Power problems, not the PSU

[NonOffensiveNameHere]

So my boss had this computerr that he brought to me and said it turned off and wouldent turn back on, I took it home and it turned on fine, went through this again, about two weeks ago, now he brings it in a third time and now it really wont turn back on, he said he left the room for a second with it on and he came back and it was off. I tested the PSU and it is fine and the wires running to the front button look good and button it self seems to be working. Any other ideas?

It's a P4 ASUS board.

 

[boomdawg]

So you've replaced the PSU and let it run for a few days and the problem doesn't come back? Or areyou saying it's not the PSU cause you've replaced it and the same problem persists. If the later is the case then I'd have to say your mobo has gone out, but that's me.

 

[gsaldivar]

I'm also confused by what you meant in saying "I tested the PSU and its fine". Did you actually replace the PSU with a known-good one, or just open the case and check the cables, etc.?

 

[NonOffensiveNameHere]

I put the PSU in a different machine and it powered right up.

 

[gsaldivar]

Remove all PCI/AGP cards, unplug all drives, remove all RAM, try powering up. If it succeeds (you should hear the PSU cycle, and a RAM memory beep error), I'd suspect one of the aforementioned devices. If it fails, i'd suspect a motherboard defect, case short, or PSU compatibility issue. In the event of a suspected case short, disassemble the computer completely, and verify that motherboard standoffs are being used, and that there are no loose screws, metal shavings, etc. in the case. Examine both sides of the motherboard under bright light closely for any small burn marks or signs of arcing. When reassembling, look very closely for any physical contact between the motherboard and the case (other than the mounting holes and back panel). Post your results back to this thread. :beer:

 

[boomdawg]

I'm still not convinced it's NOT the PSU but your added info does lean more toward a motherboard issue. Remember the original problem was not constant. My opinion is still as stated above. If you can rule out the PSU I'm looking at mobo.

 

[gsaldivar]

Originally posted by: boomdawg
I'm still not convinced it's NOT the PSU but your added info does lean more toward a motherboard issue.

I agree with Boomdawg, I'm not entirely sure the problem isn't a PSU compatibility issue. The way to rule this out is to install a known-good PSU into the system you're having problems with. Unfortunately, pulling the PSU out of a problematic system and testing it with a known-good system may not rule out a compatibility issue or intermittent failure.

 

[NonOffensiveNameHere]

It's worked fine for two years. Just started having problems about 6 months ago. It was made I beleive at a shop that most people agree sells crap though.

 

[NonOffensiveNameHere]

Pulled the ram and all the drives and there are no cards and still nothing.

 

[boomdawg]

If you're still getting absolutely nothing I'd try the powersupply from the other system you mentioned (you put this PSU into another computer I'm assuming it had one to begin with). If it still doesn't work at all congratultions I'd replace your mobo.