[altair9]

Hello!

Athlon XP 2000+
1 GB RAM
3 HDD PATA
SVGA AGP GeForce 4 MX (VGA out)
USB D-link wireless antenna (to surf the web using a wireless belkin router in the other room).
Win XP 32 bit SP2

Electric configuration:

Wall electric plug (220) --> multi plug adaptor 1

From the multi plug adaptor 1:
1) PC power supply cable
2) Speakers cable
3) Table lamp cable
4) Scanner cable
5) Multi plug adaptor 2

From the multi plug adaptor 2:
1) Apple DVI 20" Monitor power supply (apple)
2) VGA to DVI-D scaler
3) if needed: printer

These are the facts:

Some weeks ago:
the PC power supply (8-9 years old 500 Watt - no sata) starts crackling... while the PC works... I power off the PC. I open the PC power supply, I connect it: it starts crackling as I connect it and turn it on from the black rear button...
I turn off every light source: I see that the rear power on/off button of the PC power supply emits small "discharges" into it.
I bypass the power on/off button: always on. I close the power supply.
The PC worked for weeks.


NOW:

I try to power on the computer, as every day... nothing happens!
I'm unable to power on the computer, in each way!

I buy a new power supply (unfortunately they gave me a very unknown brand... very cheap... 30 euros for 550 watt) and install it.

I turn on the first multiplug adaptor.
I turn on the PC: it works.
I turn on the second multiplug adaptor (where the monitor is powered): the PC auto-turns off!
...strange... very strange...
I turn off the PC. I turn on it... it runs... but at a certain point... while booting, the monitor become gray with a small rectangle in the center, made like a "barcode", and all shining...
I turn off the PC.

I turn on the PC: The PC works, but the rear on/off button does not "click", it goes "smooth", faulty-like. It moves, it is not well-based and when I turn it on it emits discharges that are visible also with the room lights turned on and that go out from the rear of the power supply black button (without needing to open it!).

I try to work a bit with the PC, it is unable to surf in the web!
I power off the PC and remove the new faulty power supply.

I go to the shop, I change the power supply with a new one. Brand: "Power supply". Power: 550 Watt.
I install it, the PC turns on. It works. I turn it off and go away.

I come back. I turn on the first multiplug adaptor.
I turn on the second multi plug adaptor (fearing...).
I turn on the table lamp.
I turn on the PC: nothing happens! The PC is again completely DEAD!

I think: "another power supply burned!". I disconnect all the power connectors (molex, floppy, fans, ecc... motherboard...).
I remove the last two RAM modules (I leave the first one of 512 MB and remove the 2nd and 3rd of 256 MB [only 3 slots in total]).

I try to plug just the power cable of the mother board (only the first RAM module, no hdd, no floppy, no DVD,...), and it turns on! it works!

I think: hahahahaha! I found the problem, now I'll discover the peripheral that is making problems...
I plug again all the RAM and peripherals, one by one, and in each time I try to power on the PC. Always works!
I connect ALL: RAM, hdds, floppy, DVD: it works!!!!! VERY STRANGE! NOW IT WORKS!

When I turn on the PC, it is unable to surf the web! It is unable to update the antivirus (not only a browser problem so): remember that the wifi antenna is connected to the first motherboard USB1 port.

The other computers (2 apple) connected to the router (one by LAN cable and the other by wireless connection) become unable to surf!
As I turn off the PC, the other 2 computers can surf. As I turn on the PC the other computers become unable to surf! (also if I reach the Windows XP login page, before entering the password! So I don't believe it were an OS problem!).

Ready? Now LAUGH AND CRY..... I unplug the wifi antenna from the USB extension (now the computer is totally isolated!!!!!) and the other 2 computers are unable to surf again!!!!!! THE PC IS ABLE TO interfere with the router without being connected in any way!!!
I think: It's possessed by the devil!
I re-connect the antenna, I reboot the PC and then I turn it off: the other two computers are able to surf...

I turn off the PC. Remember that these last times (several!!!) I always turned off and on the PC and always worked... I unplug the USB excension cable of the d-link wifi antenna: i think that in this way I can work offline with the PC, and the other 2 computers mac can surf!

I turn on the PC: totally DEAD!

From that moment, it is always DEAD. Unable to let it work or turn on in any way... plugging again the USB extension of the antenna, also disconnecting each peripheral, only leaving the MB power cable... I disconnected all, also power cables from the wall and the MB... leaved it off for minutes... NOTHING WORKS!!!

I tried the Power Supply to a very old PC... This PC has got two kind of Power connectors on the MB: the older one (two 6pins cables) and the newer one (20 pin connector): I removed the two 6 pins cables of its old power supply, I connected the 20 pin connector of the new (burned???) power supply...
I can't turn it on, because the Power on button of the PC (front) is connected not on the motherboard but on the old power supply (the old buttons: if you press it it remains pressed... you must re-press it to turn it off).
But the motherboard has got a "power switch" two pins jumper free. I connect the POWER Switch cable of the front button of the newer PC to the jumper of the older MB.
I try to power on it: NOTHING!

