PC dead but MOBO light on ???????

  • Thread starter Thread starter p.mc
  • Start date Start date
P

p.mc

Hi

I've been getting the BSOD for the last couple of months and I thought It
may have been my DVD/RW drive, (sorry no info because of first sentence) but
a couple of days ago I was converting an .avi to .vob, (DVDsanta)...and when
I went to check on it my PC was dead.

The fuse in the kettle lead was ok so I opened up the tower and seen that
the light on the MOBO was on, so I took out my HDD's and disconnected
everything except the 20 pin supply to the MOBO and tower and CPU fans, but
to my dismay when I pushed the power button on my PC the fans didn't kick in
(1...does there have to be a HDD with the OS installed for the fans to
work?) So I'm under the impression that either the power supply is knackered
(2...but why is the MOBO light on?) or The MOBO is knackered, but then again
I'm no expert and was hoping some tech buff could help in solving my problem
(3...could the power supply have failed but have enough power for the MOBO
light and nothing else??)

I know the simple answer is to take it to a PC repair shop but I'd rather
save money "as we all do" if someone may help me solve this.

MOBO: ASUS A7A266
Power supply: FSP group inc
Model #: FSP250-60GTV (PF)
WinXP Home SP1

A few piccys of the MOBO and Power supply

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/PowersupplyforASUSA7A266MOBO.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/ASUSMOBOLight.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/P1023151.jpg

"Thanks"
 
p.mc said:
Hi

I've been getting the BSOD for the last couple of months and I
thought It may have been my DVD/RW drive, (sorry no info because of
first sentence) but a couple of days ago I was converting an .avi
to .vob, (DVDsanta)...and when I went to check on it my PC was dead.

The fuse in the kettle lead was ok so I opened up the tower and
seen that the light on the MOBO was on, so I took out my HDD's and
disconnected everything except the 20 pin supply to the MOBO and
tower and CPU fans, but to my dismay when I pushed the power button
on my PC the fans didn't kick in (1...does there have to be a HDD
with the OS installed for the fans to work?) So I'm under the
impression that either the power supply is knackered (2...but why
is the MOBO light on?) or The MOBO is knackered, but then again I'm
no expert and was hoping some tech buff could help in solving my
problem (3...could the power supply have failed but have enough
power for the MOBO light and nothing else??)
I know the simple answer is to take it to a PC repair shop but I'd
rather save money "as we all do" if someone may help me solve this.

MOBO: ASUS A7A266
Power supply: FSP group inc
Model #: FSP250-60GTV (PF)
WinXP Home SP1

A few piccys of the MOBO and Power supply

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/PowersupplyforASUSA7A266MOBO.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/ASUSMOBOLight.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/P1023151.jpg

"Thanks"
Click to expand...

Uhm - a little over-cross-posted, IMHO.

Likely bad power supply and/or motherboard.

The light being on only means the light is getting power and the light is
not malfunctioning.

As for if there needs to be a hard drive with an OS installed on it... - no,
but you might need some hard disk drive connected.. although that would be a
rarity these days.

Cheapest route - get a new power supply or borrow one from another
compatible machine to test the theory.
If it doesn't work after that - and given the impression you had about the
defective DVD drive - my bet is the motherboard is dead and the controller
card failure you were probably seeing before is a symptom of the final death
throes..
 
does your powersupply
fan turn on / engage?

if not, then the p.s.
is a reasonable and
likely cause of your problem.

just because a little light
comes on, doesnt mean
the p.s. is fully functional.

a bunch of wires and static
can induce electricity enough
for little lights to glow...
 
Hi databaseben

As I wrote in my first post, I powered the MOBO with its 21 pin supply, and
also the CPU and tower fans were connected to the MOBO, but on pressing the
power button the fans didn't kick in.

