"My Computer Will Not Turn On" - Troubleshooting PC Power Supply | Computers and Coffee

Summary

Brad from ibuypower presents a beginner-friendly troubleshooting guide for PCs that won't power on. The video advises viewers to follow the guide in full and seek technical support if needed. It covers checking power connections, ensuring the power supply is on, and verifying major power cables like the 24-pin connector and power button header. A key step is 'jumping' the power button to test if the issue is with the button or switch. If the PC still doesn't power on, the guide suggests 'jumping' the power supply to determine if it's faulty. The video concludes with advice on seeking further assistance for unresolved issues.

Takeaways

• 🔌 Always ensure your PC is completely turned off and unplugged before working inside it.
• 👀 Watch the entire video guide before starting to avoid skipping essential steps.
• 🔍 Check the power cord, power supply switch, and power strip/outlets for proper connections and functionality.
• 🔩 Inspect the 24-pin power connector for proper seating and no gaps between the connector and the motherboard port.
• 🔄 Verify the power button header and ensure it's securely connected and not loose or damaged.
• 🔌 Perform a power button header jump using a metal object to simulate the power button press if necessary.
• ⚡ Jump the power supply by bridging specific pins with a paperclip to test if it's functioning correctly.
• 🛠️ Unplug peripheral devices and cables before jumping the power supply to isolate the issue.
• 🔬 If the power supply test shows no activity, it's likely the power supply is the issue.
• 💻 If the PC powers on after jumping the power supply, plug in components one by one to identify the problematic part.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this video guide?

The purpose of the video is to provide a beginner-level troubleshooting guide for when a PC is not powering on at all.

What are the three important steps that a PC goes through during every power-on cycle?

The three steps are: Power (the PC receives power from the power supply, indicated by LEDs or fans), Post (the motherboard checks the attached hardware, usually showing a logo on the display), and Boot (the operating system starts, leading to the login screen or desktop).

What should you do before starting to troubleshoot your PC?

Before troubleshooting, you should ensure the PC is completely turned off and unplugged. It’s also important to watch the guide in its entirety and follow each step carefully.

What tools should you prepare before following this troubleshooting guide?

You should have a few Phillips head screwdrivers and optionally a tool to cut zip ties and a paper clip.

What is the first thing to check if the PC does not power on?

First, ensure that the power cord is securely plugged into the PC and the power supply switch is set to 'on.' Also, verify that the power strip and outlets are working by testing them with another device.

What should you do if the PC is still not powering on after checking the external connections?

You should open the PC and check the major power cables, especially the 24-pin power cable on the motherboard, and ensure it is securely plugged in. Also, check the power button cable and its connection to the motherboard.

How do you check if the power button cable is properly connected?

Locate the power button cable on the lower right corner of the motherboard (usually labeled as 'power SW'). Check if it’s securely plugged into the correct pins, and ensure none of the other cables, like those for hard drive or power LEDs, are loose.

What is the purpose of jumping the power button header, and how do you do it?

Jumping the power button header is used to determine if the power button or cable is faulty. To do this, remove the power button plug, then use a metal object like a screwdriver to bridge the two pins where the power button connects while the PC is plugged in.

How can you test whether the power supply unit (PSU) is functional?

You can test the PSU by jumping the 24-pin power cable using a paper clip to connect specific pins (green and black if color-coded). After connecting the paper clip, plug the machine back in and turn it on. If the PSU’s fan runs, it’s likely working.

What should you do if jumping the power supply does not result in any activity?

If there is no activity after jumping the power supply, it’s likely that the power supply is dead and needs to be replaced.

What can you do if your PC powers on after jumping the power supply but stops when a certain component is plugged in?

If the PC stops powering on after plugging in a specific component, that component or its connection may be faulty, which can help diagnose the problem further.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Troubleshooting PC Power Issues

Brad from ibuypower presents a beginner-level guide to troubleshoot a PC that is not powering on. The video emphasizes the importance of following the guide in full before starting and ensuring the PC is unplugged during internal checks. It outlines the three key steps a PC goes through during a power-on cycle: receiving power, POST (Power On Self Test), and booting up to the login screen or desktop. The guide focuses on a no power scenario and suggests preparing tools like screwdrivers and a paper clip. It advises checking the power cord, power supply switch, and power strip before opening the PC. Inside the PC, it instructs to check major power connectors like the 24-pin power cable, power button header, and other cables for hard drives and LEDs. The guide also includes a method to jump the power button header and a step to test the power supply by bridging specific pins with a paperclip, which helps determine if the power supply is faulty.

