"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.