I'd be over the moon if the power supply was the culprit, as you said the
unit may not be fully functional.
I'm tempted to buy a new P.Supply unit but knowing my luck it'll be the
MOBO... :-)(

I do have some mains testers that will show a 12v supply, but when I
blunderingly tried poking the 2 terminals into any of the connections of the
HDD feeds and others (Whilst the board was powered) I only got a continuity
light but as I said I'm no expert and probably not using them properly!!
 
You took some pretty good
pics and your mobo is squeeky clean which
is a bit unusual.

Alsok the label for the p,s, is a bit
faded which shows some of its age
even though everything looks clean
and new.

However the mobo and
p.s. are a bit old and the new dvd
player may have been a burden on the system.
I didn't catch if you tried running the mobo
without the dvd player. But this is likely
a moot point now.

Unfortunately, the only alternative to figure
out what exactly is the cause of the problem
you are having would be to break out
a multimeter and do voltage checks to see
where the power stops and starts
that supply the mobo and other hardware.

But if the fan inside of the powersupply
doesnt kick in, regardless of the
other fans on the mobo, it is likely
your p.s. went out. Further if the mobo
were bad, the fan inside the p.s
would kick in anyways since a simple
on and off switch controls the p.s.

Without the technical
know how, your only option
is to use the "process of elimination"

As suggested, get a new p.s. and keep
the receipt. if it fixes the problem
then you will have a wonderful trip
over the moon. if not you'll have a
wonderful trip back to the store.

but before taking it back, let us know
what were your results...
 
databaseben said:
You took some pretty good
pics and your mobo is squeeky clean which
is a bit unusual.
Click to expand...
It does seem a bit clean. Have you just cleaned inside?? If not I'm
suspecting the fans havent been working for some time as even in a filtered
case they bring in some fine dust.
 
some of the best tools
for analyzing a machine are the senses, eg.,

a visual inspection
provides lots of information;

a audio inspection
provides lots of information;

a bouquet of ozone or
melted chemicals tells the
nose a lot too.

and

if you feel a little tingly
when you touch it,
it could either be a feeling of
love or an electrical short...
 
Hi All

I was in the process of elimination by disconnecting everything but the p,s
to the MOBO, with the exception of leaving the supply from the MOBO to the
CPU fan and tower fan.I was going put the hardware back in one at a time
'till the fault showed, but alas the fault was there with only 2 fans on the
MOBO (that's why I asked if I needed to put one of my HDD's in to boot up,
and maybe then the fans would kick in) but anyway you didn't think it was
necessary.

I've had this machine for about 10 years and regularly dust and hover the
parts inside (especially fans), I've had numerous HDD's and DVD/RW's over
the years and only recently replaced the CPU fan 'cause I lent my original
to a mate ''cause his broke and guess what? I had to buy a new one after
many hints that I needed mine back. The PC has been switched on continuously
for most of them years and been a hard worker for me, but as you said the
p,s fan didn't run also which leads me to believe that it is most likely to
be the p,s at fault.

I suppose I've had my moneys worth out of the p,s, but it just goes to show
a good routine of cleaning must add a few years to the PC's life.

I've just been googling for a new p,s. Do I have to buy the same model
(FSP250-60GTV (PF), "to be safe") or can I buy a different model as long as
it has the same connectors I need?
If so any recommendations?
 
well, everyone will have
an opinion, so you might be
overwhelmed with responses...

but i have been very fortunate
with the tried n true. My Intel
mobo w/the Intel CPU has
been very reliable.

You can get a feel for pc's and
user comments at a site called
TigerDirect.com But as you
might know, there is a lot of info
out there....

But you can simply get a feel
for the current market and use
the information when you go
window shopping.

glad you have reached a
conclusion.....
 
post script:

before you buy, do a little
homework and research the
mobo for the pc you are considering.

like cars that look squeeky clean,
you could be buying a klunker...
 
