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PC doesn't power on

sponge008

Senior member
So, I'm posting for a friend. He has/had an emachines T2893, and he decided to switch it into a Powmax case. However, even though everything is plugged in (correctly) and the light on the motherboard is green, the computer simply doesn't turn on. Does anyone know what is wrong? Thanks.
 
First thoughts -> either a short or a badly seated video card.

Are you getting any error 'beeps' when you switch the machine on?
 
Trying booting with the bare esentials. Disconnect everything except for a single stick of ram, the video card, and the cpu/heatsink and fan. I hope he isn't the power supply that came with the case..powmax PSU's are one of the worst and I wouldn't trust it in any system..
 
Use a screwdriver head to turn on the PC via the pin headers; i.e., disconnect the button switch. If no go, try what stevty2889 recommended.
 
We've tried what stevty said, and tried using another (reliable) PSU. No go. I guess the switch could be faulty, we'll try that.
 
Didn't connect the power switch lead to the headers correctly? Try what Farmer said. Use a pocket knife blade or flat head screwdriver to "jump" or connect the two 'PWR BTN' pins. A lot of times they're pins 1 and 0, but check the manual to make sure. If the green light is on that means the motherboard is getting the standby voltage, and it's just waiting for the 'on' signal from the headers.
 
The next step if that doesn't work, would be to take the motherboard back out of the case, set it on a non-conductive surface, and again try to boot up with the bare minimums. He did put the motherboard on standoffs when he moved it over right? Make sure there are none that aren't lined up with a hole in the motherboard, because an out of place one can short the motherboard and give the problem you are having..
 
Try without RAM - it usually makes a continous beep - and without video - it should make three short beeps and a long one (if what I remember from 5 years ago is still good)
 
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