[Urgent] Computer does not start when I press the boot button

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s0up

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Jun 28, 2015
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So here is the run-down: Maybe 3-4 weeks prior, my computer has been shutting down randomly on it's own. It's been hot lately and my computer's case admittedly does not have the best airflow. Anytime the computer shut itself off, I just simply turned it back on with no problems. Yesterday, it shutdown and I haven't been able to get it up and running since.

Here are my specs:
CASE: Ark Technology PA-08
MOBO: ASUS P8H61-M LE/CSM
CPU: Intel i5 2500K 3.3GHz
RAM: 2x 8GB Kingston DDR3

Anytime I hit the power button:
the ON indictor LED blinks on and off very rapidly and keeps blinking that way.
the case fans spin
the cpu fan spins
the graphics card fan spins
the PSU fan does NOT spin
the computer does not boot, I do not hear any beeps.

Troubleshooting pt. 1:
Knowing this, I unplugged my PSU from everything else and conducted the paperclip test with it.
While doing the paperclip test, the PSU fan spun normally in isolation.

Troubleshooting pt. 2:
This led me to believe it was a mobo issue. I cleared the CMOS by changing the pins from the 1+2 position to the 2+3 position and then moving it back. I also reset the CMOS battery by lifting it out of the motherboard and then placing it back in after about a minute.

I honestly do not believe it was the motherboard to begin with. Instead, I believe it is a problem with the PSU since my computer kept shutting itself off in the weeks prior. However, when I conducted the paperclip test, I was really confused when the PSU fan spun normally. If anyone has any ideas as to what the problem might be I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
 
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TMTOWTSAC

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Jun 27, 2015
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I agree that it sounds like a dying PSU. But if it's really, really urgent there is something you could try without a replacement handy. Just weigh the risks, ie worst case scenario fiery death. Start by unplugging the PSU from the wall. Now, this is rather counterintuitive for an overheating machine, but get a hair dryer and carefully (read: no fiery death) heating up the PSU for 2-3 minutes. Once it's warm, plug it back in and if it boots, grab what you need as quickly as possible and shut it down. Then start looking for a new PSU.

Oh, and another option is to try taking out the graphics card to see if the reduced load helps any. Just remember to hook up your monitor to the onboard video. Good luck!
 
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s0up

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Jun 28, 2015
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Oh yeah, I saw the video on youtube of a guy using a hair dryer to boot his computer up but I haven't had the balls to do it myself. I'll try both the hair dryer method and taking out the graphics card. Thanks for both of your responses. I will keep you guys posted. If I don't, it means I've died in a fire caused by my PSU.
 
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s0up

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Jun 28, 2015
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Okay, I just tried the hair dryer method and it didn't work.
I also tried taking out the graphics card to lessen the load and that didn't work either. I'm officially out of ideas :(.
Would you guys agree with me that it's just the PSU failing? The fact that when I did the paperclip test and my PSU fan spun perfectly is really confusing me.
 
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TMTOWTSAC

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Given the earlier symptoms it's *probably* the PSU. But that doesn't mean 100% guaranteed. Like Prof said swapping in a new one would let you know for certain. As far as the paper clip goes, it'll tell you if current is flowing. It won't necessarily tell you if the correct current is flowing. Startup drain is usually the highest demand on a PSU which is part of why a hair dryer sometimes works.
 
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turkey3_scratch

turkey3_scratch

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Were these "shut downs" an instant power cut or a procedural Windows shut down? If it was instant I would get a new power supply. If it was procedural I would check the temperatures of your components in HWMonitor. Now, I know some PSU fans don't spin until they need to, so I'm not sure about yours. I would also try booting without your dedicated graphics card if you have one and use the onboard graphics.
 
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s0up

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Instant power cut. I've tried powering on without using my dedicated graphics already, it hasn't work. Thank you all for the replies though! I think I will be buying a new PSU. I'm just hoping to babyjesus this is in no way a motherboard issue.
 
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s0up

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Well, I just bought a new PSU and I'm still getting the same problem. I turn on my computer and all I see are blinking LEDs and it still won't start.
 
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TMTOWTSAC

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Have to admit, it doesn't look good. Coupla Hail Marys here...

Pull the CMOS battery for at least 10 minutes. It's surprising how long some components can hold a residual charge. And make sure the computer is unplugged or it could retain power that way.

Try reseatting every component and connector. If it got hot enough heat expansion could in theory pop a RAM chip or ribbon connector out just enough to make partial contact. And while you're doing that, try the RAM individually in case one went bad.

Look for any foreign material that could be causing a short. Excessive dust, solder whiskers, bulging capacitors, mobo bowing, etc.

All longshots I'm afraid but maybe you'll get lucky.
 
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s0up

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Jun 28, 2015
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I used some dust cleaner and meticulously cleaned every crevice. I reseatted the graphics card, processor and cpu as well and I tried each individual RAM stick on it's own. I am still experiencing the same problem. I'll try leaving the CMOS battery out for 10 min though. I'll let you know how it goes.

You know, I've never even thought of mobo bowing and how it could possibly damage it. I think it might be slightly bowed but I may just be thinking it is.
 
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