PC Died (where do I start a post-mortem?)

Ninco! · 1 Jan 2017 at 20:15

Hi all,

I would be really grateful for some advice, my PC recently died and to be completely honest, I am not sure what was the cause? Unfortunately due to the lack of signs; neither am I sure how to go about fixing!

The issue came about, I was running Handbrake and the PC shut down, no sounds, literally, it was as if I turned off the power and placed my PC into Sleep. I tried to reboot and the only signs of life is that the LED for the power button is illuminated? The only other cause I can think, I used a powered dust cleaner about 7 days prior - I am not sure if this contributed (the PC was working fine for 5+ days after my cleaning effort?)

The fans do not switch on, no POST etc. I have a feeling the PSU blew? Although I always thought that when a PSU packed up, it would give a sign?

Without purchasing a replacement, I am clueless, no idea if this was the root cause? Unfortunately, I cannot 'borrow' a PSU so it will literally be a case of purchasing the part and hoping for the best.

I could contact the manufacturer, however, I purchased back in 2014, so outside warranty.

Many thanks,

ED209 · 1 Jan 2017 at 20:20

what PSU do you have? some have 5 year warranty on them so you maybe ok.

try the below video, tells you how to test a PSU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixcWCrYpw3Y

or this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2RizQ8U2k

can also connect a fan to the PSU as well and see if it powers on, if nothing then its most likely dead

Minstadave · 1 Jan 2017 at 20:22

The easiest way is to find someone local who can try each of your PC components in their own PC (not the PSU though). I'm sure someone on here would help.

Cro_Baron · 6 Jan 2017 at 13:25

You can get PSU checker http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PC-PSU-Po...ppy-SATA-HDD-connectors-ATX-ITX-/201704477772

varkanoid · 6 Jan 2017 at 13:29

if you want the PSU tester quicker and you have a shop nearby you can get it from the Hi-De-Hi blue shirts. I bought one ages ago and its been invaluable.

LED lighting elimates fuse in plug has gone (mine went recently). You could try resetting cmos on the motherboard.

Probably a good idea to list the components of the PC.

VKleita · 6 Jan 2017 at 14:07

varkanoid said:
Hi-De-Hi blue shirts.

This made me chuckle

I would start in the psu area first.

varkanoid · 6 Jan 2017 at 15:30

just looked and they dont sell that one on the bay anymore at blue shirts. One they sell is more expensive but does look a bit swish.

Holst1981 · 6 Jan 2017 at 15:50

Just use a multimeter to test the psu, at least to check your voltages.

Most likely psu or motherboard failure.

Ninco! · 6 Jan 2017 at 19:33

Hi All,

Firstly, really appreciate you all taking the time to provide advice and help, thank you.

Sorry I should have posted spec's. To be fair to the manufacturer, warranty is five years (two years collect-and-return and parts, plus three years labour-only RTB) I purchased July 2014. I should give them a call, the idea of a courier faff, might be easier to drop off and collect?

Anyway, specs:

Processor Intel Core i5-4670K
Processor external bus 100MHz (DMI)
Processor multiplier x42
Processor clock speed 4.2GHz
Processor socket LGA1150
Memory 8
Memory type PC3-12800
Maximum memory 32GB
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI
Motherboard chipset Intel Z97
Hard disk model(s) Samsung 840 EVO 120GB + Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003-1CH162
Interface SATA3

The power supply is a 500W model from FSP. Nvidia GeForce GTX 760 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory.

Apologies if this sounds naive, should I just call the manufacturer?

I have a horrible feeling it is a PSU or Motherboard failure, the thought of taking it all apart (I have postponed as its been a few years since I built a PC and not a task I would relish!)

Thanks again all.