Gateway PC and power supply

[MoFunk]

A friend of mine from out of town called and said that his computer will not turn on. I have no idea how to troubleshoot this over the phone. I am thinking power supply. He says it's a gateway but is not sure what model, it's about 3 years old. Question is do Gateways use a proprietary PSU or can he buy a new one at the store and replace it? I dont want to suggest that and have him fry anything. Thanks.

 

[lenjack]

I'm not positive, but I think the power supply is standard. Best wait for other responses.

 

[Freewolf]

Is it a p4 and depends on the computer .Desktop or Tower?

 

[MoFunk]

It is a tower and it is 3 years old so it is not a p4.

 

[Freewolf]

Regular atx should work then.

 

[MoFunk]

Thank you! I will pass the message on.

 

[BofRA]

Just make sure its a atx and not an at power supply. Three years ago some manufacturers still used at power supplies for some reason.

 

[Freewolf]

Originally posted by: BofBnT
Just make sure its a atx and not an at power supply. Three years ago some manufacturers still used at power supplies for some reason.

True, I hadn't throught about that

 

[redbeard1]

It should use a standard atx power supply plug-in, but depending on the size of the case, it may take an odd sized version.

 

[sswingle]

Gateway most definately loves to use odd sized power supplies. Fortunately, all I have seen are smaller, so all you need to do is get a drill and make some new holes. I have done this on three or four gateway cases so far...

 

[MoFunk]

Well good news! He called and told me that he went to Best Buy, got a new PSU and all is well! Thanks guys!