I need help with finding a power supply...

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jephers0n

jephers0n

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Sep 6, 2012
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So, after shutting down my computer last night, I've encountered a problem:

Upon attempting to start it up this morning, the 'aspire' logo at the bottom of the tower flashed, instead of the normal steady LED. After about 15 seconds, the computer shut down, and attempted to boot again. At no point did the screens flicker, they just stayed 'no cable detected', and a clicking sound was coming from the computer.

My first thought was the HD may have crashed, from the clicking noise, so I unplugged it, and attempted to boot again. The noise persisted, and after that try, the computer will not turn on at all.

I'm left with the assumption that my PSU has burned out, and I'm pretty confident that this is the case. My problem is that I am not too experienced with this aspect of the computer.

So, in essence, I'm looking to upgrade my old kaput Power Supply Unit, hopefully if I can provide the power supply model I have, someone here may be able to help me find another which would work with my system. The downside to the PC not booting up, is I am left without many specs the computer has, but I will provide any other information (hardware, and whatnot) anyone may need that I can find listed on the parts...

The PSU the computer has currently is the FSP300-60THA(1) 300W power supply. I'd essentially like to look for another one, perhaps in the 500-700W, preferably not the most expensive, as budget is an issue currently.

Thank you for any and all answers!
 
Solution
mjmacka
It sounds like the power supply, but it could still be something else.

Basically, remove power from the computer, unplug the power supply from the motherboard, HDD's, and media drives. I think the stock setup should be connecting to 5 or 6 items in the computer.

There are usually four screws holding the power supply in place. Make sure the tower is on it's side at this point, then remove all four of them. The power supply should slice forward and you should be able to remove it.

Don't take the power supply apart further because the components can still hold a charge like a CRT monitor.

You should be able to do it yourself without too much trouble. Same for installing a new power supply.

If you take it somewhere you can...
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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FSP is a decent power supply maker.
300w is sufficient unless you are looking to upgrade to a graphics card stronger than a 7750 or even GTX750ti.
You could replace with the exact same model and assure compatibility.

It seems that your psu is a standard ATX format unit.
Verify that the rear opening is 85mm x 150mm.
The length for a ATX format can vary, usually from 140mm to 190mm.
Check how much room you have for a longer(stronger) psu.

Seasonic is one of the best brands. I might suggest this 400w unit for $40:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151076
 
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jephers0n

jephers0n

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Sep 6, 2012
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Absolutely, it is:

Acer Aspire M5621 AM5621-E5612A

The only thing I have changed in it since buying it a few years back is the video card, which is now the Radeon HD 7750. I can only hope the specs are readily available for my PC online, still. I'll take a quick look for them now, too.
 
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jephers0n

jephers0n

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Sep 6, 2012
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Thank you for the quick reply! I should also mention that I run a fair amount of USB devices off the computer as well, which is why I had the thought of even simply upgrading the PSU to a 400W or a 500W. I initially mentioned the 700W as that was the psu suggested when I first posed a question 2 years back about the best Video Card I could get, as per my system specs (was told to forget about 300W, upgrade PSU, and get a 'proper' video card, basically).

Edit to add:

Just measured, Yes, the back opening is 85mm X 150mm. When you ask about a 'longer/stronger' psu, are you referencing the depth into the tower? The current one's depth is about 140mm, and wiggle room with 40mm more. If you meant something else, I'm sorry I misunderstood.
 
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jephers0n

jephers0n

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Sep 6, 2012
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I would also like to ask, based on my initial question, would it sound like a PSU issue, or is there a possibility that it is something else in the chain malfunctioning? I had disconnected everything, and reconnected it, before powering it on the last time. Troubleshooting to be sure the 'clicking' noise wasn't the hard drive...I'm just not too well versed on the inner workings of my DAW, mostly just on the audio it generates for me.
 
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jephers0n

jephers0n

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Sep 6, 2012
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I no longer have the stock video card which came with the PC, but I do, however, have an older card which should fit. I'll give that a try, as well, and get back! I don't know of anyone off hand who could lend me a PSU, but hopefully I can find one by tonight, and give an answer there, as well. Thanks
 
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mjmacka

mjmacka

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May 22, 2012
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It sounds like the power supply, but it could still be something else.

Basically, remove power from the computer, unplug the power supply from the motherboard, HDD's, and media drives. I think the stock setup should be connecting to 5 or 6 items in the computer.

There are usually four screws holding the power supply in place. Make sure the tower is on it's side at this point, then remove all four of them. The power supply should slice forward and you should be able to remove it.

Don't take the power supply apart further because the components can still hold a charge like a CRT monitor.

You should be able to do it yourself without too much trouble. Same for installing a new power supply.

If you take it somewhere you can ask them to test a different power supply on your tower. If it works, the power supply is your issue... if not then my guess is motherboard but that's only a guess.
 
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Solution
jephers0n

jephers0n

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Sep 6, 2012
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I've ordered the other one you mentioned earlier, and once it arrives, I'll give er a go! Thanks for all the help!
 
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