Dead power supply????

Hi, I wonder if anyone could help me on this one?

Specs as follows:

AMD Athlon 3400+
ASUS K8VSE DELUXE Mobo
2 x HDD
2 x DVD Drive
1 x Card Reader
1 x NVidia 5900 graphics card
1 x Hauppage TV Card
1 x NIC
1 x Audigy2 zx Platinum Sound CArd
Current psu: HEC 425VR PTL Total 350w Peak 425w Combined Peak 400w

The problem I have is that my computer suddenly have stopped starting. It was over a week ago the last time I used the computer and it seemed fine. I turned it off and when I tried to turn it back on today there was no response whatsoever. I tried swapping power cable but obviously this was not the problem so I opened it up and there was a supply to the mobo and my TV card because both of those have a small lught on them.

What could this be? I suspect the power supply but am confused that there is a sign of power on the mobo and TV card. Or could it be the motherboard?

Thanks for your help

 

Try a different power supply in your system. It could be your motherboard got fried due to a surge during a storm. That is if you have had any recently. That's odd... Also make sure the power on button wires are attached to the motherboard tightly.

 

I'll get one on order today. Oh and a big YES!! We,ve had thunder storms that were in the UK national news where I live in the last two weeks, so this could be a possibility.

I'll get back with the result

Thanks

 

Before you do anything, make sure you read up and understand about power supplies. They are one of the most critical components in the computer.

Have a look at the side of the power supply (PSU) that is currently in your computer, and read off the number ending in a W (like 100W, 200W etc). This is one of the most important numbers in the unit as it specifies the wattage the unit is able to supply. Make sure you buy a unit with the same or higher wattage otherwise the system might not run.

Have a look at this article to see which PSU maker to buy from, becuase if you get a cheap PSU it is liekly to blow within the first six months, and may take out some or all of the other components in your computer. Do NOT skimp on the PSU!

Have a look here: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=208143

 

It definitely sounds like the mobo to me ... but for your sake I hope its the PSU

 

Oh dear, its not the PSU as suspected. :cry

I'm now looking out for a replacement mobo, processor and memory. I don't know if this the right place but what do you think of my choices so far?

Intel Duel Core E5200 2x2.5ghz 2Mb Cache 800Mhz FSB £46.98
Asus P5Q SE Intel P45 (socket 775) Pci Express DDR2 Mobo £61.50
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2x2GB)DDR2 PC28500c5 1066MHz Duel Channel Kit £49.99

This will be the first time I have ever replaced a motherboard so I've done a bit of research. The only thing I am confused about is the maximum memory:confused.
I hear it is only 3GB, anything above that is useless. If this is so why sell 4GB kits? I know 64 Bit windows is out now but its hardly popular. Is it just that most people are unaware that windows can only handle 3GB? :confused

 

I would be looking for a good surge protector first, so it cant happen again with the new MB. Try clearing the cmos either by jumpers or removing the MB battery with psu unpluged, not all things are what they appear. ed

 

I have the same problem going on right now with one of my comps. I had power to everything but nothing would load, just a dead black screen. I checked my monitor and vid cards just in case, they're fine, and now I have a new Asus M3N-HT Deluxe on the way. On the chance it is the psu, I was planning on a new mobo soon anyway. We'll see.

Your mobo, cpu, and memory all go together fine. The first time I replaced a mobo, I wound up with an 8-pin socket for the cpu power and didn't have but a 4-pin wire running from my psu, so I wound up having to buy a new psu also. Make sure your mobo and psu type match, i.e. both are ATX, ATX12v, etc. Also make sure your video card is compatible, but anything newer wil be PCI-E, only really a concern if you have an old vc.

32bit OS's will only make use of just more than 3gig memory (I've seen 3.3 and other figures thrown around, I'm not sure exactly how much over 3, maybe someone more knowledgeable can say). Depending on what you use your computer for, you can see a difference in 4 gigs over 3 gigs in a 32 bit rig. To make use of more than that, you'll need a 64bit os.

Good luck board swapping!

 

If I have a unit that has the motherboard simply quit working I NEVER use the power supply the motherboard was hooked to.
A PSU can go bad, fry the motherboard, but still appear to work.
Hook a new motherboard to it & it gets fried immediatly too.

The only way to test a questionable power supply is with a proper tester as it needs to be tested under a full load, not just at a "idle" .

 

Thankyou all for the excellent advice. I will try the cmos battery first as at the moment I could do without spending money on the unecessary. Normally I'd do it just to keep up with tech but pennies are tight.

I'll let you know either way,

Thanks again