Does it affect your analysis that once my computer is up and running
that I don't hear any other noises? Also, I have a more than normal
need for my computer this week. Since I don't hear noises when the
computer is running, does it make sense to run the computer
continuously?
Many power supply problems can be easily identified before failure
happens and without massive lab equipment. But supply must be under
maximum load when numbers are obtained. Without numbers, no one can
provide a useful answer.
First you must multitask the computer so that all peripherals are
being used simultaneously. For example, a movie executes complex
graphics in the video controller, as disk drive is read, as a floppy
disk is read, as internet access is ongoing, as CD-Rom is playing (or
burning), etc. Now you take voltage readings on any one of four
color wires: orange, purple, red, and yellow. Those numbers must
exceed 3.23, 4.87, and 11.7. And posting those numbers here may also
provide further insight.
Again, with information posted, only wild speculation can be offered
as an answer. Without those numbers, nobody can say if your supply is
deficient. And the neat thing about numbers - we can even see
existing failures that do not yet crash the computer. That is also
why the better educated techs also take these same numbers after
replacing a power supply. Just because the computer boots does not
mean power supply is working properly.
Get the 3.5 digit multimeter because the tool is "so complex" as to
even be sold to K-mart shoppers. A tool so complex that some think we
would need a complex analysis laboratory. Also sold in Wal-mart,
Sears, Lowes, Radio Shack, Tru-Value, etc. A necessary tool just like
a screwdriver; only $20, and even less in Wal-mart or when on sale.
Get the meter. Post those numbers. Get an answer based in known
facts.
You posted this same question elsewhere. Anna was offering so good
advise including data backup. If dust created a problem, then you
have a hardware problem. Hardware is designed to work even when
dusty. Dust typically is not the reason for noise. But defective
hardware can be noisy in dust. IOW don't cure symptoms. Get facts
before fixing things: ie diagnostics, trace sound with your ear, etc.
If computer did not even power up once, then disk has nothing to do
with it. Of course, you first posts were not clear. What did or did
not happen when computer did not boot? Replies will only be as useful
as information you first provide - such as those numbers from a
multimeter.