Ian said:
Odds are in favour of it being the PSU.
The way to test a PSU is to totally disconnect it,
Click to expand...
**(Which I've done)**
hang a load* onto one of the 4-pin molex connectors
Click to expand...
**(My HDD with OS on, or a DVD drive?)**
and ground the power-on pin 14 (usually green) on
the 20/24 way connector to any black wire on same.
Click to expand...
**(Does that mean putting a link in between green & black?)**

**But how does this test it without pluging the PSU into the mains? And if
it is the case that I have to plug the PSU into the mains, it's simple a
matter of the LED on the DVD drive coming on or the HDD spinning to confirm
the PSU works?**
 
Hi d...ben

I've just been looking at some new PSU's
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....EWA:IT&viewitem=&item=130063996276&rd=1&rd=1I think my model is discontinued, I've posted a question to one supplier'cause the mobo supply states 1x 20 & 24 pin mains connector so I waswondering if it would fit into my 20 pin connection considering thecomponents either side.http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/20pinconnector.jpg--Regardsp.mc"databaseben" <[email protected]> wrote in messagepost script:>> before you buy, do a little> homework and research the> mobo for the pc you are considering.>> like cars that look squeeky clean,> you could be buying a klunker...> "p.mc" <[email protected]> wrote in messageHi All>>>> I was in the process of elimination by disconnecting everything but thep,s to the MOBO, with the exception of leaving the supply from the MOBO tothe CPU fan and tower fan.I was going put the hardware back in one at a time'till the fault showed, but alas the fault was there with only 2 fans on theMOBO (that's why I asked if I needed to put one of my HDD's in to boot up,and maybe then the fans would kick in) but anyway you didn't think it wasnecessary.>>>> I've had this machine for about 10 years and regularly dust and hover theparts inside (especially fans), I've had numerous HDD's and DVD/RW's overthe years and only recently replaced the CPU fan 'cause I lent my originalto a mate ''cause his broke and guess what? I had to buy a new one aftermany hints that I needed mine back. The PC has been switched on continuouslyfor most of them years and been a hard worker for me, but as you said thep,s fan didn't run also which leads me to believe that it is most likely tobe the p,s at fault.>>>> I suppose I've had my moneys worth out of the p,s, but it just goes toshow a good routine of cleaning must add a few years to the PC's life.>>>> I've just been googling for a new p,s. Do I have to buy the same model(FSP250-60GTV (PF), "to be safe") or can I buy a different model as long asit has the same connectors I need?>> If so any recommendations?>>>> -->>>> Regards>> p.mc>>>>>> "databaseben" <[email protected]> wrote in messageYou took some pretty good>>> pics and your mobo is squeeky clean which>>> is a bit unusual.>>>>>> Alsok the label for the p,s, is a bit>>> faded which shows some of its age>>> even though everything looks clean>>> and new.>>>>>> However the mobo and>>> p.s. are a bit old and the new dvd>>> player may have been a burden on the system.>>> I didn't catch if you tried running the mobo>>> without the dvd player. But this is likely>>> a moot point now.>>>>>> Unfortunately, the only alternative to figure>>> out what exactly is the cause of the problem>>> you are having would be to break out>>> a multimeter and do voltage checks to see>>> where the power stops and starts>>> that supply the mobo and other hardware.