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Computer power supplies

isucyfan

isucyfan

Speechless
Apr 21, 2006
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Saint Paul, MN
So I have this desktop PC that is suddenly not even turning on. I'm guessing it's the power supply, but here's my questions:

Should I invest in a power supply tester to determine this for sure, or just go ahead and replace the power supply?

And, also, where is the best place online/brick and mortar to buy one? Is there a great disadvantage to buying a cheap one? It's a fairly cheap HP desktop that really only my kids use, so I'm not looking for top of the line equipment.
 
Hope it is the power supply and not the motherboard too because a bad mobo can also cause it to not power up at all too. The actual power switch is another possibility too.
 
isucyfan said:
So I have this desktop PC that is suddenly not even turning on. I'm guessing it's the power supply, but here's my questions:

Should I invest in a power supply tester to determine this for sure, or just go ahead and replace the power supply?

And, also, where is the best place online/brick and mortar to buy one? Is there a great disadvantage to buying a cheap one? It's a fairly cheap HP desktop that really only my kids use, so I'm not looking for top of the line equipment.
Click to expand...

I would check Tiger Direct first, if you have one close by. They have just about everything you'd think you might need for computers. Prices are decent as well.
 
The thing you have to make sure of is to buy the right power supply for your board. (connectors) You can get away with a 400 watt for cheap anymore. What model is your HP? I could see what will work for it.
 
Are they any lights at all? even with the case open, are their lights on the motherboard? I would do this:

Open the case, remove all power connections and any memory, expect for the power cord to the Motherboard. And remove all peripherals on the back/front, including the monitor. we only want to turn on the MB.

Turn on your PC. If that works, something is wrong with one of the devices. Then add the memory, if it boots, add another item.
 
Do you know ANYONE that plays with building computers? I always 4 or 5 extra laying around...you may find someone that'll give you one or check craigslist for parts for that matter. I wouldn't buy a new one for an olf HP rig like that, personally. If you do buy....just go through like newegg.com. They are decent. A number of good online stores.
 
travman23 said:
Hope it is the power supply and not the motherboard too because a bad mobo can also cause it to not power up at all too. The actual power switch is another possibility too.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I thought about those, and am just wondering if, since the power supply is such a common problem, if I should just try replacing that first.
 
isucyfan said:
So I have this desktop PC that is suddenly not even turning on. I'm guessing it's the power supply, but here's my questions:

Should I invest in a power supply tester to determine this for sure, or just go ahead and replace the power supply?

And, also, where is the best place online/brick and mortar to buy one? Is there a great disadvantage to buying a cheap one? It's a fairly cheap HP desktop that really only my kids use, so I'm not looking for top of the line equipment.
Click to expand...

I think it's worth it to spend a little more on a power supply like Corsair, Seasonic, etc. You can get a good one from newegg for $50 or a bad one from Best Buy for $50. You decide.
 
keepngoal said:
Are they any lights at all? even with the case open, are their lights on the motherboard? I would do this:

Open the case, remove all power connections and any memory, expect for the power cord to the Motherboard. And remove all peripherals on the back/front, including the monitor. we only want to turn on the MB.

Turn on your PC. If that works, something is wrong with one of the devices. Then add the memory, if it boots, add another item.
Click to expand...

No lights at all. No signs of life.
 
If it won't turn on, it's probably either the power supply or system board. "swaptronics" is probably the easiest way to figure out where your problem lies.

If it's an HP, there's a chance you'll need to get a custom one, and these can be costly. If it is a custom PS, you're probably best off getting a cheapie tester:
Newegg.com - Rexus PST-2 20/24pin Power Supply Tester - PC Tools
and then making sure it's the PS before you go ahead and replace it.
 
isucyfan said:
No lights at all. No signs of life.
Click to expand...

Unplug everything inside and outside the PC and remove the memory. then reattached the power to the MB and turn on. If that doesn't work, look into using a voltage meter to measure one of the power plugs output from the power supply. I would google for that first though.

we want to be sure of what the problem is first before buying/replacing things. It very easily could be the PS, but MBs blow far more often.

-keep.
 
isucyfan said:
It's an a1630n.
Click to expand...


This?
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00714578&dlc=en&lc=en&cc=us

414YGK12RNL.jpg


If the case isnt slim and looks to have a standard size power supply you could get away with a 24 pin atx power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104954

Its cheap, but if its something you dont really care heavily about, you might be able to get away with it. Like others have said, you could probably get a used one somewhere local affordably or from a friend.
 
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I work as a PC Tech in the IC area. I would pull the PSU and take it to a store. We test them for free for people by just hooking up a device. A new (cheap) PSU should be about 40 bucks. Quality does matter though. An off brand like a bestec or AGI is going to break again in a few years. Antec, silverstone, thermaltake, and above all else, PC power and cooling make the best ones. PSU are VERY important to the general health of a computer. They absorb surges and spikes and will protect the motherboard. Sometimes a cheap one will go bad and take out the board as well. The general rule of thumb - The heavier the PSU, the better the quality.
 
You don't need a voltage meter...just touch your tongue to it like you do a 9v battery.
 
Just take it to Best Buy and have them connect it to theirs (yeah, I know the general opinion of Geek Squad, but this is something they did for free). They were able to determine that both my power supply and video card were shot. After they made that determination, I was done with them.
 
cytech said:
Order this one from newegg

Newegg.com - Rosewill Green Series RG430-2 430W Continuous @40°C, 80 PLUS Certified, ATX12V v2.3 & EPS12V v2.91,Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

With this coupon code: EMCLVNW37

Makes it only $40 with free shipping

That one will work with the system you posted
Click to expand...

That would work. However, its black and his computer is silver, just not aesthetically pleasing...kidding. This should be a good one for him. I like Rosewill products, they have been solid in the past.
 
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