Dead PC

big.rich1976

big.rich1976

big.rich1976

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21 Sep 2006
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Whittlesey
Hi All,

I'm hoping someone can offer some advice. My PC suddenly died while using it. Had a look inside but couldnt see anything untoward so started to troubleshoot. Disconnected all major bits just leaving the motherboard, cpu and ram connected and attempted to power up - no dice

I only had a 300w PSU i could use to test. plugged it in with no GPU connected and it did spin up but obviously no display so i've come to the conclusion its the PSU.

It's a corsair GS700 (700w) PSU. any tricks i can undertake to kick this PSU back into life?

Many thanks in advance.
Richard
 
big.rich1976 said:
It's a corsair GS700 (700w) PSU. any tricks i can undertake to kick this PSU back into life?
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You wouldn't want to if it's died. You don't want to temporarily resuscitate a failing PSU that could then take out the rest of your components.

If it is the PSU be thankful the fail-safes did their job and didn't take any other components out.

If it's as old as i think it is it had a fair shake - time to buy a new one (as long as you're as sure as you can be it's at fault).
 
As already said; if it is the psu, that's not something you want to try and kick back into life. Just buy a new one with a good rating.
 
There is a very small chance that the fuse in the plug as blown - if you can, check this. Although if it's blown, I'd be wondering what caused it to blow...
 
Take the psu out and connect just a couple of fans to it and do the paperclip test. If it doesn't work then it's dead. There's a nice guide here with pictures on how to do the test. The GS is one of their poorer series and only has a 3 year warranty which has probably run out by now. Buy a decent psu this time.
 
Despite of Corsair's quality brand image GS-serie PSUs use cheap capacitors so if it's as old as your other parts would consider it behaving as planned.
 
Cheers all. It's definately the PSU. I bought this PC whole from facebay about two years ago. The PSU is about 4 years old. Better get shopping. Thanks again for the assistance.
 
Some choices - be warned the Bitfenix has a large shroud over the 24 pin (you may think it ugly) if you have a windowed case.

A 550W is suffice and they all come with decent warranties: Super Flower 5 years and Bitfenix and EVGA 7 years (EVGA reviewing very well).

My basket at Overclockers UK:


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Hey guys I should make my own thread but the same thing has kinda happened to me with my pc not turning on... Was very weird what happened since I was on it like 2 hours before and everything was fine then I tried turning on 2 hours later and literally just won't start..is there anything how I can diagnose what the problem is saving me taking the big machine back to the shop?
 
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ollie2k13 said:
Hey guys I should make my own thread but the same thing has kinda happened to me with my of not turning on... Was very weird what happened since I was on it like 2 hours before and everything was fine then I tried turning on 2 hours later and literally just won't start..is there anything how I can diagnose what the problem is saving me taking the big machine back to the shop?
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What's your full spec?

Initially, I would run through some of the basics checks first in the hope that one works or at least rule them out:
  • Double/triple check all your connections and hardware is seated properly - ideally remove and reseat all of them - including SATA leads etc...
  • Check the kettle lead is securely fitted into the back of the PSU - sometimes gets overlooked.
  • If using an extension lead try plugging PC directly into the wall socket - or a different extension lead if this isn't possible.
  • Clear the CMOS
  • If above fails try a skeleton setup - 1 stick memory in alternate slots, CPU, gfx card and nothing else (or onboard GFX if you have it). See if it boots.
  • Check motherboard is securely fitted - no movement.
  • Remove front panel header leads and short the power pins to see if it boots - to rule out the case connectors.
 
I also had this problem a few days ago.
PC worked in the morning, came home from work and PC dead. Fortunately i had a spare PSU to try and got my computer running again.
Thing is though That i did the jump start trick on the "dead" PSU and it worked, so i put it back in the computer and everything is working again.

I don't want to hijack this thread as i have my own here https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/psu-reassurance.18790352/ if anyone would like to offer any advice on if i should keep or replace the X850.
 
I think I have a evga does anyone know exactly what tools I would need to remove the psu so i can test if it is dead, as I'm still quite a novice..is it a small flathead screwdriver/ small Allan key?
 
ollie2k13 said:
I think I have a evga does anyone know exactly what tools I would need to remove the psu so i can test if it is dead, as I'm still quite a novice..is it a small flathead screwdriver/ small Allan key?
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You don't need to take it out of the case to do the paperclip test - if that's what you're planning on doing?

Just disconnect all the cables from the computer and run the test.

*But it's usually a philips screwdriver for removing the PSU - 4 screws at the back of the case (depending on case)..
 
Ok thanks. I really hope it is the psu and not my motherboard what has died on me. I took out the CMOS and reinserted and it does not work so that is 1 step done..
 
ollie2k13 said:
Ok thanks. I really hope it is the psu and not my motherboard what has died on me.
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If it's 'dead dead' - the paperclip test will prove this.

But it could pass the paperclip test and still be the faulty part - but it's still a good test to get under your belt.

Are you using an insulated wire or actual paperclip?

If it's a paperclip just be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
 
I have a insulated wire what I will use..need to get a smaller Phillip screwdriver though tommorow so I can start this.. If the psu doesn't work is there any point in changing the fuse inside the psu itself to see if it will work or just purchase a new psu?
 
ollie2k13 said:
If the psu doesn't work is there any point in changing the fuse inside the psu itself to see if it will work or just purchase a new psu?
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No - if the fuse has blown in the PSU it's done it for a reason - its done its job.

You would buy a new one.
 
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