Find out tell if your ATX power supply is dead.
Faulty construction, electrical shock and overheating due to poor ventilation can cause your computer's ATX power supply to fail. However, there are various other factors that can prevent your computer from powering on, besides a dead power supply. But by following a few simple tips, you can determine if a dead power supply is the cause of your computer's power issues.
Instructions
1. Ensure that the power switch on the back of your power supply is flipped on and that the power supply is set to the proper voltage--set it to 110V for North American households. Turn on your computer and watch the power supply's fan to see if starts to spin.
2. Check the power outlet that your computer's power supply is plugged into to ensure that the outlet is functioning. Test the outlet with a lamp or a cell phone and charger to see if the outlet is dispersing power.
3. Check the power supply's internal connection to your computer's motherboard. Power down your computer and disconnect any cables attached to it. Remove the screws securing the computer's casing and the slide the case off.
4. Rub your hands against a metal portion of your computer to discharge any static from your body. Then, check the power connector on the end of the thick braid for wires running from your power supply to your motherboard. Ensure that the power connector is securely seated in the power port on your motherboard.
5. Disconnect the power supply's power cable from the port on the motherboard if your power supply still shows no life. Plug the power connector into a power supply tester and power the computer on. If the power supply tester's LEDs are green, then your power supply is good and the problem lies in the motherboard. If the LEDs don't light up or light up red, then your power supply is dead.
Tags: power supply, your computer, your power supply, computer power, computer power supply, power connector