My desk top just died

[David]

My desktop.....yes the one with the new memory just bleeped once went into a stand by like mode and now wont turn back on..........the multi usb point is illuminated so it has power but I think its  Any quick checks I can carry out.......before it goes off to the workshop 

[Rik]

Unplug everything but the memory, does it then complete POST? If it does, put the graphics card back, then repeat etc.

[David]

Wont even turn on now Rik let alone  POST

[kinmel]

Wont even turn on now Rik let alone  POST

First check that the on/off case switch is still functioning correctly.

If so does your Mb allow for BIOS recovery from a floppy?  if not the Mb , or the CPU, is dorked. 

[Rik]

Sounds like the PSU then, David. Do you have a spare you could try? (You have checked the plug fuse I take it?)

Or what Alan said.

[Dangerjunkie]

Sounds like a possible PSU fault to me. How old is the box and does it get left on for ages and ages or just turned on for short periods?

The good news is that a PSU replacement is an easy job. You'll need a philips screwdriver, some small cable ties to make it all neat and a pair of small cutters to trim the ties. Free up all the cables by snipping the ties, unplug all the connectors, unscrew PSU then reverse the process to install the new one.

Kinmel mentioned the case switch. You should find there is a block of pins with coloured wires and small plugs going into them for things like the switch, LEDs and speaker. Worth checking you didn't dislodge the switch one or any of the PSU-mobo plugs when you had the case open. From your description of the fault I don't think this is the case but worth checking anyway.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Glenn]

I too would say that the PSU is at fault. It is also the part that most manufacturers and builders skimp on, but is the single most important part of the PC. It does after all power every thing in the box.

[David]

Sounds like a possible PSU fault to me. How old is the box and does it get left on for ages and ages or just turned on for short periods?

The good news is that a PSU replacement is an easy job. You'll need a philips screwdriver, some small cable ties to make it all neat and a pair of small cutters to trim the ties. Free up all the cables by snipping the ties, unplug all the connectors, unscrew PSU then reverse the process to install the new one.

Kinmel mentioned the case switch. You should find there is a block of pins with coloured wires and small plugs going into them for things like the switch, LEDs and speaker. Worth checking you didn't dislodge the switch one or any of the PSU-mobo plugs when you had the case open. From your description of the fault I don't think this is the case but worth checking anyway.


Cheers,
Paul.

Sorry I had to go out.Yes it usually is on for a long periods at least 14 hours a day.I will check all the things,and yes I do have another machine which I hope the part I need will be taken out of and have all the tools you mentioned

[David]

Sounds like the PSU then, David. Do you have a spare you could try? (You have checked the plug fuse I take it?)

Or what Alan said.

Yes Rik carried out all the basic checks looks like I am going to take this part out of the other machine.this will be fun.....

[Dangerjunkie]

Hi David,

One thing to note is that PSUs are different depending on whether your machine has PATA or SATA drives. They will have different power connectors on the ends of the drive cables. If you're swapping or buying a new PSU you should check the one you're putting in has the right number and type of power plugs on it.

Cheers,
Paul.

[David]

Thanks Paul because of the fact I have been reading up.I know they are both SATA drives but will double check connections before any work is carried out..(thank goodness for RAM problems at least i know these basic things thank again) Rik you should be out surely ?

[David]

I dont know if this is the right one but will try if not pop over to maplins in the morning.I live just up the road.

The psu installed is a FSP 250-60 GEN
ac input 100-240
DC out 3.3 +5VSB 50/60 Hz

The spare one (still in the old machine is
Powerman
230 input
DC out 3.3 + 5VSB 50/60 Hz

Im not sure but they look on this right but will have to check the plugs as Paul said.....the secs look the same unless Im making a fool of myself again 

[Dangerjunkie]

FSP250... Is that a 250W PSU. As long as you get the right connectors and at least the same wattage you will be fine.

Maplin have this http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&ModuleNo=98736&doy=1m7 400W PSU for £20.

Cheers,
Paul.

[David]

You are brilliant that is the one..might as well wait until the morning and pop over there thank you all.I have to shower the children now......well I listen to thier day as they yell for the flannel soap etc .......

You have taken the fear right out of this....and I really cant quanify what this is worth...many thanks.

[Lona]

Hope everything goes well, David.  You and I seem to be having problems galore these days.

[LesD]

If it's 250 Watts now I would go for 300 Watts for the new one provided you get the same type, i.e  size, connectors etc. The reason being that more memory will demand a bit more power as do any other peripherals that may have been added. This just may have put the old PSU over the edge!

[Dangerjunkie]

Hi,

You have taken the fear right out of this....and I really cant quanify what this is worth...many thanks.

You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.

There aren't many things you do inside a machine that carry significant risk of damage. In most cases if you get something wrong it just won't work and you can go back and check it over to find what happened.

If you look how the old thing came out and take your time then you'll be fine. Almost every problem I've ever had was caused by trying to do something in a hurry and rushing it.

As long as you connect everything back up the same as it came out and don't obstruct the airflow or any fans you should be fine

Good luck,
Paul.

[David]

Hope everything goes well, David.  You and I seem to be having problems galore these days.

Thanks Lona,lucky I have the lap top.it will get sorted good luck with yours 

[David]

If it's 250 Watts now I would go for 300 Watts for the new one provided you get the same type, i.e  size, connectors etc. The reason being that more memory will demand a bit more power as do any other peripherals that may have been added. This just may have put the old PSU over the edge!

Thanks Les think I get the drift.as the one in the link is out of stock I will take myself over there later and take mine with me.just for peace of mind I am going to take a few photos of the psu in place so I wont make any error when connecting the new one.but I will be looking at the or gettin a 300.
We had 2 powercuts the other day and Im wondering if this has added to it,but thats academic just want to get stuck in and repair....as I said yesterday it may sound odd but if I am successsful the satisfaction of doing this will be enormous for me as I have for years paid out for someone else to do things..but thanks to you all on here I have a better (but humble) understanding of these things.Ifr I were younger I would take a course on this subject just to be able to be independent of "repairmen"

[Simon]

The thing with PSU connectors is, providing you get the right PSU, most of them only fit in one place, and one way round, so it's not that difficult to see where things are supposed to go.

[David]

Thanks Simon I got a little sidetracked reading the details on the psu s as they mention the colour of the wires.seems easy enough (in theory) 

[David]

Just returned from Maplins.had a good chat and wander around,I have got a X power ATX 450.I know it fits and should improve things it claims to have a silent duel fans and I cant wait to get to work,but have to earn a crust first so it will have to sit and wait for a few hours...roll on 4 pm.
Had a good chat,guy was really helpful and have already chosen the motherboard for my new pc (which I am going to build myself...

Oh to save you too much hassle got myself a brilliant book on how to build a pc even I can follow this...I have a feeling this might be an exciting little jouney....may even know what Im talking about one day 

[Rik]

Next, the Space Shuttle, David.

[David]

Got the enthusiasm though Rik and I have a feeling my bank balance will suffer.but could end up with a pc which is made for me without all the stuff on I never use.......Maplins here is next door to PC world and I wasnt even tempted to go in there despite Wendy saying why dont you buy a new one (bless her) I will now start getting my parts together  .......then maybe a ford fiesta...I will leave the space shuttle until next month although I did read  once that the early spaceships computor systems were no where near the spec of todays budget buys.

[Rik]

The early space computers were based on the 8-bit Motorola 6502 processor, as used in the BBC Micro.