My pc wont turn on

[robbww77]

it wont turn on at all, the PSU at the back has a lighted switch on the back that flickers so im thinking that might be the problem, pehaps theres no constant power going through.

ive changed the power cable and nothing changes so its not the cable

is this a faulty PSU or a lose wire inside?

can someone help, thanks

 

[DocBrown]

Hello robbww77,

Can you give us more details on your computer ? Make & Model ? Desktop or Laptop ? Brand of power supply?

Any pics that might help ?

 

[Dwarf]

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).

 

[robbww77]

its a desktop, and its a custom pc that i built online through a website

this is the back of my PSU, that green power switch keeps flickering

this is my PSU

 

[robbww77]

ive unplugged the wire running from the PSU to the motherboard, it was a little plasic square plugged into the mobo, i took that out and plugged it back in and it didnt fix it.

there is another wire running from the psu to the mobo...

the long one with the multi-coloured wires at the end, i havent unplugged that, is it safe to try?

 

[DocBrown]

With the power cord disconnected, unplug & plug back in the 24 pin MB power connector, check the 2 wire on/off switch that is plugged in to the MB switch header. Also I have had that front panel on/off switch to go bad & had to replace it.

 

[Dwarf]

My advice still stands. In addition, check the connections to the front panel switches, as loose connections will obviously render the switch(es) inoperative.

 

[robbww77]

i unplugged the 24 pin power connecter... this one

but still nothing


when you say check the connections to the front panel switches, do you mean take the front of the tower off and check the main power button?

 

[AddRAM]

Do you have your power supply manual ? It just might tell you why it`s flickering , blinking etc.

 

[stormy13]

Low quality, no name power supply. Best I can find on it is either this,

Evo Labs - Envizage Solutions Ltd - PCs, Components & Media Players at low prices

or them going for even less on fleabay. No specs, no reviews, no actual manufacturer website, nothing.

I have a feeling that that PSU may have up and killed itself likely due to extremely low end components in it. If that is what has happened, it is time for a new good quality power supply and not something that no one has ever heard of. Also if that is what has happened, the next hope is that when the PSU killed itself it didn't fry any other components in the computer.

 

[robbww77]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.