My pc wont turn on

robbww77 · 05 Aug 2012

thanks for all your help

ive had that PSU for about 4 years so for an unknown cheap one i think ive been lucky with it for that long, i guess ill have to buy another one.

any recommedations?

Zepher · 05 Aug 2012

Dwarf said:

It's more likely to be a loose connection inside the computer itself, probably the main motherboard connector (but check the others as well). If the PSU is modular or semi-modular, check the cables that you have to plug in on the PSU itself to make sure that they haven't worked loose. As regards the flickering light in the switch on the back of the PSU, these are typically neons and they can develop a flicker after a period of time (or they can have a degree of flickering from the onset).

Just wondering how you came to the conclusion that a connection got loose?
Op didn't say that he moved or worked inside the pc prior to it not turning on.

Why don't you all tell him how to jumper the psu and see if it comes on before having him replace it.
Like Doc said, it could be a power button on the case.

There s also the possibility that the motherboard failed.

To see if the psu will power on, you jumper the green wire on the 24pin connector to any black wire on the same connector. Unplug power to the hard drives first.

If you want to test the power switch, just plug the reset switch header to the power switch connector on the motherboard.

If the psu is bad, my choice for replacement is Antec. I've been using Antec for over 12 years.

linnemeyerhere · 05 Aug 2012

The other thing I've noticed is a lot of dust on the fan blades. I would as well as checking all connections and checking for the PSU I would use this chance as a time for a deep cleaning of the PSU by blowing it out from any and all sides, clean all fans and of course the CPU cooler and GPU. My gut is telling my this PSU has gone bad and it's time to replace but do all the steps suggested first and then go shopping for a Seasonic PSU.
Seasonic's site: http://www.seasonic.com/product/pc_retail.jsp

Layback Bear · 05 Aug 2012

You have a no name, no company, no reviews questionable 4 year old power supply. Whether it's your problem now or not. It will become one. Everything in a computer starts with a know quality powr supply. The names that come to mind are Corsair, Seasonic and Antec. Completely filling out your ((My System Specs)) will help us help you.

robbww77 · 05 Aug 2012

ive updated my PC Specs on my profile as best i can

here they are:

OS

Windows 7 Professional 32 bit CPU

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E8500 (6M Cache, 3.16 GHz, 1333 Memory

Corsair 4gb RAM DDR3 Graphics Card(s)

ATI 6850 1GB Black Edition

Layback Bear · 05 Aug 2012

Check your specs I would recommend a 650W power supply as min. My reasoning is the listed min. is 500W for your video card. A 650W power supply won't break a sweat keeping up with your system. Their for it will put out less heat and a cleaner volt/amp signal. It will also give you room to grow if you want to add something later.

DocBrown · 05 Aug 2012

Do you have any friends that might have a spare PSU, that you could swap out yours to test if will boot up your computer ?

Wandering one · 05 Aug 2012

As an easy try. Remove or unplug aux cards like graphics and sound. Then try turning on power supply. Obviously the computer is not going to work but you can see if the power remains on. I had a 9600gt go bad and had the same type of problem as you have, the PSU saw the bad card and switched off so fast that it gave the impression the the PSU was bad.
Art.

cmmtch · 05 Aug 2012

How to jump start a power supply: How To: Jump Start A Power Supply (PSU) / Test A Power Supply And Components

Power supply calculator page: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator

I've had a problem(s) like what you're having, turned out to be a defective motherboard. As others have posted about the connectors, unplug, inspect, and reseat them to be sure it's not something simple.