05:02

🔌 Testing Power Supply and Further Diagnosing

The second paragraph continues the troubleshooting process by focusing on testing the power supply unit (PSU). It describes how to use a paperclip to bridge specific pins on the 24-pin power cable to check if the PSU is functional. If the PSU fan turns on and there's activity from other components, it suggests that the PSU is likely not the issue. If there's no activity, the PSU might be dead. The guide then advises plugging in cables one by one to identify if a specific component is causing the power issue. If the PC still doesn't power on after these steps, it indicates a potential hardware issue that may require advanced troubleshooting or support. The video concludes by inviting viewers to share comments or concerns and thanks them for watching.

Keywords

💡Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting refers to the process of diagnosing and resolving issues with a system or device. In the context of the video, troubleshooting is the main theme as it guides viewers through steps to resolve a PC that is not powering on. The script outlines a systematic approach to identify the cause of the problem, starting from checking power connections to more advanced steps like jumping the power supply.

💡PC Power-On Cycle

The PC power-on cycle is the sequence of events that occur when a computer is powered on. The video explains that this cycle involves three key steps: power (the PC receiving power), POST (Power On Self Test where the motherboard initializes), and boot (the operating system loading). Understanding this cycle is crucial for troubleshooting as it helps identify at which stage the PC might be failing.

💡Power Supply

A power supply unit (PSU) is the component that converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer. The script emphasizes checking the power supply as a potential cause for a PC not powering on, including verifying its switch is on and later jumping the PSU to test if it's functional.

💡POST (Power On Self Test)

POST is a diagnostic routine that runs when a computer is powered on. It checks the computer's hardware to ensure it's functioning correctly. The video script mentions POST as a step in the power-on cycle, and a lack of POST could indicate a hardware issue that needs further investigation.

💡Motherboard

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) within a computer and serves as the backbone for all other components. The script discusses the importance of the motherboard in the power-on process, particularly in relation to the 24-pin power connector and the power button header, which are critical for the PC to start.

💡Power Button Header

The power button header is a set of pins on the motherboard that connects to the power button on the computer case. If this connection is loose or disconnected, the PC will not power on. The video script provides instructions on how to jump the power button header as a troubleshooting step to bypass potential issues with the power button or its cable.

💡Cables and Connectors

Cables and connectors are essential for transmitting power and data within a computer. The script details the importance of checking major power connectors like the 24-pin cable and the power button header, as well as other cables that might affect the power-on process, such as those for hard drives and LEDs.

💡Jumping the Power Supply

Jumping the power supply is a method used to test if the PSU is providing power. It involves using a paperclip to short two specific pins on the 24-pin power connector when the PSU is unplugged. The video script describes this process as a way to determine if the PSU is the issue if the PC does not power on.

💡Hardware Issue

A hardware issue refers to a problem with the physical components of a computer. The video script suggests that if the PC still does not power on after all the troubleshooting steps, there may be a hardware issue that requires advanced support. This could involve faulty components that need replacement or repair.

💡Technical Support

Technical support is assistance provided by trained professionals to help users with technical problems. The script encourages viewers to reach out to technical support if they feel uncomfortable or stuck during the troubleshooting process, emphasizing the importance of seeking help when dealing with complex issues.

Highlights

Brad from ibuypower presents a troubleshooting guide for PCs that won't power on.

The guide is beginner-friendly and should be watched in full before starting.

Ensure the PC is off and unplugged during troubleshooting.

Technical support is available for those who get stuck or feel uncomfortable.

Understanding the power-on cycle involves three key steps: power, post, and boot.

Check the power cord, power supply switch, and power strip/outlets for functionality.

The 24-pin power cable should be securely connected to the motherboard.

Inspect the power button header on the motherboard for proper connection.

The power button cable may be plugged in upside down, so check orientation.

Other cables for hard drive LEDs and the reset switch should be checked for correct polarity.

Jumping the power button header can simulate the power button press.

Unplug the PC and remove major power cables before jumping the power supply.

Use a paperclip to bridge specific pins on the 24-pin power cable to test the PSU.

If the PSU fan turns on, the power supply is likely not the issue.

Plug in cables one by one after testing the PSU to identify a problematic component.

If the PC still won't power on, there may be an underlying hardware issue.

The guide concludes with a prompt to seek advanced support if the issue persists.

