Need confirmation -- power supply the problem?

[Nebben]

I'm still trying to get someone's computer running, here's the background story:

Original system was:

Celeron 500mhz
Abit BM6
512MB SDRAM PC133
'Powerman' 235W power supply.

One day the system suddenly shut off completely in the middle of use. Blank screen, and it wouldn't boot at all. Pushed the power button, and the fans would spin, but it would not even attempt to POST.

This led me to believe it was probably either the CPU or motherboard that was the problem, and I was able to acquire replacements for a very small amount, so I replaced both.

Now, I rebuilt the system, and everything was working fine until a few days later -- I got a CMOS warning about two of the voltages on the power supply. I don't remember which ones, but they were the last two on the list. I restarted, thinking maybe it's just some fluke problem.

Now the system has no power whatsoever. I push power, and nothing happens. No fans, no motherboard light, nothing. It's totally dead.



My theory is this: The power supply was the problem in the first place, and it may have caused problems with everything else, and possibly could have shorted out the motherboard and/or processor. I don't want to mess around with trying to get it to boot in fear that it could damage other parts, if it hasn't already.

Do you think I'm right in my guess? And, would it be a good idea to try a different PSU from another computer and see if that solves the problem? Is it possible that it could be any other thing -- some kind of case short, or something?

 

[montag451]

IF there is no power at all, then it is definitely a psu problem,
BUT, when the psu went, maybe it took something else with it, like a mobo or ram or etc etc.....

That is why it is worth spending a little extra on a known reliable brand -
Good psu's also can act as a buffer against small surges - ones that cheaper branded psu's just pass on to the system

 

[Nebben]

Would a 200W power supply work for this system, at least to test and make sure that's the problem?

I can't get a PSU here for cheap, so ordering is my only option, and I don't want to do that and find out it's not the problem even though I think it's most likely it.

 

[bendixG15]

Strip it down to bare essentials..video, cdrom, HDD, 1 memory stick
and away we go with a 200 power supply........

In other words, ..Do It..you have nothing to loose

 

[dgevert]

Unplug and remove the PSU from the system completely, and try using a paperclip or piece of stiff metal wire and connect the green wire on the ATX connector (the big 20 pin) to one of the black wires (ground.) I don't think it matters, but I usually use one of the black wires a few pins to the right of the green wire. Then turn the power supply on. If the PSU still works, then you will at least see the fan(s) on the PSU start spinning up.