Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (
More info?)
One cannot just look at the computer and know the power
supply is working. A power supply that does light lights and
spin disk drives can be 100% defective. Why you must first
use the multimeter.
Caution about so many power supplies sold to or by computer
assemblers. Defective by design. If the supply does not
list, in writing, a long list of numerical specs, then the
supply is typically missing essential functions that cause
disasters later. A minimally acceptable supply sells for
about $60 full retail. Those $25 and $40 supplies are often
the products of dumping because when computer assemblers don't
even have basic electrical knowledge.
Power supply problems encompass motherboard controller and
power switch; not just power supply. The meter recommendation
discovers power supply integrity. Once integrity of that
subsystem (not just PSU) is established, only then are you
ready to move on to other usual suspects.
First establish hardware integrity before suspecting
software. For example, minimally acceptable computer system
manufacturers provide comprehensive diagnostics. Best
executed in a 100 degree F room - which is normal operating
temperature for a typical computer with even one case fan.
Too often, computer assemblers will instead fix a symptom by
installing more fans rather than fix the originally defective
hardware Heat - 100 degrees or a hairdryer on high to
selectively heat component under test - is an essential tool
used with comprehensive diagnostics to locate failures.
I don't see the OS listed. Minimally acceptable OSes
provide further historical and operational information in the
Event log, Device Manager, and Task manager. More information
necessary before even trying to fix anything. Also numbers
from that BSOD provide important information - at least to
those who don't repair by shotgunning.
Chances are, only reason you would need a new power supply
is because the previous one is classic of the defective
supplies sold so often by computer assemblers. A 250 watt
supply (if rated correctly) is typically more than enough
power for most computers. But without those multimeter
numbers - including numbers that are in the upper 3/4 of those
limits - then you have no idea yet what to do or if power
supply is undersized. Too many supplies don't even list their
wattage accurately because so many computer assemblers hype
wattage as Tim Allen did in Home Improvement and "More
Power". Do not wildly buy a new supply or buy one that does
not provide a long list of necessary internal functions (ie a
classic supply sold by computer assemblers who have no
fundamental electrical knowledge).
Moderately Confused wrote:
>> ... Procedures to make that determination can be performed
>> in seconds:
>> "Computer doesnt start at all" in alt.comp.hardware on 10
>> Jan 2004 at
http://tinyurl.com/2t69q or
>> "I think my power supply is dead" in alt.comp.hardware on 5
>> Feb 2004 at
http://tinyurl.com/yvbw9
>
> The PS definitely works, I'm just not sure if it's a software
> of hardware problem. I need a new PS anyway, so I'll check it out.
>
> Thanks,
>
> MC