Diagnosis Needed

Discussion in 'Power Supplies and UPS's' started by cssh, May 5, 2015.

  1. cssh

    cssh Geek Trainee

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    My computer won’t start. I’m hoping that someone can diagnose the problem from the following description.

    For several years it has happened once in a while that when I turned on the computer, it would only be on for a few seconds before shutting itself of again. Turning it on again would always work, and the “auto-shut-down” would never happen at a later stage than after the mentioned few seconds.

    Then a few days ago I turned on the computer, left it for a while, and when I came back it seemed to be on, but the screen was black. I rebooted, which resulted in it being on for a few seconds as described above. That happened twice. After that, it would not react at all.

    Yesterday I opened it so I could see the power indicator light on the motherboard. I found out that when I turned on the power supply (on the back) there was a small chance that the light would come on. If that happened, turning on the computer (on the front) would result in the few seconds of activity. If not, nothing happened. Just once I experienced that the light would blink for about five seconds before turning on fully.

    Can anyone figure out from this description what is wrong?
     
  2. Big B

    Big B HWF Godfather

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    What are the system specs?
     
  3. Wicked Mystic

    Wicked Mystic Big Geek

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    PSU model and manufacturer? Other parts?

    Sounds like PSU problem but more info is needed.
     
  4. cssh

    cssh Geek Trainee

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    PSU: "450W Chill CP-450A4 140mm (12-16dB)"
    Motherboard: "Abit IP35-E D-775"
    I don't suppose other parts can be relevant. Let me know if I'm wrong.
     
  5. Wicked Mystic

    Wicked Mystic Big Geek

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    PSU or motherboard capacitors may be end of life. I'd try with another PSU first.
     
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  6. Big B

    Big B HWF Godfather

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    If you're looking at capacitors on the motherboard, it might be worth checking to see if some might be bulging. Examples.
     
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  7. cssh

    cssh Geek Trainee

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    Thank you both! I have checked the capacitors on motherboard and in the power supply, but found nothing. I'm going to buy a new computer instead of trying to save this seven years old machine.
     

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