PC not starting after power outage (I've done some basic troubleshooting)

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fippil

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Dec 13, 2015
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So here is my situation,

My PC has had similar issues in the past where it mysteriously would not start, then randomly would start without any explanation. This is the first time I can confirm it happens after a sudden loss of power supply. Before it was me unplugging from the wall outlet, this time it was a power outage that happened over night.

I go through the same steps, testing PSU with a special connector that I got (PSU runs), then I try discharging the motherboard for 30 seconds (I don't hear the "popping noise" nor do any of the fans move at all) along with leaving it unplugged for 30 minutes (does not work) I'm at a loss now, then only thing that happens with power being supplied is one red light on my asus mobo. The PC will not turn on in any way, it does not boot at all, it's like it's completely dead with the exception of this one red light on the mobo that will disappear slowly if I disconnect the PSU.

Usually, the PC would eventually start if I left it alone for a little, but this time it's not doing anything. I'm assuming the PSU or mobo has gone bad, but I just wanted some input before I spent money.

Thanks!

 
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Dunlop0078

Dunlop0078

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Feb 13, 2014
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Well assuming you didn't have a surge with that outage that damaged something. I have had to clear the CMOS to get a computer turn after a circuit was overload and it tripped the breaker, not sure why this was needed or if it will help for you but its worth a shot. Unplug your computer from power, then remove the battery on the motherboard for a few minutes, put it back then try to power it on.
 
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fippil

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Dec 13, 2015
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Alright, it's definitely worth a shot. I believe I did that one time and at some point it eventually turned on, though I'm not sure if it was related to that because it wasn't immediate. I just wish I could figure out the exact problem, I'm good with circuit theory and what not, but obviously I don't have practical experience or knowledge on electronics specifically. Thanks for the suggestions, though!
 
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fippil

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Dec 13, 2015
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Well, unfortunately taking out the battery to clear CMOS did not work. I had it out for about 5 minutes. I put the battery back in, gave the PC power, the one single red LED lit up, I pressed the start button and nothing. I even unplugged the panel connector and used a paper clip to short the two pins, but nothing. I know the PSU will turn on and run, but I don't know if that means it's able to generate and supply power because I read that there are various fuses inside.

Quick update: I had a 750W psu, 100 less than my current one, I only plugged in the mobo 24 pin and the cpu 12 pin, no gpu. I tried this practically unused psu and again, nothing happened, just the one red led on the mobo.

At this point, I guess I just need a new mobo.
 
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"testing the PSU with a special connector that I got (PSU runs)" does mean nothing, you need a psu-tester that shows how good the voltages are and the responding time, the fan will spin when the 12V is ok more or less, but what's about the 5V and 3.3V line? Check this first.
 
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fippil

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Dec 13, 2015
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Well, I don't have a multimeter at home, so unfortunately I can't check it right now. I also tested my rig with a brand new 750W psu without the gpu plugged in and nothing happened still, so I guess it's the motherboard. I only plugged in the mobo 24 pin and the cpu 12 pin, though. I think that's all you need to get everything to run
 
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fippil

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Dec 13, 2015
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Just to update:

I took out my mobo and put it on cardboard. I only had my cpu mounted, no GPU or ram. I put in the 24 pin connector for the mobo and the 12 pin connector for the cpu along with just the 2 pin switch and the fan for the cpu. I tested with my old PSU and a new one that I never used, again, no sounds no movement, just the standby_power led was powered on the motherboard. I already bit the bullet and ordered a new mobo, but I just wish I could understand what is happening here.

What baffles me is when this happened for the first time, when I unplugged my pc (without turning off the psu first, just unplugged which I know is not good) and plugged it back in, it wouldn't start, I gave up and literally just left it sitting for 2-3 months. One day, I just plugged it back in and it just started. This doesn't make much sense.
 
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fippil

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Dec 13, 2015
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Yea, I suppose that's the only answer at this point. There are too many small components to figure out what specifically is happening, but I think I can assume the mobo is the problem. I guess something just failed. Oh well, just going to bite the bullet to buy a new mobo. Money comes and goes, I have a stable job, I'll survive on cans of beans for a month... just kidding haha. Now this gives me an excuse to upgrade even though I just upgraded the mobo and cpu a year ago...
 
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asi es la vida amigo
 
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