Help with PC problem please!

Oleg · 08-18-2008, 19:23

I've been having some PC issues for the last couple of weeks.

The problem is that sometimes when I switch my machine on, nothing happens. And I mean nothing at all, not just a failure to boot up.

I opened the case to see if I could see any obvious problems, which I couldn't, but I found that if I use the traditional repair technique of poking around at random with a screwdriver, I can get the machine to start after a while.

Once the PC switches on, I don't have any problems at all.

So I'm thinking what's happened is that I have some kind of loose connection in the 'starter motor', or whatever you call that on a PC. Perhaps the connection between the switch and the power supply.

Sometimes I also find that it starts after a short while. Like today, I had the problem, had a bit of a fiddle around inside and couldn't get it started, but then I went to make a cup of coffee and by the time I got back to the PC, it had started.

So, first question - do you think my loose connection diagnosis is correct?

Second question - if it is, what can I do about it? The inside of my PC is a maze of wires and I don't really know where to look.

Mega · 08-18-2008, 19:27

Poking around inside the case at random with a screwdriver - I'm surprised it still works! I hope the Power lead is pulled out before you do that.

My guess is the PSU (Power Supply Unit) is on the way out or that the connectors to the On/Off case to motherboard are loose.

Make and model of your pc may shed further light.

Oleg · 08-18-2008, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mega

Poking around inside the case at random with a screwdriver - I'm surprised it still works! I hope the Power lead is pulled out before you do that.

My guess is the PSU (Power Supply Unit) is on the way out or that the connectors to the On/Off case to motherboard are loose.

Make and model of your pc may shed further light.

It was careful poking

The PC is a custom-build audio machine made for me by Digital Village.

The PSU is made by FSP, model number FSP300-60PNA(PF).

CareBear · 08-18-2008, 19:36

In line with Mega's advice, I would (stop when one fixes the problem) ...

1. Check that the case on/off has a proper connection to the mother board
2. Check that the motherboard has a proper connection to the power supply
3. Try a different power supply
4. Try a different motherboard
5. Get beer

Mega · 08-18-2008, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oleg

It was careful poking

The PC is a custom-build audio machine made for me by Digital Village.

The PSU is made by FSP, model number FSP300-60PNA(PF).

If it is easily reproduceable (ie it happens pretty much every day) I'd suggest taking it to your nearest PC repair shop if it is out of Warranty with Digital Village.

Otherwise it's more than likely a case of:

http://www.fonerbooks.com/r_power.htm

or seeing if any of these tiny leads have come loose somehow:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11319_7-6424547-8.html

That's all I can think of anyway.

Rednexi · 08-18-2008, 19:39

The power on to your supply if its atx supply is between two pins, if they lose connection it wont go on...

http://wiki.extremeoverclocking.com/wiki/Power_Supply

Heres a guide to test it, if its faulty switch, regardless of 20 or 24 pin atx plug...

if that helps though, could be other thingys causing your problemo...

aridash · 08-18-2008, 20:18

very odd... if it were a loose connection (the obvious problem) you'd expect it to randomly shut off too, but you say its fine once started? only other thin i can think of is a dry joint somewhere, probably in the PSU - is it more like to work as expected when room is warm? having said that, if the loose wire was on the switch itself or between the switch and the m/b, that could mean it wont turn on reliably but not turn off either due to the way the switches work (some dont turn off the machine, or theres bios settings to disable this).

Oleg · 08-18-2008, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by aridash

very odd... if it were a loose connection (the obvious problem) you'd expect it to randomly shut off too, but you say its fine once started? only other thin i can think of is a dry joint somewhere, probably in the PSU - is it more like to work as expected when room is warm? having said that, if the loose wire was on the switch itself or between the switch and the m/b, that could mean it wont turn on reliably but not turn off either due to the way the switches work (some dont turn off the machine, or theres bios settings to disable this).

Yes, that's what I think is happening (the second part) - my power switch doesn't turn off the machine, and never has, so I think it's a 'one-way' thing.

Thanks for the help everyone, it looks like most people agree a loose connection is the likely culprit. So I guess now I just need to find it... might have to call in a pro for that.

Just to check one other thing about what people have said - I think you're saying I should expect to find a connection between switch and motherboard and a connection between motherboard and PSU, rather than a direct connection from switch to PSU, yes?

Mega · 08-18-2008, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oleg

Yes, that's what I think is happening (the second part) - my power switch doesn't turn off the machine, and never has, so I think it's a 'one-way' thing.

Thanks for the help everyone, it looks like most people agree a loose connection is the likely culprit. So I guess now I just need to find it... might have to call in a pro for that.

Just to check one other thing about what people have said - I think you're saying I should expect to find a connection between switch and motherboard and a connection between motherboard and PSU, rather than a direct connection from switch to PSU, yes?

The PSU connects to the motherboard directly and gives it power via a 20/24 pin connector. I dont think this is loose (check my first link)

The front on/off switch connects to the motherboard via a few small connectors (also the beep sound, power light, hard disk light and reset switch) - check my 2nd link for this.

If I was a betting man, (I dont gamble - Entropia isnt gambling you see

) I'd say the PSU is wearing out and needs replaceing. Whilst they are 'fairly' straight forward to replace - if you want to play safe - I still think you may be better off taking it to your local PC repair shop personally.

Depends how old your pc is - the older, the more likely I think thats your culprit.

Oleg · 08-18-2008, 21:00

The machine is about 3 years old but I replaced the motherboard about 18 months ago. The PSU is the original one so also 3 years old.

If the PSU was faulty or worn out, wouldn't that mean I'd get random power-downs too? It seems odd to me that it would only be a problem when switching on, but I don't really know how the PSU works.