Transcripts

[Music]

everyone this is Brad from ibuypower

today we'll be doing a quick

troubleshooting guide for when your PC

is not powering on at all this is a

beginner level guide so it's designed to

be accessible for most users as with all

guides we recommend that you watch this

video through in its entirety before

starting no matter how confident you are

please do not skip a single step unless

the guide tells you to all steps here

are included deliberately and skipping

steps can result in the guide painting

ineffective unless instructed otherwise

always make sure your PC is completely

turn off and unplugged while working

inside of it if you get stuck are feel

uncomfortable at any point feel free to

reach out directly to our technical

support for assistance either via email

phone or a live chat first let's make

sure you're in the right place on every

power-on cycle the PC will go through

three important steps power the PC is

receiving power from the power supply

usually some LEDs will light up at the

fans of smooth post short for power on

self test the PCs motherboard will

initialize and check all attached

Hardware your display will activate

usually showing a company logo post is

required to access the system's BIOS

boot if your PC has an operating system

like Windows it has successfully booted

once you see your login screen or

desktop

this guide only covers a no power

scenario so for no post or no boot refer

to their respective guides for this

guide you should prepare the following

tools a few Phillips head screwdrivers

and optionally something to cut zip ties

and a paper clip make sure your hands

are clean and dry before touching any

components and never touch any

electrical contacts under any

circumstance first we will check some of

the easier parts before actually opening

up the PC make sure your power cord is

securely plugged into the PC and your

power supplies switch is set to on which

is the side of the line make sure your

power strip and outlets are working just

plug another device into them and see

about works you will open up the PC and

check some of the major cables that

supply power in most cases you won't

need to access the rear cable management

for this step there are three major

power connectors in your system will be

focused on the large 24-pin power cable

which is usually located on the upper

right edge of the motherboard most power

supply plugs have a clip that you will

need to squeeze in order to pull them

out make sure the 24-pin connector seems

properly clipped to its port on the

board then there is no gap between the

plastic of the connector and the port if

you do need to replug this connector

just keep in mind that it is very rigid

and requires more force than most normal

PC connectors to plug in you may

encounter a lot of resistance both

plugging in and removing

if the 24-pin seems seated correctly the

next cable to check is the header for

the cases power button if this cable

gets disconnected or broken the computer

will not respond different models of

motherboard can ferry but for the most

part the power button cable is plugged

into a set of pins located on the lower

right corner of the motherboard it's a

small plastic connector that usually

says something like power SW on it but

it's sometimes plugged in upside down so

you won't be able to read it once you

locate those plugs check if any of them

are loose or dangling our cable connects

two pins three and four along the top

row you notice others of these cables

they are for hard drive and power

indicator LEDs as well as the reset

switch button cables can be plugged in

either direction but the LED ones have

polarity so you must plug them in with

the plus facing left the HDD led plug

may not have the polarity indicated so

look for an arrow

molded into the plastic that indicates

the plus sign if your PC is still not

powering on the last thing to try is to

jump the power button header you will

need to locate the power button header

pins from earlier remove the plug that

is there to expose the pins now while

the PC is plugged in and power switch is

on use a metal object like the end of a

screwdriver to bridge these two pins

together this performs the same action

as pressing the power button in case the

cable or the switch itself is broken

the last step in this guide is to jump

the power supply this may be an

intimidating step for some folks but it

will let you know of your power supply

is dead before attempting this procedure

again make sure your power supply is

often unplugged

unplug as many of the PCs main power

cables as you have easy access to this

includes the video cards power cables

the athan CPU power cable which may be

difficult to reach so if you can't

access it that's fine but if you can try

to remove it and any molex or SATA power

connected to drives and accessories as a

tip take a photo of your cable

management and each connector you unplug

to remember where it goes once you have

all your items unplugged

grab your 24-pin power cable and use a

paperclip to bridge these two pins if

your PSU has colored wiring it will be a

green and a black wire if not refer to

this diagram for the location of the

pins after connecting the paperclip plug

the machine in and turn it back on you

should be able to hear your power

supplies fan turn on and if you left

some hardware plugged in you may see

some activity from the PC

this means your PSU is likely not the

source of the problem if you get no

discernible activity then a dead power

supply is the likely culprit if you got

activity from jumping the power supply

turn the PC back off then start plugging

in cables one at a time and turning the

PC back on until either you have all of

them plugged back in or suddenly you

notice it stops turning on after

plugging in a specific component

whatever that plug is may help in

diagnosing the problem if at this point

you're still unable to power on your PC

then you likely have some manner of

hardware issue this would be the time to

proceed to some advanced

our support stuff well that concludes

our guide hopefully your issue was

resolved somewhere along the way if you

have comments or concerns feel free to

leave them as a comment on this video or

hit us up on social media thank you

you

[Music]