Penny Arcade Forums› Help / Advice Forum
The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.

Power Supply broken?

romanqwertyromanqwerty Registered User regular
edited February 2008 in Help / Advice Forum
I've recently had computer issues and id like to know what is wrong with it. I think its the power supply but im not certain and id like some second opinions before i go out and buy a new one

The Problem:

My computer wont turn on. The motherboard appears to be getting no power. It happened randomly while i was not at the computer, it was on, i left, came back and computer was off and i couldn't turn it on. Ive made sure the power switch is wired properly so it is not that, and the only light (ethernet in) doesnt go on anymore.

On intresting thing is that when i push the switch the first time, the case fan will move for a fraction of a second. This wont happen if i press the switch again unless i have disconnected the comp from the power socket or the power supply from the motherboard. This has me rather confused.

Any advice on whether buying a new power supply will fix this would be apreciated.

If it helps im running a athlon dual core and a 8800GT. The power supply was a 600w one that came with the case + fan for 50$ (rather cheap but computer market prices)

romanqwerty on

Posts

  • DjeetDjeet Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    Sounds like a failing power supply, may not be totally dead yet. I've gotten some extended use out of failing power supplies by resetting the CMOS. You'll still have to replace the power supply eventually though.

    To reset the CMOS, unplug the power supply from the wall and unplug any wired NIC card. Pull the CMOS battery and count to 30. Re-install the CMOS battery and plug the power supply back into the wall. Try powering up then.

    Djeet on
  • romanqwertyromanqwerty Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    This sounds possible. Could i get a more detailed walkthrough on this? I dont know what a CMOS battery is or where id find it.

    romanqwerty on
  • DjeetDjeet Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    The CMOS battery is installed on the motherboard in a little retention mechanism clip-thingy. Usually they are installed flat, but somtimes they are installed perpendicularly. The battery is silver, round, in between a nickel and a quarter in size, a bit thicker than a quarter. There is usally a clip holding it in place. A small screwdriver or tweezers might help in removal; don't break the clip.

    Procedure:
    Unplug power supply and wired NIC, also unplug any powered USB devices.
    Open the case.
    Locate the battery and remove it.
    Wait 30 seconds.
    Re-install battery, close case up.
    Plug everything back in and power it up.

    Djeet on
  • romanqwertyromanqwerty Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    ok gotcha. ill try that when i get home from work today. Mine is installed flat but i have a feeling its in a difficult place.

    romanqwerty on
  • romanqwertyromanqwerty Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    Ok i just tryed that and it did nothing. Ill be going out to buy a replacement power supply tomorrow.

    Could anyone give me an idea at the minimum wattage id need for one and anything special i should look for?

    Im runnning a Athlon 6400 (2x3.2), an 8800GT, 1 dvd drive (IDE) and one sata HDD.

    romanqwerty on
Sign In or Register to comment.
Penny Arcade Forums› Help / Advice Forum