>>>>>> But if the fan inside of the powersupply>>> doesnt kick in, regardless of the>>> other fans on the mobo, it is likely>>> your p.s. went out. Further if the mobo>>> were bad, the fan inside the p.s>>> would kick in anyways since a simple>>> on and off switch controls the p.s.>>>>>> Without the technical>>> know how, your only option>>> is to use the "process of elimination">>>>>> As suggested, get a new p.s. and keep>>> the receipt. if it fixes the problem>>> then you will have a wonderful trip>>> over the moon. if not you'll have a>>> wonderful trip back to the store.>>>>>> but before taking it back, let us know>>> what were your results...>>>>>>>>> "p.mc" <[email protected]> wrote in messageHi databaseben>>>>>>>> As I wrote in my first post, I powered the MOBO with its 21 pin supply,and also the CPU and tower fans were connected to the MOBO, but on pressingthe power button the fans didn't kick in.>>>>>>>> I'd be over the moon if the power supply was the culprit, as you saidthe unit may not be fully functional.>>>> I'm tempted to buy a new P.Supply unit but knowing my luck it'll be theMOBO... :-)(>>>>>>>> I do have some mains testers that will show a 12v supply, but when Iblunderingly tried poking the 2 terminals into any of the connections of theHDD feeds and others (Whilst the board was powered) I only got a continuitylight but as I said I'm no expert and probably not using them properly!!>>>>>>>>>>>> -->>>>>>>> Regards>>>> p.mc>>>>>>>> "databaseben" <[email protected]> wrote in messagedoes your powersupply>>>>> fan turn on / engage?>>>>>>>>>> if not, then the p.s.>>>>> is a reasonable and>>>>> likely cause of your problem.>>>>>>>>>> just because a little light>>>>> comes on, doesnt mean>>>>> the p.s. is fully functional.>>>>>>>>>> a bunch of wires and static>>>>> can induce electricity enough>>>>> for little lights to glow...>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "p.mc" <[email protected]> wrote in messageHi>>>>>>>>>>>> I've been getting the BSOD for the last couple of months and Ithought It may have been my DVD/RW drive, (sorry no info because of firstsentence) but a couple of days ago I was converting an .avi to .vob,(DVDsanta)...and when I went to check on it my PC was dead.>>>>>>>>>>>> The fuse in the kettle lead was ok so I opened up the tower and seenthat the light on the MOBO was on, so I took out my HDD's and disconnectedeverything except the 20 pin supply to the MOBO and tower and CPU fans, butto my dismay when I pushed the power button on my PC the fans didn't kick in(1...does there have to be a HDD with the OS installed for the fans towork?) So I'm under the impression that either the power supply is knackered(2...but why is the MOBO light on?) or The MOBO is knackered, but then againI'm no expert and was hoping some tech buff could help in solving my problem(3...could the power supply have failed but have enough power for the MOBOlight and nothing else??)>>>>>>>>>>>> I know the simple answer is to take it to a PC repair shop but I'drather save money "as we all do" if someone may help me solve this.>>>>>>>>>>>> MOBO: ASUS A7A266>>>>>> Power supply: FSP group inc>>>>>> Model #: FSP250-60GTV (PF)>>>>>> WinXP Home SP1>>>>>>>>>>>> A few piccys of the MOBO and Power supply>>>>>>>>>>>>http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/PowersupplyforASUSA7A266MOBO.jpg>>>>>>>>>>>> http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/ASUSMOBOLight.jpg>>>>>>>>>>>> http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/P1023151.jpg>>>>>>>>>>>> "Thanks">>>>>>>>>>>> -->>>>>>>>>>>> Regards>>>>>> p.mc>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
Hi Ben