I try to close the circuit with a screwdriver (not using the button cable of the newer computer): nothing! I think that the NEW POWER SUPPLY is burned too!

I re-connect all to the newer computer. I think: LAST attempt, just a doubt: if is broken the power on frontal button of the PC???

I unplug its small cable (two wires: black and orange), and I try to close the circuit using the screwdriver: NOTHING HAPPENS.


What's happening?

A PC problem? motherboard? peripherals? USB port problem?
An electric plant problem? (in that room the other two wall plugs does not works: if you put anything in it, also a cellphone, the electric plant turns off.... But the wall plug where the multi plug adaptors always worked well...)...

A "second multiplug electric adaptor" problem? (do you remember... in my several tries.... I turned it on and the PC turned off automatically when I was using the first just purchased power supply...)???

What...??? According to you?

Just one thing is certain: we'll have to shell out money here...

Thank you very much!!!

[Daveskater]

Try a power supply from a known brand first, not one of these cheapy, unknown generic things that seem to be exploding the first time you use them.

I can't see you needing more than 450W with that setup so that will save you a little bit of money when buying a proper power supply. I ran a PC with similar specifications to that with a 400W for a couple of years, and before that I had a 385W that never missed a beat.

[Blackmirror]

Seems to me you are overloading your mulltisockets a bit
I hope they are surge protectors as well...

[Hope Cassidy]

I would stop fooling with that unit right now, most likely the motherboard is blowing out components and I have seen that before. I have also seen bad ram close a network in other pc's which is bizarre but I have seen it so I would not even rebuild with anything in this system.

[altair9]

Hi thank you!

Let's see...

Originally Posted by Blackmirror

Seems to me you are overloading your mulltisockets a bit
I hope they are surge protectors as well...

I used that configuration for about 1 year!

Originally Posted by Daveskater

Try a power supply from a known brand first, not one of these cheapy, unknown generic things that seem to be exploding the first time you use them.

I used a 500 watt unknown brand power supply for about 8 years, and never made problems!

Originally Posted by Daveskater

I can't see you needing more than 450W with that setup so that will save you a little bit of money when buying a proper power supply. I ran a PC with similar specifications to that with a 400W for a couple of years, and before that I had a 385W that never missed a beat.

You're right, I think that with a 350 watt too I could use it (see the PSU calculator here:

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5

We bought a 500 Watt PS because we need to use three pro audio cards; now the cards are in a MAC, so the don't need a so powerful PS anymore.

Originally Posted by Hope Cassidy

I would stop fooling with that unit right now, most likely the motherboard is blowing out components and I have seen that before. I have also seen bad ram close a network in other pc's which is bizarre but I have seen it so I would not even rebuild with anything in this system.

So you would buy a new computer?

[Rik]

Get Everest Home Edition from here - |MG| EVEREST Free Edition 2.20 and check out your voltages (yours being an older computer, everest should work fine).

Post your results here in this thread.

[Daveskater]

Originally Posted by altair9

I used a 500 watt unknown brand power supply for about 8 years, and never made problems!

There's a first time for everything though A cheapy, unknown brand PSU will last no amount of time compared to a decent one. When looking at them, check the MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure) is at least 80,000 hours, but preferably >100,000 hours. That way you know it will last longer than these ones you keep buying.

You're right, I think that with a 350 watt too I could use it (see the PSU calculator here:

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5

We bought a 500 Watt PS because we need to use three pro audio cards; now the cards are in a MAC, so the don't need a so powerful PS anymore.

As a safety measure, you want to add 30% onto whatever figure that calculator gives you. If you get the bare minimum that the PC will need to run, then you will put a lot of load on the PSU, and it will not last as long as if you get one with more headroom, that you will be putting less stress/load on.

Also take Rik's advice and look up your voltages from Everest Home. That way we can see if the PSU you have now is in good shape or not.

[altair9]

Thank you Dave and Rik!

But since the computer is unable to power on, it is totally dead, how could I test it?

[Daveskater]

If you have a digital multimeter then you can test the voltages, if not then take it to the shop and see if they have one. They're not that expensive to buy, I got mine for £10 but seeing as you haven't filled in your profile information, I don't know what country you're in.

[altair9]

Oh, sorry, I'm Italian.

But I'm unable to use such a device!

Thanks anyway for all your advices!

I'm going to make some attempts (like trying to power on the PC just with 1 RAM module and from another plug-wall...) and if all will fail, we'll buy another PC when possible!

Problems with the computers, problems with the phone, problems with the plumbing system...

I'll update you about the results... otherwise, we'll call an exorcist!

bye...

