Think my PSU is dead...?

Blackstar_solar · 7 Apr 2012 at 17:45

Hi all,

Just tried to switch on my media PC and nothing, no fan spin up, nothing.

I've removed the motherboard from the case, disconnected all components and tried the reset switch instead of the power switch. I think this means my PSU is dead. Is that right?

Can anyone think of a way to further test/diagnose the problem? Sadly I don't have another PSU/motherboard to test with except the one in my main PC which I don't really want to disassemble.

Many thanks

Amos91 · 7 Apr 2012 at 17:47

Blackstar_solar said:
Hi all,

Just tried to switch on my media PC and nothing, no fan spin up, nothing.

I've removed the motherboard from the case, disconnected all components and tried the reset switch instead of the power switch. I think this means my PSU is dead. Is that right?

Can anyone think of a way to further test/diagnose the problem? Sadly I don't have another PSU/motherboard to test with except the one in my main PC which I don't really want to disassemble.

Many thanks

Disconnect everything from the PSU but have a fan or something plugged into the molex. Then try and start it with a paper clip:

http://www.overclock.net/t/96712/ho...-psu-test-a-power-supply-and-components/0_100

Tealc · 7 Apr 2012 at 17:49

You can test that the PSU will start without having the system connected by using a paperclip, or similar conductive material, to short between the green wire and a black wire on the 20/24 Way ATX connector. You may need to connect a fan to a Molex to get this to work.

If it fails to start then you can be sure it's the PSU. If it does start then it could still be the PSU.

Just for your information the green wire circuit is basically the wire that the power switch connects so all you are doing is imitating a power switch.

Blackstar_solar · 7 Apr 2012 at 18:10

Thanks guys, I tried the paperclip trick and got nothing. Looks like the PSU is dead.

What can cause that? The PC was working a few days ago :-\

Sasahara · 7 Apr 2012 at 23:58

I assume you checked the fuse in the plug?

Justintime · 8 Apr 2012 at 01:57

Yep definetly try another lead, also make sure no breakers tripped etc.

Blackstar_solar · 8 Apr 2012 at 09:28

Sasahara said:
I assume you checked the fuse in the plug?

Justintime said:
Yep definetly try another lead, also make sure no breakers tripped etc.

Yep, moved my main PC and plug it in with the power cable. Works fine.

IvanDobskey · 8 Apr 2012 at 09:35

Sounds like the PSU is a gonner then.

PSU's can just die without any warning, especially the cheapo ones.

What brand is your PSU?

Blackstar_solar · 8 Apr 2012 at 09:46

It's an unbranded/own brand from an OcUK competitor so won't say. It's a reduced size micro at one that came as part of my HTPC case which is awesome. Hey ho, it's covered under warranty still so will get it replaced like for like. If it goes again I'll upgrade it to something better.

CaptainRAVE · 8 Apr 2012 at 09:46

Definitely sounds like the PSU has gone. What brand is it?

I have lost quite a few cheap PSUs over the years. Will only buy the well known brands these days.

Justintime · 8 Apr 2012 at 16:32

Likely some el cheapo psu that couldn't deliver 1/2 its rated power on a good day when hit by lightning. Better off getting a decent one.

Admiral Huddy · 10 Apr 2012 at 08:26

If you are still looking at ways to test your PSU, my guide here may help

Blackstar_solar · 10 Apr 2012 at 08:40

Thanks for the help all. Returned the case and PSU and got a replacement, all working fine now