HELP! Computer not turning on :(

ashatron · 15 Oct 2011 at 21:26

Hi guys!

so I just moved into a new place, plugged my pc in (which was working fine previously), it was connected to a surge protected extension lead then into the wall.

I switch on my pc, I see a lamp across the room go out and it won't turn on.

I got to my circuit breakers and see it has flipped to off. So I switch it back to 'on' again and head to my pc.

I try turning it on and nothing. the other devices connected to the surge connector extension lead work, including a monitor. So I grab the kettle lead for the monitor and try that (in case the fuse in my pc kettle lead has blown), but the pc still won't turn on.

there is no light on my motherboard and there was no loud bang when I turned on my pc. I've tried a different wall socket and no luck. I've yet to try it in an entirely different room, but I don't think that would make a difference.

PLEASE help me!! What do you think it is? What would have caused it?
Be gentle...

stulid · 15 Oct 2011 at 21:28

Try this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0OKmIuNtmI

kevbiss1 · 16 Oct 2011 at 00:08

unplug and switch off psu,wait a minute and then plug back in

ashatron · 16 Oct 2011 at 14:40

kevbiss1 said:
unplug and switch off psu,wait a minute and then plug back in

Thanks dude, but That definitely didn't work. Do you work for an IT company perhaps? Teehees

ashatron · 16 Oct 2011 at 14:41

stulid said:
Try this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0OKmIuNtmI

Thanks stulid, I'll give that a try. I'm guessing if the PSU doesn't run with the paperclip its screwed.

ashatron · 16 Oct 2011 at 18:34

UPDATE!!

The paper clip trick did not work :/

So I tried an old 400w psu.

Connected only the main power cable to the mobo. This psu is old and lacked the modern connectors to power the hdd etc

Switched on my pc and the GPU fan started spinning! Does this mean my mobo is ok?!

The cpu fan did not spin however. But I'm guessing (and hoping) that this is because I did not connect the connection on the mobo called 'atx 12v' (which is an 8 pin (2x4) connection) as my psu didn't have the required connection. Am I right I thinking this is why the cpu fan did not turn? (note the cpu fan cable was connected to the mother board).

(also note the paperclip trick did not work with my old but working 400w psu)

What do you think guys? Is it just the psu?

weird_dave · 16 Oct 2011 at 19:37

That video wasn't very good to be honest, PSUs like a bit of a load, just doing the paperclip trick doesn't usually work. Add a bunch of fans to the PSU and you may just find that the paperclip trick works

However, it does sound like it's just the PSU.

ashatron · 16 Oct 2011 at 22:44

Can anyone answer my above query about the gpu fan spinning and what that means for my mobo.

also is it normal for the cpu fan not to spin if the main mobo connector is plugged in, but the 8 pin 2x4 connector located by the cpu (called atx 12 iirc) is not plugged in.

ashatron · 17 Oct 2011 at 00:36

bump, can no one work out my problem above?

J-FRO · 4 Nov 2011 at 12:51

Sounds normal to me. As far as I'm aware that 8-pin power connector to the mobo is essential to providing power to some key components of the mobo including 3-pin system fan connectors such as that for your CPU cooler.