Don't know what happened to the earlieir post so hopefully this one is
clearer.
I had a look at a new PSU

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=130063996276&rd=1&rd=1

But it was advertised as having a 20 & 24 pin main connector, so I emailed
the seller to see if it would fit onto my 20 pin connection considering the
components either side of it.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/20pinconnector.jpg

Hopefully this will do the job. Thanks to all repliers.
 
Hi

I've been getting the BSOD for the last couple of months and I thought It
may have been my DVD/RW drive, (sorry no info because of first sentence) but
a couple of days ago I was converting an .avi to .vob, (DVDsanta)...and when
I went to check on it my PC was dead.

The fuse in the kettle lead was ok so I opened up the tower and seen that
the light on the MOBO was on, so I took out my HDD's and disconnected
everything except the 20 pin supply to the MOBO and tower and CPU fans, but
to my dismay when I pushed the power button on my PC the fans didn't kick in
(1...does there have to be a HDD with the OS installed for the fans to
work?) So I'm under the impression that either the power supply is knackered
(2...but why is the MOBO light on?) or The MOBO is knackered, but then again
I'm no expert and was hoping some tech buff could help in solving my problem
(3...could the power supply have failed but have enough power for the MOBO
light and nothing else??)

I know the simple answer is to take it to a PC repair shop but I'd rather
save money "as we all do" if someone may help me solve this.
Click to expand...

Either the MOBO or the power supply has had it.

Note that I have seen USB hubs that can run powered or unpowered and
backfeed power if they are in powered mode. This can result in the
MOBO's light being on even with the power supply unplugged.

The only true test of a power supply is plug in another and see if it
works. If so the old one was bad.
 
I will suggest you to make sure that your power supply is faulty and
everything is fine. If you buy a new one and it didn't either works and then
you will have no option except to take your pc to a hardware store because
you will no longer like to use your brain more.

So, my advise is to make 100% sure that the PS is faulty and then buy a new
one else you are going to waste your money.

In your first post you said that you unplug everything except 20Pin Power
Connector. Make sure that the PowerSW [2 Pin] cable is connectted in the
right port of your motherboard which is used to turn on an ATX PS and
Motherboards.

Best thing will be [as advise by "Shenan" too], borrow a PS and try it.

Hope this help, let us know!
--
Tip of The Day
=========
Add SHOW / HIDE Recycle Bin option in "Folder Options". Learn how to at:

http://www.mindurbrain.zippyfreehost.com/
 
Hi Rajkohli

I was hoping Ian would reply to confirm whether that was the way to test a
PS, maybe he'll reply tomorrow. As you said I do want to make sure that the
PS is 100% faulty, and also you were right I didn't mention I had the 2 pin
power switch connected to the board, I did test the switch with my mains
testers and it was working.

Thanks for the advice

--

Regards
p.mc


RajKohli said:
I will suggest you to make sure that your power supply is faulty and
everything is fine. If you buy a new one and it didn't either works and
then
you will have no option except to take your pc to a hardware store because
you will no longer like to use your brain more.

So, my advise is to make 100% sure that the PS is faulty and then buy a
new
one else you are going to waste your money.

In your first post you said that you unplug everything except 20Pin Power
Connector. Make sure that the PowerSW [2 Pin] cable is connectted in the
right port of your motherboard which is used to turn on an ATX PS and
Motherboards.

Best thing will be [as advise by "Shenan" too], borrow a PS and try it.

Hope this help, let us know!
--
Tip of The Day
=========
Add SHOW / HIDE Recycle Bin option in "Folder Options". Learn how to at:

http://www.mindurbrain.zippyfreehost.com/


p.mc said:
**(Which I've done)**

**(My HDD with OS on, or a DVD drive?)**

**(Does that mean putting a link in between green & black?)**

**But how does this test it without pluging the PSU into the mains? And
if
it is the case that I have to plug the PSU into the mains, it's simple a
matter of the LED on the DVD drive coming on or the HDD spinning to
confirm
the PSU works?**

--
TIA

Regards
p.mc
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
In but a minute with a 3.5 digit multimeter, trim the list of
suspects down to only power supply or motherboard, or ..... That mains
testing light cannot report anything useful because numbers are
required.

Light says power cord connects to AC mains. Light does not say any
voltage is sufficient. Only meter numbers can say that. Start by
measuring voltage on purple wire by pressing meter probes into 20 pin
nylon connector for purple wire and to any black wire (or touch
chassis). With computer powered off (and light still illuminated), that
number must exceed 4.87 (and it probably will). Next take the number
for green wire both before and when power switch is pressed. That
number should be above 2.0 volts and drop to less than 0.8 volts when
switch is pressed. What happens here is very informative.

Next, the gray wire. It must rise to well above 2.4 volts within
second of the power switch pressed. I suspect either voltage will not
move or will rise and then fall.

Now measure any red, orange and yellow wires when switch is pressed.
Assuming the green wire voltage did drop, then each voltage here
should rise up (and then will probably fall). Any voltage that does
not rise up, then look for a short circuit for that voltage on
motherboard. If all voltages do rise up, then within a second, each
voltage must achieve more than 3.23, 4.87, or 11.7.

