How to Repair a Computer Power Supply?
- Start by unplugging the power cables of you PC. Unplug also any other cord that is connected at the back of your case.
- If your PC uses the case screws, then the next step is to remove all the screws that are at the back end of the case.
- Next, push down on the side panel and then slide it off slowly of the case. ...
How do you fix a power supply that is not working?
Replacing a Failed PC Power Supply Purchase a new power supply of the same type as the old one. Unpack the new power supply and make sure it physically fits correctly. Using proper ESD procedures, connect the devices in your PC to the new power supply.
What to do when your PSU won't start?
When your PSU won't start, most enthusiasts don't go beyond a paperclip or multimeter check. Today, we'll do a comprehensive repair of Antec's old SL300.
How to diagnose PC power supply?
How to Diagnose PC Power Supply 1 Make sure that everything is plugged in. 2 Hit the power button. 3 Look at when your computer boots up. 4 Check for beeps. 5 Observe any computer failures. 6 Check the fan in your computer. See More....
What to do when your PC power supply dies?
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. Make sure that everything is plugged in.
Can power supply be repaired?
Even when the supply is unplugged, its components can remain charged and SHOCK YOU. If you are in doubt about your abilities, let an experienced repair technician do the work or simply replace the entire power supply.
How do I fix my PSU problem?
Plug the PSU power cable into a known working power outlet. Swap the PSU power cable with known working cable. Verify the PSU power cable and internal power adapters are secure connected....A faulty or insufficient PSU may cause system issues, such as:Boot failure.Random crash, hang, reboot.Display corruption.
What would cause a PSU to fail?
To summarize, high quality PSUs can fail for the following reasons: Broken MLCC components. Long mounting PCB screws. Damaged ICs and FETs because of soldering-wave issues.
How do you know if my PSU is damaged?
Signs of a Failing PSUPC Won't Boot at All. As the central hub of the energy of your computer, if the power supply has died, the computer will fail to start. ... PC Randomly Restarts or Shuts Down. ... Random Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) ... Extra Noise Coming from the PC Case. ... Smoke or a Burning Smell. ... Basic Tests. ... Furthering Tests.
What is the lifespan of a PSU?
How Long Does a PSU Last? Under normal intended use, a PSU should last a long time—at least five years, possibly up to 10 years if you're lucky. But if you start putting the power supply under high loads over long periods, it can be overstressed.
How do I know if my motherboard or PSU is bad?
Using the Paperclip Test. Check for symptoms of PSU failure. If your computer is not turning on, it continually restarts or blue screens, or it makes strange noises or is giving off a burning smell, you could have a failing power supply unit. Turn off your PSU and unplug it from the outlet.
What happens when PSU dies?
If the PSU is malfunctioning, it can cause heat to built up to the point where the materials inside start to combust. If this occurs, users should immediately discontinue using the computer and, if safe, unplug it from the outlet. Of course, a PSU failing could skip all the dramatic stuff above and just refuse to work.
Can dust cause PSU to fail?
Dust and fibers that get into your computer will generally end up stuck on the air intake grill of the power supply. When the air intake to the power supply is restricted, the power supply can overheat and burn out. This can also cause damage to the motherboard.
How do you reset a PSU?
Please note: To reset the power supply you need to turn it Off first (On/Off switch to “O” position) and then after waiting a short while, turn it back on again (On/Off switch to “I” position) If your power supply still does not function properly, you can check its functionality by yourself with a simple 'paperclip' ...
When should I replace my PSU?
That's why it's prudent to replace an aging PSU, especially if you're installing expensive components. You should only keep a PSU beyond about five years if your computer has specialized units guaranteed by the manufacturer to last longer.
How do you test if a power supply is working?
The AnswerPlug the power supply into the wall.Find the big 24-ish pin connector that connects to the motherboard.Connect the GREEN wire with the adjacent BLACK wire.The power supply's fan should start up. If it doesn't then it's dead.If the fan starts up, then it could be the motherboard that's dead.
How do you reset a PSU?
Please note: To reset the power supply you need to turn it Off first (On/Off switch to “O” position) and then after waiting a short while, turn it back on again (On/Off switch to “I” position) If your power supply still does not function properly, you can check its functionality by yourself with a simple 'paperclip' ...
How can I test my PSU?
To test your PSU:Shut off your PSU.Unplug all cables from the PSU except for the main AC cable and the 24-pin cable.Locate pin 4 and pin 5 on your 24-pin cable. ... Bend your paper clip so the ends can be inserted into pin 4 and pin 5. ... Turn on the PSU.See if the PSU fan turns.
Foreword
I have never bothered going beyond re-capping output capacitors when repairing power supplies. Most of the time, I fix hardware because I hate throwing stuff away that should have worked for much longer. But now that I have an oscilloscope, I can poke around places I would not have bothered with before.
Disclaimer
As usual when fiddling inside line-powered equipment (and especially on the primary side), don't try this yourself unless you're a trained professional. You assume all risks for whatever it is you decide to do.
The Basics
Power supply failures can be a nightmare for a variety of reasons. Chances are that if you used any computer for more than a few years without swapping out its power supply for some reason along the way, then you've experienced the joys of owning a senior or defective unit at least once.
How long does it take to test a power supply?
Primary side of power supply normally has about less than 30 components and it will take you less than 20 minutes to test all of them. Many times there are more than one component found to be faulty and by replacing only that particular component won’t solve the problem.
Where does a power supply problem occur?
Power supply problems can happen in the primary or secondary section. Even if there are some problems in the furthest part of any equipment circuit such as a shorted ic or transistor in a Monitor color circuit board, the power supply may not work or just blink.
What happens if a power supply coil is shorted?
One of these coils shorted can cause power to shut down, blink, and no power. If you have confirmed that the secondary side of power supply components is working then what you need to do is to desolder all the components in the primary side and test all the components in it.
Why is my fuse spoilt?
If the fuse is just a slight torn, may be the fuse spoilt by itself because fuse have lifespan too. Most of the time, replacing only the fuse will solve the no power supply symptoms. -make sure all secondary diodes are working.
How to tell if power supply is dying?
A common clue which indicates a failing power supply is a high-pitched whining or grinding noise from the area of the case where the power supply is housed. Don't wait until the supply dies, because its failure can cause voltage problems which can ruin your motherboard, hard drive, or other components.
What happens if a CPU fan is stopped?
If the CPU fan is stopped by a loose connector (or any other obstruction), the processor can be destroyed very quickly. You may wish to restrain unused cables to prevent them from getting tangled up in fans. ...
Can a cord slip out of a computer?
Make sure that everything is plugged in. It's entirely possible that a cord could just slip out from the outlet while you're working. If power is present to the monitor and other peripherals, yet there is no power to your computer, there is likely something wrong with your power supply.
Can you damage a Dell computer with a power supply?
Some Dell computers are designed to use an odd connector. If you use a standard power supply, you may damage the power supply, the motherboard or both. This also goes for Compaq and some HP and other brand-name PCs.
Can a power supply hold dangerous charges?
Power supplies contain capacitors which can hold dangerous charges for a few minutes. Refer the unit to a qualified electrician, or better yet, recycle it and replace it with a new or refurbished one The cost of having a power supply repaired is often more than the cost of a replacement unit. Thanks!
Can a power supply cause lockups?
Sometimes, a failing power supply can continue to boot the system, causing only minor lockups and shutdowns. If this is the case, you should try to rule out other problems before replacing the power supply. While it is always best to replace a power supply you have good reason to believe is faulty, you should be sure that the problem is not caused by other factors.