Pc won't boot... Help!

Wiry

Wiry

Wiry

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Joined
27 Apr 2011
Posts
547
Location
Nottinghamshire
Hi,

Today my pc wouldn't turn on, well, the lights etc turn on, the power supply fan & graphics card etc are spinning (fans). However the keyboard and any other usb devices don't light up. The computer doesn't turn off after so long, it just stays on forever. Nothing displays on the monitor, not even boot / post screen.

I've resat the cmos battery and checked / replugged all connections. My instant gut feeling is that it is something to do with the fact that I was gaming when it happened and a blue screen came on (BSOD) and then it turned off, i smelt a slight burning so i quickly rushed to turn the power off & check if I could see anything.. Which I couldn't. I have checked the cpu for bent pins which I could not find any and I have checked the motherboard for blown capacitors. The motherboard does however still light up with the OC genie functions, so my gut instinct is the cpu, but I may be wrong which is why I am asking for some help. I have tried different ram and in different slots but this has not worked either. Basically it turns on, all the lights etc. but no power from usb's and no display / output from graphics card. HELP!? The processor was overclocked to 4Ghz / 1.36Vcore, But I have never had any issues with it before.
 
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Wiry said:
i smelt a slight burning so i quickly rushed to turn the power off & check if I could see anything.. Which I couldn't.
Click to expand...

There's your clue.

Burning smells are never good coming from your PC, so you've probably fried something. The first thing to do is try a different PSU. Just because the lights are on doesn't mean it's supplying all the right voltages. If that doesn't work then it's probably the motherboard. It's very unlikely to be the CPU.
 
Okay thanks for the response,

Currently I unfortunately don't have another power supply to test the pc with. However with overclockers 14-day money back gurantee, does this mean that if I purchase a new cpu / motherboard and my pc still does not work, I can return them even if they have been opened?

Just to add:

I tried plugging a 3pin fan into the motherboard (i usually plug them straight into the psu) and it powers up then spins straight down afterwards, however through the power supply it is on as normal.
 
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Wiry said:
I tried plugging a 3pin fan into the motherboard (i usually plug them straight into the psu) and it powers up then spins straight down afterwards, however through the power supply it is on as normal.
Click to expand...

A replacement motherboard would seem to be a good thing to try then. It's not going to be the CPU so don't bother with a new one of those unless it's upgrade time. I still wouldn't be surprised if it was the PSU though.
 
Hmm something to think about. Darn I sold my second psu a couple of months back -_-
 
I have just had the same problem with a mates pc...its in this forum ...it turned out it was the power supply....new power supply hey presto boots up....
 
roachyuk said:
I have just had the same problem with a mates pc...its in this forum ...it turned out it was the power supply....new power supply hey presto boots up....
Click to expand...

This makes it more harder for me to test but thanks for the input.

Is it possible to actually see if it is my psu or not?
 
The paper clip test isn't definitive though. It will let you know if the PSU's completely fubar, but it's possible for it to pass the test whilst still having wonky voltages. The only way to be completely certain is to test with a known working PSU.
 
Is there anyway u can check the psu with a multimeter?
I would also say its either psu or mobo.
I had a similar problem when i bought a used P55 mobo off the MM here, fitted everything, installing windows updates, then a BSOD and a puff of smoke.
Turned out a capacitor popped on the Asrock mobo.
Bought a different mobo, everything was working fine after :)
 
I've found another multimeter in a toolbox so I'll try that before I go out and buy one. I also purchased a motherboard speaker / bleeper thingy, it was cheap so got to be worth a try. Hopefully one or the other will help me find what the problem is.

edit: I have a problem, being a corsair high-end psu, all the cables are black braided... Hmm :/
 
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tested a variety of cables and multimeter reads normal, so looks like it's the motherboard
 
Zorgar said:
Make sure everything is pluged in correct :P and then get a PSU tester and test :D
Click to expand...

I'm sure a multimeter would do it sufficiently, but I'm going to take it all out my case this weekend and test it then. I've also purchased one of those error speaker thingys
 
Problem with only using a multimeter is it doesnt load the psu so it doesnt 100% say it is ok. If you smelt burning then there will be visable heat damage (discolouring) somewhere just might be very hard to find either inside the psu or on the motherboard. Personally I would say it is the motherboard, but try to isolate the problem a bit more before you take the plunge to replace it.
 
Thanks for you help UltraInfinity. I'm going to take the pc apart this weekend and have a good look at everything then. I'm in no rush if it saves me some money
 
Righty, going to order a motherboard and processor, I can always return them if it doesn't solve my issue. What do you recommend?
 
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