No power

Maximum Triceratops · 19 Apr 2026 at 09:22

Hi,

My lads PC would not switch on a few weeks back, no power at all no fans spinning etc, no light on. I tried it in a different plug socket and it worked, weirdly. Now it has done it again but cannot get it to power up again....

I am thinking PSU was dying and has finally given up the ghost but before I start properly trying to find the fault I just though I would ask for any other things it could be to assist in finding out the problem.

Any suggestions welcome

I have my pc that I can start using the components to figure what the issue is starting with the PSU whic hwill be a pain in the arse!

Thanks!

throwaway4372 · 19 Apr 2026 at 09:34

Other things might be loose power switch connection. Or accidently turning off the PSU. But you're probably right with dead psu.

pastymuncher · 19 Apr 2026 at 09:37

If you tried it in another socket and it originally worked did you move the pc to use the other socket? If so it could be a loose connection somewhere but I imagine you have already made sure the connections are good so it would seem to be a psu fault.

Maximum Triceratops · 19 Apr 2026 at 09:53

Yeah checked all connections etc, did move the pc to try a different socket! thanks for the input so far.

MeatLoaf · 19 Apr 2026 at 10:17

Could well be the PSU, but have you tried another mains cable?

Maximum Triceratops · 19 Apr 2026 at 10:23

Yeah did that too, I'll get the PSU out when I get a chance and test it, it is fairly old iirc.

fail at the internets · 19 Apr 2026 at 13:59

Switch on the back of the psu been accidentally pressed?

nade · 19 Apr 2026 at 15:19

I always strip the PC back to bare minimum components CPU/RAM/Motherboard and PSU (iGPU or GPU obviously needed as well). Then test from there and add any additional items back to the machine.

smsmasters · 19 Apr 2026 at 15:24

Check the power button cable on the motherboard to ensure it hasn't shaken loose, or try jump-starting the PWR_SW pins with a screwdriver to rule out a faulty case button. You should also try a different power kettle lead, as a fuse that’s partially blown or a loose connection in the cable can cause that intermittent "works in one socket but not the other" behaviour.