Device fails to power up despite motherboard indicators functioning.
Device fails to power up despite motherboard indicators functioning.
The issue is that none of the components illuminate, and the motherboard always shows the PWR_LED light, which seems to indicate the system is receiving power. I've attempted to unplug the PC and repeatedly pressed the power button for ten seconds during troubleshooting, and it sometimes worked. However, I’m not sure if this means the PSU is faulty since I wouldn’t expect to see any light if the power supply was the problem.
I get what you mean about the LEDs, but if none of them are turning on, it might be a power supply issue rather than an LED fault. I see that one PWR_LED, which makes me think it’s not the problem I’m facing. Even though I’ve had issues with those LEDs, they usually stop working completely without any further action.
You can power devices from an older PSU that works for lighting but not for starting the computer. Learn more about PSU wear and its effect on output here: https://computerinfobits.com/how-long-do...lies-last/
I’ve also attempted the screwdriver technique to boot up my PC, thinking maybe the power button was faulty, but it still doesn’t work at all.
We aim to revive the PSU and check its functionality. Disconnect all components from the PSU. If modular, remove it from the side; if separate, detach it from the motherboard. Keep the 24-pin ATX connector plugged into the PSU, then unplug it from the motherboard. Use a paper clip to bend it and insert between two adjacent pins on the ATX port. Align pins 4 and 5 in the top row facing up with the clip. This should power the PSU. If the fan spins or you can measure voltage with a multimeter, the unit is likely faulty.
Consider trying a $15 to $25 USD power supply tester. You’d still need to disconnect everything, but these devices are more affordable than buying a new power supply and provide details like voltage and wattage, plus verification of specifications such as 5 volts. The one I purchased offered extra features: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005F778JO Another option I used at work is https://www.amazon.com/Kingwin-Computer-...B07VXSFXP1. Supporting over 200 aging Dell machines meant I often unplugged, tested, and replaced faulty units if necessary.
It’s clear if it doesn’t function, the PSU is likely faulty. If it does work, you’ll need further testing. The issue could be with your motherboard, CPU, or PSU. There’s no way to confirm without replacing components or sending everything to a repair shop for analysis.