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diagnosing power problem

jacksonpt

Turbo Monkey
Jul 22, 2002
6,791
59
Vestal, NY
I've got a PC that won't power on - is there a way to test the power supply, short of swapping in a new one?

My building lost power the other day and the PC won't turn on since.
 

$tinkle

Expert on blowing
Feb 12, 2003
14,591
6
if you get power from the same source to other devices, it's 99.999% toasted
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
A new PSU is cheap.

A new good PSU is expensive.


What kinda machine are we talking about here? Is it a recent model fast computer or an older one?
 

Arkayne

I come bearing GIFs
May 10, 2005
3,738
15
SoCal
You could crack it open (4 screws) and check the fuse if you really want to skimp. I recommend a new ps.
 

jacksonpt

Turbo Monkey
Jul 22, 2002
6,791
59
Vestal, NY
No smell, it's a newish dell, not quite a year old, probably under warranty but I can't really afford to be without a the box for as long as it would take to warranty it out.
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
No smell, it's a newish dell, not quite a year old, probably under warranty but I can't really afford to be without a the box for as long as it would take to warranty it out.

Throw a cheap PSU in there and see if it powers up. If not, attempt warranty, but I doubt they will honor it if the system was fried from a power surge.
 

binary visions

The voice of reason
Jun 13, 2002
22,092
1,132
NC
I've got a brand new Antec Earthwatts 380W PSU at home, only installed once to boot a machine and then put away.

$30 + shipping and it's yours. It's like getting a cheap PSU, only it's actually a pretty decent one :D