Client PC - Suspect Failing PSU

[null_pointer_us]

Hey, I'm leaning towards a new PSU, but I wanted to ask just in case.


Specs:

- MSI K8N Neo4 (socket 939 board)
- Athlon X2
- ThermalTake 500W PSU (3-5 years?)
- 1 HDD, 1 DVD, and a USB remote


Description:

It worked fine for a while (1 year?).

Then, some months ago, the PC would not shut off completely. I mean, whenever the power cable from the surge protector was plugged into the PSU, all the fans would turn on, even though the power LED stays off.

After blowing some dust out of it, the computer no longer powers on. The fans turn on, but the diagnostic LEDs (system board) indicate some sort of issue with the processor, but this could just be a general problem getting power to the system board.

My conclusion is that the PSU is dead.


Troubleshooting:

- CPU reseated, thermal paste OK, CPU HSF/fan reseated and spins up
- DIMMs pushed in all the way
- Front Panel wires connected properly
- USB headers disconnected
- HDD and DVD drives and data cables disconnected
- Power cables connected securely
- No missing screws or loose parts
- Removed peripheral cards and USB devices

None of the above seems to affect the problem.

What's your opinion?

[brainbone]

Could be power supply, or check the capacitors on your motherboard for signs of capacitor plague.

You could also crack open your power supply and look for capacitor plague as well, since its a common cause of PS failure, and an easy way to identify a failed PS.

Keep in mind that a failed PS can also take the MB with it.

[GKusnick]

You can get a power supply tester for about $20.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e&Order=RATING

[null_pointer_us]

Ah, thanks. Both responses were timely and informative. I'll keep them in mind for future problems, and they may help others who read this thread later.

I dug up an old PSU and it got the computer to the BIOS screen (at which point I shut it off), so I've confirmed that the power supply is the problem (or one of the problems /cynicism).