Dying PSU?

[Maniacal]

Two days ago I assumed I just didn't press the button right to turn my computer on, the next day it took a second try which I thought was odd but I didn't have time to check it out. Today when I press the button to turn on my desktop the LED lights come on and the fans start to rev up but they stagnate and stall. It seems there is not enough power going into it to get it to start up properly. I don't even see the boot screen :/

I have a 700 watt OCZ PSU. I took my computer apart today, dusted it out and made sure everything was plugged in.

Unless it could be something else that is a problem (yes it is plugged in), then I guess I'm stuck ordering a new PSU then eh?

 

[GenMarshall]

I smell a PSU swap in your future.

 

[GoodGame]

Check inside the case to make sure all connections are working. Also make sure there are no shorts in the case---e.g. dropped a loose screw into the case?

Is there a checklight on your motherboard (an LED actually embedded into the mobo) to see if it is getting power?

Basically, unless the PSU is smoking or sparking or something, you can't rule out that your motherboard isn't dying/fried. I've had this happen to myself, FWIW. I'd assumed the PSU was the problem, but I hooked it up to a spare mobo and CPU, and low and behold it wasn't the PSU that had failed.

 

[Maniacal]

Check inside the case to make sure all connections are working. Also make sure there are no shorts in the case---e.g. dropped a loose screw into the case?

They all should be, I triple checked everything today.

Is there a checklight on your motherboard (an LED actually embedded into the mobo) to see if it is getting power?

It was coming on at first but stopped doing it, I only tried a few times but it got weaker each time.

EDIT: However, I did reach the motherboard BIOS screen, but it shut back down right after that loaded up.

 

[illram]

Sounds like a bad PSU to me. Not much you can do other than replace it. How's the wiring in your house? Is it old?

 

[timtofly]

My vote is on the MOBO. Do you have a known working PSU, even if it is smaller? That would rule out the PSU.

 

[Maniacal]

. How's the wiring in your house? Is it old?

I'm a gamer not an electrician. Its worked perfectly fine since I moved in in September (I rent).

My vote is on the MOBO. Do you have a known working PSU, even if it is smaller? That would rule out the PSU.

Nope.

 

[illram]

I'm a gamer not an electrician. Its worked perfectly fine since I moved in in September (I rent).

I mean, do you live in an old house or apartment building? Like an old victorian or something? Do you have all grounded outlets throughout the house? Do you plug a lot of stuff into one outlet?

 

[Maniacal]

A suburban house maybe two decades old or something. I assume the outlets are grounded, its probably legally required or something, how am I supposed to know? I have a lamp and a surge protected power bar (desktop, monitor and occasionally cell phone recharger) plugged into it. Since September.

Either way how does this help me to know if its my PSU or mobo that died (though probably the PSU).

 

[GenMarshall]

Well, I'd replace the PSU first. If that don't work, then we can focus on replacing the motherboard.

 

[illram]

If you have bad wiring your next PSU will also die. If it's a 20 year old house don't worry about it though it's probably fine.

Bad wiring in an old victorian apartment killed my PSU and my TV. It also nearly fried my stereo. It wasn't until the TV power source died after my PSU that I realized I had a problem.

 

[Maniacal]

Ah yeah, derp I ordered a new PSU so hopefully it will be here by tomorrow, otherwise I'm going to be pissed.

And drunk. EDIT: Due to unrelated partying.

 

[GenMarshall]

Oh boy, Drunk n Pissed. Not a good combo .

 

[GoodGame]

If you have bad wiring your next PSU will also die. If it's a 20 year old house don't worry about it though it's probably fine.

Bad wiring in an old victorian apartment killed my PSU and my TV. It also nearly fried my stereo. It wasn't until the TV power source died after my PSU that I realized I had a problem.

Warranteed Surge protectors FTW!

 

[illram]

Warranteed Surge protectors FTW!

Surge protectors don't do much when none of your wiring is grounded! In that apartment I was resorting to two prong groundless plug adapters with a metal tie fastened around the center screw attached to the adapter's ground prong. (A metal flap sticking out of the bottom of the plug) It was not pretty.

 

[Maniacal]

FINALLY got my new power supply, everything works great now Thanks for the help!

 

[timtofly]

FINALLY got my new power supply, everything works great now Thanks for the help!

I am glad that it was not the mobo. In my situation though, my son did get a faster computer.