PSU - Best Fault Testing method?

slim01 · 19 Oct 2010 at 17:33

PSU - Best Fault Testing method?
Hi guys,

I've recently started a computer business and I'm overwhelmed at the number of Power related problems!!

What is the best way to fault test a likely power or PSU problem?

Ive got a laptop AND a PC here that simply won't turn on, although the laptop has a green light indicating it has power.

At the moment I'm just guessing, please can you guys help me with the more professional, proper approach?

I WON'T throw my customers money around like other companies, saying :
"right you need a new adapter". (didnt work) "ok now we need a new battery" (oops)
"right now we will solder in a new DC jack... Mrs smith your total repair cost is now £350"

See what I mean? I need to fix these computers but need to do it differently to the competition, i don't like ripping people off to make money.

THANKs

slim01 · 19 Oct 2010 at 17:35

Also how can I be sure its a power supply problem in the first place? A pc wont even turn on without the right cables in for example. I will note down everything said and help others on my quest for answers

slim01 · 19 Oct 2010 at 17:36

Also does anyone know, are OCUK still doing free delivery if you have 50 posts and have been on here 6 months? (Igot a LONG time to wait!!)

VFM Addict · 19 Oct 2010 at 17:40

Easiest way with just about all faults is to swap out components. That can be difficult in the case of cpu's as you may not have an equivalent handy but a decent psu at hand to swap out is pretty much essential if you're doing regular repairs, builds and upgrades.

Cheers,
vfm

bifday2k · 19 Oct 2010 at 17:54

slim01 said:
Also does anyone know, are OCUK still doing free delivery if you have 50 posts and have been on here 6 months? (Igot a LONG time to wait!!)

You need 250 posts, So not that far off really, just reply to threads, without spamming and you will get there, The general section lower down is a good place to raise your post count.

Generally PC repair services will have access to spare parts, all be it low end ones, like cpu's for all sockets, different memory types, a few psu's for testing purposes, and 1 or 2 different gpu's, different mobos with diff sockets. So they can fault find different things.

That dos'nt have to be all that expensive, as you can get 2nd hand stuff, it just makes fault finding far easier, as u can test parts in known working set ups, to see if say its memory,cpu or what not.

slim01 · 19 Oct 2010 at 18:10

Ah i see so i dont have to be using the forrums for a certain amount of time? thats what i thought i read.

Wow so i need to buy like a load of different pcs and parts.

What about with the laptop DC jacks, are most of these generic? Obviosuly power supplies are a little different in laptops lol

slim01 · 19 Oct 2010 at 18:12

I'm finding it hard to turn profit with the amount of cash im already spending, on the business *sigh* i can see things are going to get even harder...

VFM Addict · 19 Oct 2010 at 18:24

There is an old saying, "First get your turnover up before you look for profit." Its one of the most important rules for building a successful business. The first year, at least, concentrate entirely on sending happy customers out the door. They'll become your advertisers and your salesforce. However, if you can last out on starvation rations or less in year one then the rewards start to grow from that point and it gets a lot easier.

Good luck,
vfm

bifday2k · 19 Oct 2010 at 18:35

That was one of the main reasons i gave up on my business idea, i just couldn't afford to get together all the bits needed to do it properly, or at least how i wanted to do it.

That being said u don't have to spend a fortune, for example, ebay can be handy for low end mobo's as all you are doing is testing, so Few diff ones for intel sockets, AMD sockets, by that i mean the low end ones without all the fancy features.

Same goes for the CPU's, get the lowest in the line, so it can be used to test only, dos'nt have to be all singing and dancing, just works.

Same for memory, 1 stick is enough to test that memory sockets work, and dos'nt have to be fancy stuff.

So yes would add up, but doesn't have to cost a fortune either, just think of it as right gotta get these parts as cheap as possible, you will soon start finding them for not a lot, low end parts are not that expensive really, just the amount of stuff you would need to buy would add up. But they are needed, and will aid you in your business, therefor helping your customers.

I can't speak for the laptop stuff im afraid, not stuff i really know.

slim01 · 19 Oct 2010 at 18:55

I am doing the customer service route, for sure, I do everything for my customers and ALWAYS put customer needs first, just the person I am (it infuriates me how compaines like PC werld can get away with what they charge, even when they dont actually fix the problem).

I couldn't agree more that word of mouth is the best form of advertising. I just guess im working hard and Id like some form of reward other than thank yous from customers as this is my only job (for the moment)... am I greedy? lol

I have PSUs for PCs but not laptops, think I asked my question a it wrong i may edit the post. Guuess I should have ased how to fault test laptops that won't power on even with new DC chargers. Is there only two things im thinking - bad DC jack or bad battery? How can i fault test these?

I know how to fault test a PC power supply i guess (by simply plugging my spare pcs working PSU in to the damaged PCs mobo) but i guess its the other complications im not sure about
>why is it my customers brand new PSU has failed just like the last one did, within a week etc?

slim01 · 19 Oct 2010 at 18:58

Just surprised at the amount of power issues.... wow. And my customers after new builds often dont like the idea of spending +£70 on a descent branded PSU, I dont think they appreciate the problems it may solve!!