PSU problem with AMD/Gigabyte combo?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Michael Strorm
  • Start date Start date
M

Michael Strorm

Hi,
I'm trying to fix a computer belonging to a local charity, and am
convinced that the problem is the power supply- but this doesn't
explain everything. Stay tuned for weird tales...

I was told that, at first, the problem was that pushing the (case)
power switch caused the fans to start up, then cut out as nothing
happened.
When *I* tried it, however, pushing the switch had no effect at
all- it was seemingly dead.

I took the machine home with me and connected the power supply from
my P4 case (Athlon-compatible) to the Athlon-machine's mobo.

The case fans started up *as soon as the mains power is on* (i.e.
without pushing the case-power-switch, which doesn't turn it off
either) The machine does *not*boot, and (importantly?!) the CPU FAN
DOES NOT TURN, although it's plugged into the motherboard. Although
the heatsink is attached, I don't want to leave the Athlon powered-up
too long.

So far... not good. I reconnect the machine's own power supply and
get *momentary fan movement*, then cutout, just as described above.
Thinking that there was residual power from the P4's "good" PSU, I try
it again... more fan action, then cutout. Same thing the third time.

Two other points- the CPU fan (a) Looks too small for an Athlon
(same size as the one on my Pentium I 233MHz and (b) Requires far more
friction to push it round than the one on my P4, and looks squint.
Should it go round when I blow air at the right angle?

So, to be brief-
- The machine's own (faulty?) power supply either causes
short-lived case-fan activity then cutout, or doesn't work at all
- Having the other (working) power supply connected causes the
computer to start as soon as mains power is applied, but it doesn't
boot and the CPU fan doesn't work.

I would greatly appreciate *any* feedback or thoughts that helped
me solve some or all of this, or at least gave me some pointers.
Thanks!

- Michael S
 
Michael Strorm said:
Hi,
I'm trying to fix a computer belonging to a local charity, and am
convinced that the problem is the power supply- but this doesn't
explain everything. Stay tuned for weird tales...

I was told that, at first, the problem was that pushing the (case)
power switch caused the fans to start up, then cut out as nothing
happened.
When *I* tried it, however, pushing the switch had no effect at
all- it was seemingly dead.

I took the machine home with me and connected the power supply from
my P4 case (Athlon-compatible) to the Athlon-machine's mobo.

The case fans started up *as soon as the mains power is on* (i.e.
without pushing the case-power-switch, which doesn't turn it off
either) The machine does *not*boot, and (importantly?!) the CPU FAN
DOES NOT TURN, although it's plugged into the motherboard. Although
the heatsink is attached, I don't want to leave the Athlon powered-up
too long.

So far... not good. I reconnect the machine's own power supply and
get *momentary fan movement*, then cutout, just as described above.
Thinking that there was residual power from the P4's "good" PSU, I try
it again... more fan action, then cutout. Same thing the third time.

Two other points- the CPU fan (a) Looks too small for an Athlon
(same size as the one on my Pentium I 233MHz and (b) Requires far more
friction to push it round than the one on my P4, and looks squint.
Should it go round when I blow air at the right angle?

So, to be brief-
- The machine's own (faulty?) power supply either causes
short-lived case-fan activity then cutout, or doesn't work at all
- Having the other (working) power supply connected causes the
computer to start as soon as mains power is applied, but it doesn't
boot and the CPU fan doesn't work.

I would greatly appreciate *any* feedback or thoughts that helped
me solve some or all of this, or at least gave me some pointers.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
As a built-in protection, if the HSF doesn't start the system powers off?
Try a different HSF.
 
Smoker said:
As a built-in protection, if the HSF doesn't start the system powers off?
Try a different HSF.
Click to expand...

Good suggestion, but when it's connected to the P4 power supply, it
doesn't power off. In fact, it comes "on" without any button being
pushed, there's a series of semi-regular clicking sounds (which do not
stop) and the STR_EN motherboard light keeps flickering. That's only
with the P4's PSU, of course.

Good day today.... my 15-month old monitor isn't working now either
(flicker fzzt fz fzzt, you know the score... *sigh*)

- Michael S
 
Could the CPU itself be faulty? Or perhaps their is a problem with
the socket itself causinng theMB to freak out?
 
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