Computer turned off suddenly, now doesn't turn on

here are some examples of power ports on your motherboard.

ATX power port

4 pin

6 pin

If you have made no changes to the PC, did not move the machine, or drop it it is more likely to be a piece of hardware that blinked out. The power supply is the obvious one, but Maya is a graphics intensive program and it is also likely that the graphics card faulted.

It is difficult to diagnose bad parts without replacements, so at some point you need to consider bringing it to a shop where they have everything to switch out without you having to buy components willy-nilly.

The following is a standard diagnostic we do on new builds that do not boot. The purpose is to isolate the offending part. You should try this to see if you can determine what part is defective before considering outside professional help.

*****
New System Failure Diagnostic

Basic diagnostic procedure is to uninstall the entire build and start over. Some people do this out of the case by placing the motherboard on an anti-static surface. This eliminates the possibility that there is a short circuit between the motherboard and the case through the connection posts (stand-offs). A standoff in the wrong location or a sloppy job will cause a short.

The Test (power off, power cord unplugged):

• Disconnect everything externally connected except the mouse and keyboard (printers, USB devices, etc). If you are not using a wired mouse and keyboard see if you can borrow one. The wireless device is just another component you have to deal with.
• Disconnect the power and data cables from all the drives inside the computer (Hard drives, DVD/CD drives, etc).
• Remove all the cards installed in the expansion slots (PCI/PCI-e) including the video card. (Be careful handling them and place them on a non conductive surface while testing).
• Remove all the RAM sticks (same rules as above).

Now connect the power cord and turn the PC on.

• The motherboard should start beeping. You should get a beep code that tells you there is no memory. This is good, it means the processor is functioning and the motherboard is good so far.
• Now add one stick of memory in Slot A1 and power on. More beeping: "no video card" beep code. This is good.
• Then add the video card and connect it to the monitor. You should get no beeping and you should see the BIOS start screens, ending with the message that there is no boot device.
• If you get no video then switch the one memory stick installed for another one and test.
• If you do get video then start adding components back, one at a time, until the system fails to boot. The last component you added is then the problem component.

also make sure these are not coming loose. they are for your case power button, reset switch, and system speaker and are usually located at the bottom of the board

make sure the red switch at the back of the power supply is at the right setting as well. in the us it would be 115v and in Europe it would be 230v. although it is unlikely it switched itself as you need a tool to move it. just a thought

Is the fan still not working?
It sounds like the CPU fan bearings are gunked up. See if you can free it up by spinning it back and forth using some canned air.

Cautions-
- case unplugged from wall
- hold onto metal of case while working inside of it
- don't spin fan too fast/long - may cause damage
- don't use vacuum cleaner or air compressor as the may cause damage to system

Good luck!

usasma said:

Is the fan still not working?
It sound like the CPU fan bearings are gunked up. See if you can free it up by spinning it back and fort using some canned air.

Cautions-
- case unplugged from wall
- hold onto metal of case while working inside of it
- don't spin fan too fast/long - may cause damage
- don't use vacuum cleaner or air compressor as the may cause damage to system

Good luck!

If the fan is not working and other ones are you should also check the power plug for that fan and make sure no wiring is caught up in it.

good luck