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Thread ID: 103091 2009-09-12 06:09:00 Hardware failure Amicus 400 (10254) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
809295 2009-09-12 06:09:00 My desk top has just failed. when I press the on/off button there is no response whatsoever. it is plugged into a live socket

Logic tells me that the problem could either be the power supply or the mother board. I can find out by buying a power supply and seeing if that fixes the problem. if it does not then proceed to buying a new motherboard and if that does not work go to fixit man.

Is there a simple diagnostic process that I can follow to see which component has failed?

I would like to avoid paying someone to do what I can do my self. (Just like the mitre 10 advert).

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

Regards
Amicus 400 (10254)
809296 2009-09-12 06:10:00 Open the case and short the pwr and gnd pin next to it, with a screwdriver. It maybe a bung on/off button. If it works, get another case. Speedy Gonzales (78)
809297 2009-09-12 06:32:00 Check that the switch on the PSU is on too.

I know. But easily overlooked.
Sweep (90)
809298 2009-09-12 21:32:00 I can find out by buying a power supply and seeing if that fixes the problem. if it does not then proceed to buying a new motherboard and if that does not work go to fixit man.


Hell of an expensive way to diagnose.

Because I have spare components I can use that method.


I'd start with RAM if there is no response at all.

Then PSU.
And unplug everything not needed, add on cards, drives etc.
pctek (84)
809299 2009-09-13 04:14:00 Many thanks, you are on the money with your observation about the "swap and see" method being expensive, that's what prompted the question.

Unfortunately, I don't have many spare components so I will have to come up with an alternative method.

Thanks for the comments.
Amicus 400 (10254)
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