Information from those quick measurements either make it obvious
which is the suspect or post those numbers here for better analysis.

Rather than 'buy this and replace that', a best solution is to
first take numbers. Just another reason why a 15 quid meter is a tool
as important as a screwdriver, as complex as an Ipod, and the
hands-down quickest answer of your question and to identify where to
start looking for a solution.

Nice pictures. But visual inspection almost never identifies a
failure. Without that meter (your only useful eyes), then replace
possibly good parts until maybe something is fixed. It is called
shotgunning. Without that meter, you are essentially blind.

Had you been recording numbers and message in the BSOD, or reviewed
information in the system (event) logs, then a suspect might have been
more quickly identified. Too late now.

A simple rule for power supplies: if manufacturer does not provide a
comprehensive list of numerical specs, well, this is how supplies
missing essential functions are dumped in a market of electrically
naive computer assemblers. A power supply must contain a long list of
functions that were required even 30 years ago. But many supplies sell
for less (and for higher profits) by forgetting to include many
essential functions. Then some assmbler says "computer powers on;
therefore it must be fine". It's not. But the naive may need other
more expensive solutions (such has a UPS) to solve what would not exist
if using a properly constructed supply. Don't buy a power supply only
 
p.mc said:
Hi

I've been getting the BSOD for the last couple of months and I thought It
may have been my DVD/RW drive, (sorry no info because of first sentence) but
a couple of days ago I was converting an .avi to .vob, (DVDsanta)...and when
I went to check on it my PC was dead.

The fuse in the kettle lead was ok so I opened up the tower and seen that
the light on the MOBO was on, so I took out my HDD's and disconnected
everything except the 20 pin supply to the MOBO and tower and CPU fans, but
to my dismay when I pushed the power button on my PC the fans didn't kick in
(1...does there have to be a HDD with the OS installed for the fans to
work?) So I'm under the impression that either the power supply is knackered
(2...but why is the MOBO light on?) or The MOBO is knackered, but then again
I'm no expert and was hoping some tech buff could help in solving my problem
(3...could the power supply have failed but have enough power for the MOBO
light and nothing else??)

I know the simple answer is to take it to a PC repair shop but I'd rather
save money "as we all do" if someone may help me solve this.

MOBO: ASUS A7A266
Power supply: FSP group inc
Model #: FSP250-60GTV (PF)
WinXP Home SP1

A few piccys of the MOBO and Power supply

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/PowersupplyforASUSA7A266MOBO.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j238/npilcs/ASUSMOBOLight.jpg
Click to expand...

I can't QUITE tell for sure (may be a trick of the light), but it
appears as if one or both of the yellow capacitors near the processor
has a VERY slight bulge to it. That would mean a bad board.

I think the board is a goner. Sometime before it quit altogether, you
might have been able to replace the capacitors and make the board
stable again. Now, there's probably some collateral damage to one of
the other components.

(google makes me trim to 5 groups)
 
p.mc said:
I was hoping Ian would reply to confirm whether that was the way to test a
PS, maybe he'll reply tomorrow. As you said I do want to make sure that the
PS is 100% faulty, and also you were right I didn't mention I had the 2 pin
power switch connected to the board, I did test the switch with my mains
testers and it was working.
Click to expand...

A power supply that fails to provide sufficient voltage (or other
problems) will light the light, light the mains tester, and still be
defective. As noted previously, there is no cheaper and effective
solution that a 3.5 digit multimeter.

Also bad is to test a power supply removed from the system. Again, a
supply that is defective can even measure correct voltages with a meter
when not connected to a large load (ie motherboard). Best test of a
power supply is to test it in the computer AND with maximum load -
motherboard and peripherals.

This solution is faster and more reliable than even swapping power
supplies. It will also report which is bad - motherboard (power supply
controller) or power supply.
 
The led onboard the motherboard being lit only indicates +5V present.
Nothing else. Believe it was meant as alert for those fooling around
inside the PC, especially those with a silent power supply.
 
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