Computer Refuses to start

[Bootleg Betty]

Hi,

just checking, If the computer refuses to start up after use (when I turn it off and try to turn it on again) and start only after I let it off for abou ten minutes, I need a new power supply, right?

(the PSU is three years old)

 

[mlc]

could be a bad psu... but it could also be a bad motherboard....

You may want to check the board visually for bulging or leaking capacitors.....

Also .. you could have a bad connection onto the board.. so try (first unplug the pc) reseating the memory, video card, etc..

Lastly.. you could have some sort of short occurring between the board itself, and the PC case.

 

[MrWizzard]

I would suspect the power supply. I have had a few computers start to exhibit the same behavior as the power supply started failing. Eventually they would no longer turn on anymore. MLC pointed out the other things it could be also. BUT usually the power supply is the culprit its done 3 years if you have done a decent amount of power cycles and depending on how you use your computer. I would replace the PSU 1st.

 

[Bootleg Betty]

Well it started when I upgraded the MB, memory, CPU and GPU (from athlon 64 and 3870 to athlon x4 and 6850) so either the MB is bad or the suppy can't hold the increased power draw and overheats itself. Though according to some web PSU calculators the X4 and 6850 should be fine with 400 W.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Is it a generic 400W, or a name-brand?

 

[Bootleg Betty]

Fotron FSP 400.

Is there any way I can check it? I don't have a mutlimeter or anything, but can't some software read voltages?

 

[BoomerD]

Fotron FSP 400.

Is there any way I can check it? I don't have a mutlimeter or anything, but can't some software read voltages?

If you get your computer to start, then yes, some software can read voltages...but it's usually not very accurate. A multimeter is the ONLY way to get accurate measurements.

FSP isn't a great PSU, but aren't usually the worst either.

Easiest way to get a quick test of the PSU is to disconnect it from the motherboard, connect ONE fan to one of the peripheral connectors (molex), the use a paper clip to short between the green wire and any black wire in the 20/24 pin connector. If the fan spins, you know the 12v part is good...Obviously, this doesn't test the entire PSU, but it's an indicator whether the PSU is dead or not.