Troubleshooting

The computer does nothing at all when pressing the power button.

First, make sure that the power cable is plugged into a working outlet and is securely plugged into the back of the power supply. Next, make sure the power switch is set to the I position instead of the O position (1). Check to make sure the small sliding switch is set to 110 (if you live in the USA at least) instead of 220 (2). Ensure that the power supply plug is securely clipped to the socket on the motherboard (3). Check to make sure the power switch is connected to the correct spot on the motherboard (4). You can check this in the motherboard manual for confirmation. If it's plugged in wrong, the computer won't start at all.

(1)		(2)
(3)		(4)

The computer does nothing at all when pressing the power button, and you've double checked everything listed above.

It sounds like something is not functioning correctly.

First, unplug the power switch from its pins on the motherboard. Then, carefully touch a screwdriver to these two pins (1). This will do the same thing the switch is supposed to do, and the voltages are so low they will not be dangerous. If you are worried about it use an insulated screwdriver. If it's still no go, it's time to test the power supply. Plug the power switch back in before you forget where it goes.

(1)

Remove the main motherboard power connector by pressing on the top of the white clip to release it and pulling directly up (1). Then, look at the wires that go into the plug. You should see a green wire going into the plug (2). With the power supply unplugged, insert a straightened out paper clip into the socket that corresponds to the green wire. Directly next to the green wire should be a black wire. Connect the other end of the paper clip into the socket that corresponds to the black wire (3). Be very careful with this procedure. Connecting the wrong wires can damage or destroy your power supply. With this paper clip inserted, plug in the power supply. The main fan on the power supply should spin up, as well as any other fan connected to the power supply. If not, unplug the power from the power supply and disconnect everything else plugged into the power supply. Now try plugging the power in again. If the fan spins up now, this indicates that one of your components is faulty. Try unplugging the power supply, reattaching one of the components, and plugging the power supply back in to isolate component causing the fault. Check around the area of the faulty component to make sure that there are no stray screws and that any exposed circuit boards are not in contact with any metal. This could create a short that would make the component appear to be faulty. If one of these components actually is bad then it will need to be sent back to where you purchased it from for a replacement product. Now, with any faulty components unplugged remove the paper clip from the power supply plug and re-insert the plug into the motherboard socket, plug in the power supply, and attempt to boot up the computer with the power button.

(1)		(2)
(3)

If it's still not starting up, the last thing to check for it a short in the motherboard. If you spilled anything on the motherboard or dropped a screw, it could be causing the motherboard to short out. Carefully check all around the motherboard for any metallic objects that could be causing a problem. Anything that allows electricity to flow through it will cause a problem if it's not where it should be. This is why the standoffs that the motherboard is screwed into are so important. They prevent the motherboard's back from making contact with the metal case where they shouldn't. If you're still having no luck then you might try disconnecting everything from the motherboard and unscrewing it. Lift it up and take a peak under. If there is a standoff installed where there is no hole in the motherboard it can cause this problem. In addition, any metal object caught under the motherboard can cause this problem. If you are unable to find anything that might be causing a short, and you've tried everything in this list of suggestions, then chances are very good you've got a faulty motherboard.

Computer starts, fans spin, but there is no display to the monitor.

If you have both integrated graphics as well as a graphics card, frequently the BIOS will default to the integrated graphics. Try plugging the monitor into the motherboard video plug instead of the graphics card. If this works, and the problem is resolved, a simple setting in BIOS will allow you to select the primary video device. Refer to the motherboard manual for more information.

If the monitor is for sure turning on, and displaying a message that indicates that it is running but receiving no signal, and the computer stays on for at least 60 seconds after pressing the power button, then chances are good you have a POST problem. POST stands for Power On Self Test. POST is a series of test that the motherboard runs as soon as the computer starts up to make sure everything is functioning correctly. If there is an error though, it will halt. Most of the tests take place before video even shows up, so frequently it is the cause of these kinds of symptoms. Different motherboards display the POST error codes differently. Some motherboards have a speaker which plays a series of short and long beeps, some have a system of LEDS, and some even have a small LCD display. A lot of motherboards, especially older ones, will use a system speaker. This is a device that usually comes with the case and is plugged in similarly to the power button. If your motherboard makes use of these make sure it is plugged in. It should emit a series of shrill beeps that indicate an error. If you are unable to locate your motherboards method for displaying POST errors, refer to the motherboard manual. Once you have found out the error the motherboard is encountering follow steps listed in the motherboard to fix the problem. Below is a list of very common POST errors and their fixes.

RAM error: Remove and re-insert all RAM modules and try again. To remove the RAM module simply unlock the locking tabs and the RAM will pop up. If this does not fix the problem remove all of the RAM modules and set them on an antistatic sheet. Re-insert each module one at a time and attempt to boot up. If it doesn't work with any of them then chances are it's not the RAM.

Extra CPU Power: If you have not plugged in the extra power plug right next to the CPU then this will cause a POST code.

Video PCIe Power: If you have not plugged in the extra power plug for your graphics card then this can cause a POST code.

Expansion card error: Try removing all expansion cards that are not absolutely necessary. One may be faulty and this can cause a POST code.

Processor error: This should be a last resort. It is possible that the processor has been incorrectly inserted in the socket. Remove the heatsink and processor and re-assemble.

Incorrect Voltage: If the voltage on the back of the power supply is set incorrectly this can cause a POST error.

In addition to POST errors, a motherboard short can cause symptoms similar to this. To check for a motherboard short follow the procedures listed in the troubleshooting section for unresponsive power button.
If none of these procedures fix the problem you should first refer to your motherboards suggestions on the topic. In addition you might try and post on an online hardware forum for help. In addition feel free to contact me through the Contact page of the website.

Computer starts up fine but shuts down after a short time.

The processor could be overheating. Ensure that the processor heatsink is securely attached to the motherboard and that the fan is spinning. This can be checked by going to PC Health menu in your BIOS to monitor the temperature of the CPU (1). It could also be under something along the lines of Hardware Monitor or System Status. The temperature of your CPU should never surpass 90 C, and should hardly every surpass 80 C. A healthy processor usually runs between 20-60 C. If the processor is running very hot, check to make sure the heatsink fan is plugged in and nothing is blocking the blades. You might also check to make sure that the heatsink itself is securely attached to the motherboard. If one of the feet are not securely locked it may not be making full contact with the processor.

(1)