[Blackmirror]

Please dont give up hope

[Daveskater]

As you said, trying to power it up from a different plug socket would be a good idea, if it works on another socket then it's possible that the one you're using at the moment has a loose connection or something.

Buying a proper brand power supply will probably solve your problem, get an Enermax 400W or similar, I had one myself and they are good. In fact I have had 2 Enermax PSU's.

There is no guarantee that even a good power supply will fix your problem, because damage could have been caused to other components such as your RAM, motherboard etc, but it is much cheaper to buy a good power supply than a whole new computer.

[altair9]

I tried two times: I unplugged some peripheral (hard disks and dvd), just RAM, also only 1 module: nothing!
I bypassed the power on button of the power supply: nothing.
I tried the second time: I unplugged each peripheral (EACH, also SVGA, further USB card, mouse, keyboard, LAN pci card, EACH). I just leaved only the RAM: nothing!

It showed no sign of life! Totally dead... It seems to be in order... the PS
fuse is OK... but it's dead, like a stone...

Originally Posted by Daveskater

There is no guarantee that even a good power supply will fix your problem, because damage could have been caused to other components such as your RAM, motherboard etc, but it is much cheaper to buy a good power supply than a whole new computer.

Very good advice...

Furthermore, if we'll have to buy a new computer, in any case we'll have to buy a new power supply too, so, we'll start trying a new power supply... Hoping that possible other problems will not burn it too!!!!!

[Daveskater]

Sounds to me like the power supply has completely died then.

When you say you bypassed the power button, do you mean that you shorted out the two pins on the motherboard? If yes, then try taking the 20 or 24 pin connector off of the motherboard and put a wire (e.g. paperclip etc) between the green wire and any black one, that will short it out bypassing the motherboard, so will eliminate that as a problem. You will need to keep the wire in there for it to stay powered on, if you take it out again then it will turn off.

It is a good test to do to make sure it's completely dead, but do also check the switch on the back is turned on!

If still nothing happens, then it's time for a decent PSU. This one should be alright for you, and is a fairly good brand. Misco.it :: Antec EarthWatts EA430 EC - Alimentatore ( interna ) - ATX12V 2.2 - 100-240 V c.a. V - 430 Watt - PFC (fattore di correzione alimentazione) attivo - Unione Europea

Also, this is the same as my old power supply, which ran a PC with slightly higher spec than yours with no problem: Misco.it :: Enermax Liberty Series ELT 400 AWT - Alimentatore ( interna ) - ATX12V 2.2 - 100-240 V c.a. V - 400 Watt - PFC (fattore di correzione alimentazione) attivo

[altair9]

Oh I was talking about the switch on the back when I said that I bypassed it, to be sure that the problem wasn't there!

But I didn't try to bypass the motherboard switch... I tried only by closing the two pins using a screwdriver.

I'll try and I'll write you...

thanks.

------

Update: I made the green-black wire attempt: I disconnected each power supply cable (motherboard, drives, etc...) and then I connected the green wire with a black one: nothing happened! The PS and it's fan showed no sign of life!
I tried also using another black wire... nothing!

May I undoubtedly think that the power supply is useless, unusable and irreparable?
So, cay I cut the two wires (red and black) and save it's good 8x8 fan?

Anyway, any other advice?

Thank you!

[altair9]

I updated it by modifying the last reply.

[samjohnson]

Originally Posted by altair9

So, cay I cut the two wires (red and black) and save it's good 8x8 fan?

Ya why not. Its probably a perfectly good fan. It would be easy to get an molex adapter and just hook the wires together.
I am with Dave, definitely get a good PSU and see if it will boot up then. If not then the other PSU's probably burnt the motherboard and possible everything else.

[Daveskater]

That power supply is well and truly a gonner.

If that didn't power it on, then nothing will

You could take the fan out and attach a molex connector as Sam said, but if you wish to return the PSU to the shop for a refund, then bear in mind that they almost certainly won't accept it with the fan missing. If they test it to see if it actually does work, then they will look out for any movement or juddering from the fan.

I would personally recommend the one in the second link that I supplied a couple of posts ago, as I used to use it (and still have it in its box at the moment) and it is a very good brand.

Just don't go getting any more of these budget 15 euro ones, ok! Sometimes you will get one that will work for a while, but it is a big gamble as you could (and probably will) end up with a bad one that may cause irreparable damage to your PC.

[altair9]

OK Sam and Dave, thank you!

I'll get another asap, using your advices... or as an alternative, if I'll need a more powerful PSU (with a view of future upgrades) I'll get this, it's a bit big, but it will work with each kind of computer, also quad-SLI....:

http://www.nukeworker.com/pictures/a..._Valley_03.jpg

Have a nice day!

[Klunk]

Originally Posted by altair9

I'll get this, it's a bit big, but it will work with each kind of computer, also quad-SLI....:

http://www.nukeworker.com/pictures/a..._Valley_03.jpg

How many SATA power connectors does it have?
V.Funny