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| Thread ID: 24544 | 2002-09-13 08:20:00 | Suspect: wonky power supply | buzzybee (1069) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 79189 | 2002-09-13 08:20:00 | I've 'inherited' a generic computer with Cyrix Xpress MB with on-board audio, graphics, USB etc. Processor type 586 Pentium with Cyrix MediaGX MMX-S 233 Mhz CPU. The first time I turned it on, it fired up OK except for a 'low battery' message. It runs Win98 SE on 4Gb HDD. Deciding it was worth keeping, I went and bought a new modem for it. From then it all went to custard and it just won't fire up anymore (with or without modem) I have a feeling I was given this comp because it had the same prob for the previous owner and it was just a fluke that it started for me once. Now, to come to the crux of the matter, I have a gut feeling that it may have something to do with the power supply and/or power connections along the way. Why? because as soon as I plug the power supply cable into the comp, the CPU fan starts whirring around but nothing but a black screen with no amount of pressing the on/off switch making the slightest difference. On the other hand, when I press the 'Reset' button, the power led blinks and it appears to reset itself, but still no response from on/off button and still a black screen. This comp box is unusually small (in my experience), measuring just 30X40X9 cm (300X400X90mm) and has an equally small power supply box which delivers only 80 Watt Max. Now a couple of questions: 1) How safe (or dangerous) would it be to transplant the lot into another box with a bigger power supply say 120 - 200 Watt? (I have a few lying around) 2) Would a competent electrician (who knows little or nothing about computers) be able to either tell me if the PS is faulty and if so, be able to fix it? On the other hand, it may be worth trying to find a matching power supply. But then, before I do that, I want to know if it IS the PS at fault or something else I haven't come across yet! Hope someone can help, Look forward to replies and thanx mates, in advance! BuzzyBee |
buzzybee (1069) | ||
| 79190 | 2002-09-13 08:54:00 | buzzybee, before you get too into fixing it, try one thing - have a look at the point on the MB where all the connections are, eg HDD LED, Reset button, Power Button, etc. etc. and switch the Reset switch plug around with the Power switch plug - it sounds to me like they could be plugged into the wrong place, which could be why you get a little bit of life when you press the reset button. Just an idea... Mike. |
Mike (15) | ||
| 79191 | 2002-09-13 09:12:00 | Hi Mike, Thanx for your reply, your thought was mine too and yes, I swapped those around for a bit, but ended worse off until I put them back where they were supposed to be. Everything is very clearly marked, so, not much chance of putting wrong connector on wrong pins... except maybe 'back to front' tried that too! Anymore suggestions welcome though! Buzz |
buzzybee (1069) | ||
| 79192 | 2002-09-13 09:26:00 | There is no reason why you cant transplant the whole lot into another case with a larger powersupply provided that the powersupply connecters are of the same style and you of course plug them in the right way round. But I dont think this is your issue. As stated you have a "sad" battery. Start with that and replace it first. Then preform a BIOS reset. There should be a jumper close to the battery which when either opened or close will reset the BIOS chip. As the BIOS uses voilitle memory it needs a battery to keep the information intact. If your battery is below par then the BIOS may have corrupt info causing the above problem. Let us know how you go ==Orac== |
Orac (656) | ||
| 79193 | 2002-09-13 09:45:00 | Well Orac, I have had cases of 'sad' batteries before and despite that, have been able to get into Bios, reset it and carry on from there... for one session. In this case, I cannot get into BIOS at all, as I get nothing but black (blank) screen. Are you sure about the transplanting all to other -more powerful- supply case? I don't want to fry the Motherboard!! Buzz |
buzzybee (1069) | ||
| 79194 | 2002-09-13 10:08:00 | I have had a few puffed power supplies. They do give the symptom you describe, but 80W is very low. I have also transplanted motherboards to other cases with no problems (as long as the motherboard fits) If a regulator is needed to adjust the voltage to the processor, then that will be on the motherboard, so as long as the plugs fit, any power supply will do I would remove all pci cards and hard drive connections/floppy drives and see if you get a bios screen or beep codes. If not then the power supply must be dead, or the motherboard I wouldn't waste money electrician as a second hand power supply is cheap at trade me(although its doubtful that you will find small one to fit this case) |
Marty2001 (421) | ||
| 79195 | 2002-09-13 10:08:00 | yes useing another powersupply will be fine. there are two main types at and atx which have different plugs. with at power supply just check you have the black leads in the centre of the two plugs. | tweak'e (174) | ||
| 79196 | 2002-09-13 10:28:00 | Bottom line is an electrician is unlikely to know one end of a computer power supply from the other. If you really want help, go the a TV-Video repair shop, they at least know about switch mode power supplies. Putting the guts into a bigger case with a more powerful power supply wont blow anything up. Its the output voltage that matters, not the current capacity (power). Your works will only draw as much power as they need. To be honest 80W sounds puny and I'm surprised it manages to run its own fan. If you want to save expense, see if you can borrow another psu and plug it in temporarily to see if the rest of the box is functional. Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 79197 | 2002-09-13 10:42:00 | Thank you so much Marty and Tweak'e, I'm starting to feel a little more easy about the transplant but still can't help thinking the diff in wattage may fry MB. I've taken 'chances' in the past when there was nothing much to lose, but in this case I want to be 100% sure it's OK before I do it. What with the wattage being so low compared to 'normal' PS's. I've already done Marty's advise to disconnect all to see if I get beep codes and bios screen, without success, so, am left only with trying the transplant. I think you are right Marty when it comes to PS size being hard to find, 'cause apart from wattage, it is special shape to fit into small space. I just need a little more assurance that I won't fry MB or cpu by transplanting to more powerful supply! The plug is of one piece, so no problem there... I think? :) |
buzzybee (1069) | ||
| 79198 | 2002-09-13 11:02:00 | Billy T :) nice to meet you, nice! Said electrician is newly acquired 'acquaintance' who does TV and Video repairs. He collects my cast off's and saves the power supplies for whatever reason. So, now I'm worried about the input/output you mention, how important is that? This box's input/output seems to have a range of options.... too much to go into at this time of night! Hugs, Buzz |
buzzybee (1069) | ||
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