How Do You Diagnose And Replace A Failed PC Power Supply?
When a PC power supply dies or begins to wear out, it must be replaced. With a few simple tools and the help of this guide, you can do this job yourself and save on expensive repair fees. • Familiarize yourself with proper ESD procedures before doing any kind of PC repair work which requires opening a computer. If you neglect this step, you may damage your computer. • Verify that the power supply needs replacement. The most obvious clue is that the system will do absolutely nothing when you hit the power button. If there is no sound and no monitor activity of any kind, the power supply has probably died. While this can also be caused by a faulty switch, it is usually the result of a burned-out power supply. Another clue is that the system boots, but the system makes rapid, short beeps repeatedly and does not boot. • Test the power supply. Use a power supply tester (typically between $10 and $20 USD). • Test basic functionality. Disconnect the power supply from the motherboard. Take a p
• Familiarize yourself with proper ESD procedures before doing any kind of PC repair work which requires opening a computer. If you neglect this step, you may damage your computer. • Verify that the power supply needs replacement. The most obvious clue is that the system will do absolutely nothing when you hit the power button. If there is no sound and no monitor activity of any kind, the power supply has probably died. While this can also be caused by a faulty switch, it is usually the result of a burned-out power supply. Another clue is that the system boots, but the system makes rapid, short beeps repeatedly and does not boot. • Test the power supply. Use a power supply tester (typically between $10 and $20 USD). • Test basic functionality. Disconnect the power supply from the motherboard. Take a paper clip and short pins from the green and any black terminal of an ATX power connector (largest connector, typically 20-24 pins total) to power it on. Leave the paper clip connected, if
