computer wont turn on

[HansBbans]

hi everyone,
i had a custom built AMD pc which has been working fine for the past year. Last week, my computer suddenly wouldnt turn on. I didnt do anything for a day and the next day it worked fine and turned on. Then the other day, I left teh house for a bit, and when I came back, my computer was off(it had been on when i left) and now it wont turn on at all?

any ideas waht oculd be wrong. A friend suggested looking for shorts which I have checked and I dont thikn thats the problem. Any suggestions? Please help!

 

[Rolcahl]

Do you get any power at all (motherboard leds light up? fans spin?) Do you have a spare power supply that you could test with?

 

[HansBbans]

in the beginning, once or twice, the mobo light would slichtly flicker then everytihng would turn off. now i get nothing.

 

[Rolcahl]

It could be a faulty power supply. Have you tried unplugging cd roms, hard drives and extra fans to see if you get any power to the board? I take it you do not have another psu or computer to test out your components? How old is this computer? Even though it is custom built you should still have a warrantly on the parts. Of course the problem is finding out just which part(s) is causing the issue. If you can get your hands on another psu, that could really help in determining the issue. You can also check the connections from the psu to the motherboard to make sure that they are seated properly.

Hope this helps

 

[HansBbans]

just tried a new power supply and still not turning on. gotta double check connectoins and such, but if its not the power supply, what could it be.

 

[Rolcahl]

It could be the motherboard or cpu. Not sure if the ram could cause this issue, as it should give you some kind of audible beep with memory issues. Do you know of anyone that has the same socket type cpu as you? If so you could find out fairly quickly by plugging it in to their board. You might also want to remove your heatsink and check for any visable damage to the cpu (burned or cracked core, etc)

What make/model motherboard do you have?

 

[OhioState]

also see if you motherboard has Bulging caps. That killed my epox 8rda+

 

[TheSophist]

This sounds simple, but it should not be overlooked. Check the AC outlet.



TheSophist

 

[HansBbans]

i've got a chaintech vnf3-250 mobo. no problems with the ac outlet. any other ideas?

 

[BadThad]

Since you've eliminated the power supply, the only time I really see a problem like that (on a long running system) is when the mobo has died.

 

[HansBbans]

if im replacing the mobo, do i need to get teh same one or can i get a different one?

 

[guidzilla]

If it has manufacturer warranty you should be able to RMA it to them to be either fixed or replaced.

 

[HansBbans]

warranty has expired so i need to get a new mobo. does it matter if i switch mobos for my OS integrity etc. its hard to find the chaintech.

 

[ChonChon]

nothing will happen if u change the mobo. you will just (of course) install the new drivers. the OS will be fine, dont worry about it

 

[iluvtruenos]

Have you tried the power switch on the front bezel? Don't laugh, I've known people overlook that and realize it only after getting a new PSU, mobo, proc, etc.