PSU or GPU? Computer won't power up...

Soldato
Joined
28 Nov 2004
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9th Inner Circle
Hi,

I fired up my computer to play some Batman and got distracted by something else in the house. When I came back all the fans where on but noting on the display. Power the computer off and back on and it blips the fans for a second and then goes off.

I have an MSI MS-7681 MB, a Sandybridge i7 2600K, 16GB Geil RAM an HD5860 and a OCZ 650W PSU.

I disconnected the PSU and did the paperclip test. It powers up. I put it back in the computer and disconnected all peripherals except RAM. The computer powers up (all fans spin and stay spinning) but if I power down and connect the two PCI-E 6 pins to the GPU the computer powers up for a fraction of a second and then goes off.

Unfortunately I don't have either a replacement PSU or GPU in my spare kit, I'm going to see if I can borrow one of a mate but in the meantime what do you far more experienced OCUK hardware bods think is most likely? I'd test the GPU in another computer only its the only one in the house... :( Without the GPU in the MB powrs up and stays up but no popst beeps and only one of the onboard LED lights up. With the GPU powered up the computer literally blips for less than a second and goes off.

EDIT: Computer has been fine even under load until now. No signs of any artefacts from the GPU and no crashes from load neither!
 
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if you have a multi meter you can paperclip the PSU and check the outputs, wont prove the PSU is fie as under load it may still be failing but if there not there then it be dead.
 
I think PSU

Having gotten my hand on a now frills GPU and a OCZ 500w PSU I can confirm it is the PSU. Unfortunately the borrowed PSU doesn't have enough grunt (or the required connections) to power up my GPU.

I'll be ordering a modular PSU from Overclockers. Any suggestions? Nothing too expensive. 600-700w.
 
Yep, I'm going through the same thing right now, GFX looked like it had failed, but actually the 12v rail on my PSU was on its way out, was only kicking out 10v, which was enought to power my old GFX, but not my current card.

I can strongly recommend a Thermaltake Dr Power PSU tester. If OCUK don't sell them they should. It is like part paperclip part multimeter, and much less scary than sticking a paperclip in something attached to the mains! A multimeter is still the best way to go, used in conjunction with a PSU tester.
 
OCZ ZT 650W '80 Plus Bronze' Modular Power Supply

or

XFX 650W XXX Edition Modular '80 Plus Bronze' Power Supply
 
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