Need help - power problem.

Mikharper · 8 Nov 2006 at 16:09

Hi,

Its been happening for a while.

To put it into perspective, my computer/etc are plugged into a surge protector, and when it turn it on power runs through the system even though it isn't on.

For example, the HSF and the fans in the PSU/Case all spin (slower than normal) and my 2 cathods light up (again dimmer than usual) and the light on the motherboard is on.

Before I went away for the summer, this happened.. for roughly 1min or so, and at the time I didnt have the motivation to fix it, I came back home, and some family members had been on it, and now it did this for 10 mins (bare in mind whilst its doing this "on but not" thing, I cant turn on the computer. Now it does it for hours and eventually I turn it off because Im worried I'll break the thing (even more?)

Any advice, I tried taking every wire out and then putting back in.

Thanks in advance.

edit : http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17649422 this sounds similar.. but the motherboard isnt dead and neither is the cpu?

Joe42 · 8 Nov 2006 at 17:21

Well try it without the surge protector first, just to eliminate that.

As mentioned in that thread, usually this sort of thing is a psu/board problem.
The motherboard may not be dead, but how do you know its not damaged or faulty?

Whats your psu/board?

Does it do this only when cold?

Mikharper · 6 Feb 2007 at 19:23

Update : Left my computer alone for months, tonight I thought I would have another go, took all the wires out, took the PSU out undusted it etc, put it all back together - as soon as I plug the power cable in, the CPU fan whirs - system fans move, same problem.

Really dont know what to do, is it worth me buying a cheap PSU to try, or is it more likely a dead motherboard (NF7-S). I have a decent amount of gear in the PC that hasnt been used for a long time now

Joe42 · 6 Feb 2007 at 19:57

Try doing what i mentioned above and answering those questions. Don't bother buying a cheap psu yet.

Unplugging the wires and leaving it for a time won't fix it. Something will need replacing.

Mikharper · 25 Feb 2007 at 18:05

Joe thanks for your help and replies. Turns out it was the power supply, plain and simple! Works again now, borrowing one of a mate till I can afford one for myself.