Power Problem

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Weemez, Nov 16, 2006.

  1. Weemez

    Weemez Kilobyte Poster

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    Hey guys and girls, hope we are all well?

    My friend has just given me his PC to look at. He isn't getting any power to the PC.

    When i go to plug in the power cable to the AC outlet the green light at the back of the unit flickers on and off as it is being inserted but once it is fully in there is no light at all.

    It is an emachines 320.

    Now i know im A+ certified and i should know this but i know that im also not supposed to mess around with power supply's. Do you think it is the power supply that is the problem as i cannot see ant connection obvious connection issues.

    Thanks in advance for any help.
     
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  2. Cockles

    Cockles Megabyte Poster

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    Yikes, I'm about to install my first PSU tonight.

    That sounds like it could be a problem with the cable itself rather than the unit, if you have a loose connection anywhere in the cabling it has a tendency appear as if it is supplying juice until the wires move slightly then the connection is broken (I get a lot of this through using bass amps). Do you have another kettle lead to test it out?
     
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  3. Weemez

    Weemez Kilobyte Poster

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    Thanks for reply cockles.

    Yeh i've alrerady tried other PC power cables all with the same result mate.
     
    Certifications: HNC Computing A+ N+ ICND1
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  4. simongrahamuk
    Honorary Member

    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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    Do you hear the little 'crackle' when it is going in?

    If not then I'd suggest it's the PSU, if so then it is possibly the MOBO.
     
  5. Cockles

    Cockles Megabyte Poster

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    Unless anyone can tell me otherwise sounds like the unit itself then, best bet would be to replace it entirely. They are not expensive, and I presonally would not risk a dodgy unit as if that goes it can take the whole PC with it.
     
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  6. Weemez

    Weemez Kilobyte Poster

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    There is a crackle when inserting it Simon. Oh oh!!
     
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  7. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    just a thought but can you try another psu with that mobo?

    if it all boots up then obviously its summat ta do with the old psu. If not then it could be the mobo, chip or any number of items.

    Have you made sure all the psu conncetors are connected properly to the mobo? after all bad connections wont help any.

    I know this sort of advice seems common sense but we are talking IT here!!
     
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  8. Weemez

    Weemez Kilobyte Poster

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    I know what your saying Twizzle!!:biggrin

    I have tried those things and with me being relativly new to repairs and the like im very short of spares to test with but i will be asking around in the IT dept tomorrow.

    Thanks Twizzle
     
    Certifications: HNC Computing A+ N+ ICND1
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  9. hbroomhall

    hbroomhall Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    If you are going to be doing this often, buy a DVM! You can get a very cheap, but perfectly good one, from Maplins.

    Then you can test the connections from the PSU.

    Also worth having is a PSU tester. This puts a load on the 5V, and has a convenient way to trigger it on. Saves complications deciding if the fault is in the PSU or the mobo.

    Harry.
     
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  10. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    This will make a useful addition to your <tech> toolbox for your type of situation.
    Let us know the outcome.

    Si
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  11. Weemez

    Weemez Kilobyte Poster

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    Thanks Harry, i've taken note.
     
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  12. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    Posted as Harry was replying. I had to scratch my brains as I couldn't remember what DVM was an acronym for.
    Then i remembered I have a Fluke from my days as a Spark. :)

    Si
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  13. Weemez

    Weemez Kilobyte Poster

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    I was wondering about DVM too Boyce!

    Thanks for your post aswell mate, very handy tool.

    Anyway i logged off and tried the compatable PSU that is on my own machine on my friends and it worked a treat so new PSU is the order of the day, its just with being a novice i'm wary about ripping my own machine apart to use bits to test others but that is the only way to learn.

    Fear of breaking combined with the fear of expence to replace is my holdback!

    All the same if i follow what i have actually learned in the A+ it does help a lot! :oops:
     
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  14. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    Kev,

    You are right; the A+ does help!

    Don't forget the PSU is a FRU :)

    Si
     
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  15. Bluerinse
    Honorary Member

    Bluerinse Exabyte Poster

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    I second that, especially if you are not familiar with using a volt meter. Bear in mind that new ATX PSUs have some additional outputs for SATA drives and that some computers, Dell for example, use non-standard plugs on their PSUs and MOBOs. But usually those PSU testers are cheap, quick to diagnose and will come in handy time and time again - put one on your Xmas pressy list :biggrin
     
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  16. Weemez

    Weemez Kilobyte Poster

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    Its on the list!

    Thanks for all your input guys.:thumbleft
     
    Certifications: HNC Computing A+ N+ ICND1
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