knows which pins to jumper.

edwards82 · Jun 22, 2009, 10:22 PM

Power supply unit (computer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
scroll half way down page. This is from wiki so dont blame me if u kill your psu lol

shaman9876 · Jun 23, 2009, 12:17 AM

This link tells you which pins to short to test if it works.

Test ATX Power Supply

dead.pixel · Jun 23, 2009, 02:33 AM

Ok, it was the PSU. I just the main power connector of another in and the standby lights came on and the switch kicked on the fans and other lights.

Thanks for all your help guys

Tyrsonswood · Jun 23, 2009, 03:04 AM

Good you got it figured out.... now to get a new $upply.......

cozumel · Jun 23, 2009, 04:03 AM

Good stuff that you have confirmed the fault. Get a quality named brand and the psu will outlive you..well maybe slight exaggeration...

And apologies everyone for my error re spinning psu fan thing...

dead.pixel · Jun 23, 2009, 05:23 AM

Fixed!

Thanks again, all!

Mac Daddy · Jun 23, 2009, 12:29 PM

Was following along and glad you got it sorted. Cool stuff on the help guys !!

Jun 22, 2009, 05:46 PM	#1
dead.pixel DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	PC Won't Power On I have searched for this problem but haven't found any definitive answers and was hoping you all may have some . About 2 days ago my system was unexpectedly powered down...pretty much every thing on the same wall was. I assume it was a surge...but I have a surge protector, so thought little of it. Ever since then my computer would abruptly shut-off without warning. Usually after being on for hours. Then this morning I had the same issue, powered it back on, right as windows loaded it shut-off (according the my fiance) a few minutes later I tried powering up again, but it immediately shut off. It did that two times and then there were no longer any lights on my computer as there normally is after a shutdown (a couple red lights usually stay on). Now my computer is completely unresponsive. I know it is most likely the MB or the PSU, but I am not sure which...and unfortunately don't have a backup PSU or the money to buy one and be wrong. I was hoping that maybe someone here may know from these symptoms. And if it helps to know, my MB has a built-in temp alarm that never went off before the power down. Figure that would mean it isn't likely a temp issue. Thanks for any tips you guys could give me!

Jun 22, 2009, 05:51 PM	#2
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,295 Rep Power: 156 System Specs	Re: PC Won't Power On It's most likely your power supply, I can't garuntee it as any tech will test it with a known good. you can get this one cheap Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more! It's a 39.99 OCZ Power Supply However, it's only 400 Watts. Direct Link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341021 The offer is only good for Today Monday __________________

Jun 22, 2009, 06:44 PM	#3
shaman9876 HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA, WI Posts: 80 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	Re: PC Won't Power On You could also check the motherboard for blown cap's. Dells (gx150 - gx270's were notorious for this) had a problem with there caps where they would bulge there tops and release the oil after a brownout or surge.

Jun 22, 2009, 07:06 PM	#4
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 60 System Specs	Re: PC Won't Power On Hi dead.pixel and welcome to DriverHeaven. Before you buy any new components it would be good to check what you have already. Could you list your hardware please. Have you tried a different power socket and power cable? Have you checked the fuse? Do any of the internal fans spin when you power up? __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks

Jun 22, 2009, 08:00 PM	Thread Starter #5
dead.pixel DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On Here is a link to the model of my computer: Velocity Micro ProMagix T1000 - Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 3 GHz specs and Desktop specifications - CNET Reviews and my Motherboard is : Abit AN-M2HD I have tried a different socket and cable, no avail. No issues with the fuse. And I meant to mention that in the first post, no my fans don't spin when I connect to power or try to power up.

Jun 22, 2009, 08:41 PM	#6
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 60 System Specs	Re: PC Won't Power On Is the fan inside the PSU spinning and is the LED light on the motherboard lit? (In-between the Floppy, IDE and ATX power headers should be a surface mount VCC LED that indicates system power). Edit: Maybe disconnect the IDE & floppy data ribbon cables from the motherboard to make sure you can see LED (if lit). Edit 2: Take a look at this which gives a close up photo showing the location of the power LED __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks Last edited by cozumel; Jun 22, 2009 at 08:53 PM.

Jun 22, 2009, 08:49 PM	Thread Starter #7
dead.pixel DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On No, I have no lights and no fan movement, including PSU.

Jun 22, 2009, 08:55 PM	Thread Starter #9
dead.pixel DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On I was leaning toward the PSU as well, I just wanted to get more opinions before I spend the money...ah...poor college student life!

Jun 22, 2009, 08:57 PM	#10
purush HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Toronto, Canada. Posts: 97 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On I have had this very same issue with my AMD processor on Asus MB. I am quite sure your motherboard is fried. After numerous frustrating efforts to locate the problem, including replacing the power supply. The problem continued. Finally I replaced the MB with a new processor.

Jun 22, 2009, 09:00 PM	#11
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 60 System Specs	Re: PC Won't Power On I tend to agree that your PSU is probably dead. Just a couple more things. It is possible the power switch on the front of the case is broken. Try removing the cable that goes from this switch the PWR header and plug the reset switch cable into this header instead (so you will bypass the power switch on the front of the case) If that does not make any diffrence, then unplug evrything that is connected to the PSU. Remove memory and graphics card, Plug you power switch cable back into the PWR header. Make sure the CPU fan is connected and that the motherboard is connected to PSU. Now power up and see if there is any life (fans/LED etc) __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks Last edited by cozumel; Jun 22, 2009 at 09:07 PM.

Jun 22, 2009, 09:07 PM	Thread Starter #12
dead.pixel DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On I am at work ATM, but I do know that the case does not have a reset switch.

Jun 22, 2009, 09:58 PM	Thread Starter #16
dead.pixel DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On Yeah the fact that it was a progression spanning two days makes me want to exclude the motherboard. The time between shutdowns kept getting shorter until it would stop immediately and then I got not standby lights. Almost like a battery at the tail end of being drained. I actually may have a spare PSU laying around, but it is old (no SATA or PCI-e). So I can't replace mine with it, but I could hook it to the MB to at least test that I guess.

Jun 22, 2009, 10:12 PM	#17
edwards82 HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: norfolk , u.k Posts: 24 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On To test wheather its defiantly the psu cant he just unplug all psu connectors and short out the two pins on the 20/24 pin atx connector to see if psu will pwr up ??!!

Jun 22, 2009, 10:22 PM	#19
edwards82 HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: norfolk , u.k Posts: 24 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On Power supply unit (computer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia scroll half way down page. This is from wiki so dont blame me if u kill your psu lol

Jun 23, 2009, 12:17 AM	#20
shaman9876 HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA, WI Posts: 80 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	Re: PC Won't Power On This link tells you which pins to short to test if it works. Test ATX Power Supply

Jun 23, 2009, 02:33 AM	Thread Starter #21
dead.pixel DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On Ok, it was the PSU. I just the main power connector of another in and the standby lights came on and the switch kicked on the fans and other lights. Thanks for all your help guys

Jun 23, 2009, 04:03 AM	#23
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 60 System Specs	Re: PC Won't Power On Good stuff that you have confirmed the fault. Get a quality named brand and the psu will outlive you..well maybe slight exaggeration... And apologies everyone for my error re spinning psu fan thing... __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks

Jun 23, 2009, 05:23 AM	Thread Starter #24
dead.pixel DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: PC Won't Power On Fixed! Thanks again, all!

Jun 23, 2009, 12:29 PM	#25
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 79 System Specs	Re: PC Won't Power On Was following along and glad you got it sorted. Cool stuff on the help guys !! __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen