Hi everyone,

You probably get this problem a lot, but it's got me stumped!

I recently went to turn on my PC but nothing happened. No lights, beeps, fans or any sign of life at all.

I replaced the PSU but that made no difference. All connections are as they should be and nothing is obviously out of place. My motherboard and CPU are pretty new as I only replaced them 3 months ago and am a bit loathe to replace them as don't see why they might pack in so soon?

Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

Hello Bec,

Hmm--Lets start with obvious, have you checked the fuse in the plug, ( UK ), Then plug something you know that works into the socket you use for your PC, does that item work?

Have I got this right----your rebuilt PC was working, I don't know where you live and I'm guessing, but have you suffered a thunder storm recently, your PC may have suffered a power spike, which would take out your motherboard, PSU and so on.

Is it posible the power on button cable connectors has become detatched from the mother board

Failing all the above, PSUs do fail, even replacement ones.
Johanus

Hi Johanus,

Thanks for replying! I did check the fuse and tried the plug in a different socket. Was praying it was something as straightforward as that!

I live in Scotland and although we've had some pretty poor weather recently, don't think there's been any storms.

PSU I put in was brand new so hoping that wasn't faulty! Do you think I should just replace my motherboard?

One other thing, when I opened up the casing, I found a screw rattling around. Could this have had a say in what happened?

Hello Bec,

No I don't think the screw has anything to do with this, you should see what's fallen out of some of the PCs I've rebuilt for others, from mice to chicken bones.

The screw may have been left in the case by mistake, maybe one of the screws either holding your motherboard in place or those that hold your drives securely, either case it's not a problem.

Yes it is beginning to sound more like a main board failure and that's a pain.

However before you take the step of replacing it might I suggest you pay a visit to your local Maplins or equivalent and pick up a Psu, ( 450w ) telling them that if it's not the problem could you return it. It's a hassle I know but PSUs contain a micro fuse, this might have blown in your replacement one, please note, fitting a more powerfull PSU will create extra heat.

If it is your motherboard, why did you rebuilt or replaced parts in your existing set up originally.

I ask because this failure does sound like a power spike, and not necessarily due to a thunder storm.

Also, nothing kills a PC, ( cpu), like a build up of heat so while you're in Maplins or some such store pick your self up an exhaust fan and a couple of extra fans, ( if you have not already fitted any ), one larger then the other and fit them, please note adding extra fans might increase overall PC noise, I have three fitted in mine and don't find it a problem.

Also if you haven't already, please, please buy a 6/8 gang socket surge protector with phone sockets in/out puts, (looks just like an extension lead).

There are several brands available, a really good one is the Belkin brand sold in Argos, other outlets and online.

They're one of the few brands that guarantee to replace PC and other devices should they be damaged by an electrical surge when their unit is in use, these spikes can and do happen----often and screw PCs.

Your M/B could have just failed, are you able to return it?
Johanus

Hi Johanus,

I rebuilt my old pc as I had a similar pain of a problem a few months ago where my hard drive was working completely fine but my monitor just wouldn't connect. As I wasn't really sure what the problem was, I replaced everything until it worked! A bit of an expensive way to do it but I got it fixed in the end!

I thought that'd be the end of my troubles but it wasn't to be, evidently...

I don't have a surge protector but it sounds as though it could be a good investment. I have a Maplins not far from where I live so I'll pop in there tomorrow.

Not really too keen on going down the route of putting in new parts til it works again, but it sounds as though I may have to!

Thanks for all your advice.

Might get a glitch-free pc yet!

your CPU should be alright (unless your mobo didnt screw that up when/if it broke)
-if it was just your CPU, the fans would still work

your drives should also be ok so, as Johanus suggested, it is most likely to be your mobo, if you can send it back, do.... if not, try to get one that is the same socket as the one that is in now because if your cpu is ok, you will not need to replace that.

EDIT: sorry, if it was your mobo, your drives would not spin
so it is probably your psu

Mike

Hello Bec,

Do Do Do suspect your PSU and while in Maplins buying your surge protector invest in some fans, £6-00 each should do it, I promice you, money well spent, you won't regret it.

Let us know how you resolved this, post back, good luck,
Johanus

Thanks for the advice Mike. And you too Johanus. Did suspect a new motherboard might be on the agenda, just can't believe my rotten luck that I have to replace it only 3 months after fitting it! Grr..

Definitely going to invest in a surge protector and some more fans. The PSU is 550W so prob does need a bit of extra cooling.

Ah well, shopping day tomorrow! Just as well I got paid today!

I'll post (hopefully tomorrow with a functioning pc) to let you know how it goes.

7.99 is the cheapest i saw on their site: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...20fan&doy=26m5

you can also get ultra quiet ones aswell see a full list here: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?...e=9999&SD=true

i got mine for £1.69 here: http://www.mutr.co.uk/prodDetail.aspx?prodID=1174
its not a bad fan, i stuck it over the cpu

Originally Posted by madmikejt12

EDIT: sorry, if it was your mobo, your drives would not spin
so it is probably your psu