Okay To Use Tape in Computer?

[zomboromano]

I have a power supply cable, the 20 pin/4 pin.

For some reason when I was messing around with my computer, the computer would turn on or off depending on where I placed the cable. I unplugged it and plugged it back in tightly. My computer randomly turned off later. It wouldn't turn back on.

I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it's been fine.

I'm wanting to gently place some tape on the top of the plastic part just to keep it firmly put in my motherboard. I'm thinking when I set my desktop upright that it's loosening up a bit.

Is there anything you would recommend I do just to keep it in place? Would using a little electrical tape work or is there a better solution? I don't want to replace my power supply just because it's a little bit loose. But I'd like to put something on it just to make it a little more firm

 

[Pauly]

I have never seen a power plug without a click lock lever on it, generally the 4 pin is held in ny the 20 pin and the 20 has a positive locking catch on it that stops the plug from coming out so something is obviously amiss with your plug/socket setup.

If you just need to get it working and are not worried about it personally I would zip tie the leads coming out of the plug to keep a bit of pressure against the plug thus holding it in.
I would never put anything against the mobo if you don't have to

 

[AddRAM]

I would check each individual cable, something is definitely loose.

And even if the clip was broken, there`s no way it should be loose.

 

[zomboromano]

I would check each individual cable, something is definitely loose.

And even if the clip was broken, there`s no way it should be loose.

It didn't shut off all yesterday, maybe unplugging and plugging it back in one more time did the trick

 

[Layback Bear]

I would check every wire in the plugs. The plugs can be fitting the motherboard properly but the individual wires might not be in the plugs correctly. Fully seated and locked.
Never try to bend the harness to sharply at the plug. It will put side tension on the connector.

Could you give us a clue what power supply you are using.

Filling in your System Specs completely would also be helpful.

 

[zomboromano]

It's a evga bronze 600w. The wires are covered up. They come with stuff over them that I'd prefer not to take off since it can keep them organized and protected.




3.0 quad core amd processor. 8 GB of Ddr3 ram.

Should I just leave it alone since its worked for a while? Or should I break off the wire cover and investigate deeper?

 

[Layback Bear]

I did not ask you to remove the covering.

I suggested you to check the connector hard shell to make sure all the wires were properly seated and secure in the hard shell. You do not have to remove the sleaving to check this.

If you are happy the way things are then just leave things alone.

 

[zomboromano]

I'm a little bit ignorant with these things. Don't always know what you mean so I appreciate you working with me. So is there a way to secure the pins/wires in the plastic better? It didn't seem like something I could do much of anything with

 

[Layback Bear]

If you want to make sure the easy way to check is first shut the computer down in the proper fashion.
Next unplug your computer from the wall socket and turn off the power supply.

Remove the connector in question. Look and see if all individual wire pins all look the same in the connector.

Do they all look the same height in the connector.

Is their any visual signs of discoloration or burning.

You can go a step farther.
You can pull on each wire in the connector and see if it will remove from the connector.
For all connectors their is a special tool to remove the pins from the connector.
If the pins come out of the connector without using a special tool you have a problem.

I would also take a magnifying glass and inspect the pins and connector on the motherboard for any signs of damage or burning. Loose connectors or pins over time can create heat.

You may not find any problems because you just didn't have the connector plugged in all the way. Some of the connectors fit very tight and are hard to seat all the way.

Your main 24 pin connector will have a lock arm. Normally you can hear a tick when it engages or you can feel when it engages. Doesn't hurt to look when done to verify the lock arm is in the lock position.

It takes less time to do all this than it took me to type this post.

 

[zomboromano]

If you want to make sure the easy way to check is first shut the computer down in the proper fashion.
Next unplug your computer from the wall socket and turn off the power supply.

Remove the connector in question. Look and see if all individual wire pins all look the same in the connector.

Do they all look the same height in the connector.

Is their any visual signs of discoloration or burning.

You can go a step farther.
You can pull on each wire in the connector and see if it will remove from the connector.
For all connectors their is a special tool to remove the pins from the connector.
If the pins come out of the connector without using a special tool you have a problem.

I would also take a magnifying glass and inspect the pins and connector on the motherboard for any signs of damage or burning. Loose connectors or pins over time can create heat.

You may not find any problems because you just didn't have the connector plugged in all the way. Some of the connectors fit very tight and are hard to seat all the way.

Your main 24 pin connector will have a lock arm. Normally you can hear a tick when it engages or you can feel when it engages. Doesn't hurt to look when done to verify the lock arm is in the lock position.

It takes less time to do all this than it took me to type this post.

I am missing one wire. 23 wires go into the pins but one wire is missing. I don't know how to find it or to see how it could have fallen out. It would involve cutting the wire guard thing which I'd prefer not to do. I'm also not sure how to secure the wire in there myself. Any suggestions?


*Nevermind. I just read online that it's normal to have 1 pin missing. So everything should be good. My pc hasn't shut off for a few days.

I changed my video card today. And unplugged/plugged the motherboard cable back in just in case. So we will see how it runs today.

 

[Layback Bear]

Yes their is one pin hole that doesn't have anything in it. It close to the lock arm.

I glad you are working on this step at a time. You will pick up little tricks and learn what to watch for.
Just take your time and if you have any questions just post them.
Some video card cables also are hard to plug in. If you have to push real hard use your other hand to support the card while pushing.