Is this a PSU problem?

Gtiracer · 12 Mar 2013 at 21:24

Computer seems to have an off problem which I think can only be down to the PSU, just would like some confirmation please.

Symptoms are:

Plugging in the power cord will sometimes sporadically start the PC up without me pressing any buttons for a few seconds and then turn off again

when pressing the on button it will sometimes work, sometimes won't

When the PC does start sometimes a CMOS battery error comes up despite having replaced the battery - it also tells me the time/date has not been set

And when the OS does come on, It wont fully detect the mouse and Keyboard, like the lights on the keyboard light up, but no response same from the mouse, no light, response, nothing.

So I think its a PSU problem but not certain, please could you give your opinion on what you think.

PhysicsMan94 · 12 Mar 2013 at 21:25

Try the paperclip test, that should confirm it.

Gtiracer · 12 Mar 2013 at 21:32

PhysicsMan94 said:
Try the paperclip test, that should confirm it.

Well I don't have a mutimeter and as it is partially working but I think its struggling under any load more than the OS will the Paperclip test actually work? I thought it only confirmed completely dead PSU's, the more I type though the more Im getting convinced it is a failing PSU

PhysicsMan94 · 12 Mar 2013 at 21:34

Given the problems you outlined in the OP, it does seem that way to me - sounds very much like a dying PSU. It could, however, be a MoBo problem.

Philtor · 13 Mar 2013 at 00:33

I suspect the motherboard but that's not to say the PSU could still be at fault. Are you sure your board is not shorting against part of the case perhaps? Just a thought..

Gtiracer · 13 Mar 2013 at 21:38

Philtor said:
I suspect the motherboard but that's not to say the PSU could still be at fault. Are you sure your board is not shorting against part of the case perhaps? Just a thought..

It could be, but its not a new build PC so I don''t see why it would suddenly start shorting out for no reason?

dacads · 13 Mar 2013 at 21:41

hmm certainly unusual behaviour even for a PSU

What is the spec and age of the PSU

wazza300 · 13 Mar 2013 at 22:11

Could be a faulty case front panel power switch,you say it powers on by itself? Is it just for one or two seconds? As it sounds similar to switching power off at the wall and holding in front panel power switch and discharging the motherboard of stored power