F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question Total Newb - requires help fixing issues

Question Total Newb - requires help fixing issues

Question Total Newb - requires help fixing issues

E
egget02
Junior Member
22
07-28-2025, 01:49 PM
#1
Hi all,
Pics
I've never taken a computer apart but a recent storm took out my modem, router, and now my computer won't turn on. I read that the problem could be a damaged power supply and I was hoping to test it with the paperclip trick. However, once I got everything opened up (with some difficulty), I'm not seeing a 20 or 24 pin connector as the other posts are instructing to find and use for the test. I see an 8 pin connector which seems to be connected to the power supply. One video I watched said to connect the paperclip into the green wire spot and a black wire spot. This connector has a green and black wire. Is this equivalent to the same wires on a 20/24 pin connector? Or am I just completely off base? This is Dell OptiPlex 9020. I bought it refurbished from Amazon and have never had an issue with it till now.
Thanks in advance
E
egget02
07-28-2025, 01:49 PM #1

Hi all,
Pics
I've never taken a computer apart but a recent storm took out my modem, router, and now my computer won't turn on. I read that the problem could be a damaged power supply and I was hoping to test it with the paperclip trick. However, once I got everything opened up (with some difficulty), I'm not seeing a 20 or 24 pin connector as the other posts are instructing to find and use for the test. I see an 8 pin connector which seems to be connected to the power supply. One video I watched said to connect the paperclip into the green wire spot and a black wire spot. This connector has a green and black wire. Is this equivalent to the same wires on a 20/24 pin connector? Or am I just completely off base? This is Dell OptiPlex 9020. I bought it refurbished from Amazon and have never had an issue with it till now.
Thanks in advance

N
NinatoPvP
Posting Freak
899
08-09-2025, 06:39 PM
#2
I think it would be much simpler if you shared pictures of the power cables and similar items on platforms like Imgur. Once that's done, we can tackle the rest.
N
NinatoPvP
08-09-2025, 06:39 PM #2

I think it would be much simpler if you shared pictures of the power cables and similar items on platforms like Imgur. Once that's done, we can tackle the rest.

A
A93
Member
62
08-18-2025, 09:32 AM
#3
You might locate relevant information online using the model number of the power supply. You may need to buy a similar or alternative version if multiple models exist from Dell. Depending on the form factor, you could obtain a standard ATX unit, though you'll require the appropriate adapters for connection.

In situations like this, with older units (such as 4th generation Intel), it's often faster to get another refurbished model rather than spend time fixing the existing one. These parts are usually available around $80 to $120, with slight variations depending on certification.
A
A93
08-18-2025, 09:32 AM #3

You might locate relevant information online using the model number of the power supply. You may need to buy a similar or alternative version if multiple models exist from Dell. Depending on the form factor, you could obtain a standard ATX unit, though you'll require the appropriate adapters for connection.

In situations like this, with older units (such as 4th generation Intel), it's often faster to get another refurbished model rather than spend time fixing the existing one. These parts are usually available around $80 to $120, with slight variations depending on certification.

B
Batmanio
Member
126
08-24-2025, 04:54 PM
#4
Sure, here it is.
B
Batmanio
08-24-2025, 04:54 PM #4

Sure, here it is.

I
Infallity
Senior Member
379
08-25-2025, 05:59 PM
#5
Amazon.com
In case you need a non-OEM better power supply, just keep in mind. Even Dell uses this type of cable in their Inspiron 5680 Desktop Pc. I usually purchase my special cables from here.
https://www.moddiy.com/
Just buy a quality-made one and avoid cheap, low-cost alternatives.
I shared the Amazon link so you can see what it looks like and the reviews are very positive. Just do your own research.
I
Infallity
08-25-2025, 05:59 PM #5

Amazon.com
In case you need a non-OEM better power supply, just keep in mind. Even Dell uses this type of cable in their Inspiron 5680 Desktop Pc. I usually purchase my special cables from here.
https://www.moddiy.com/
Just buy a quality-made one and avoid cheap, low-cost alternatives.
I shared the Amazon link so you can see what it looks like and the reviews are very positive. Just do your own research.

S
SquidyTheKing
Member
130
08-25-2025, 06:10 PM
#6
Alright, thanks to everyone who replied. Here's an update. I did the paperclip test on the power supply and the green light lit up on the back of it. So I thought, great! I reassembled the computer and when I plug it on and press the power button, it's still not turning on and the green light does not turn on for the power supply.
What should be my next step with troubleshooting? Also, all my equipment was plugged into a surge protector but my computer, router, and modem were all affected. Could it have been something other than a power surge? Or is that just a bad surge protector?
Thanks,
Jennifer
S
SquidyTheKing
08-25-2025, 06:10 PM #6

Alright, thanks to everyone who replied. Here's an update. I did the paperclip test on the power supply and the green light lit up on the back of it. So I thought, great! I reassembled the computer and when I plug it on and press the power button, it's still not turning on and the green light does not turn on for the power supply.
What should be my next step with troubleshooting? Also, all my equipment was plugged into a surge protector but my computer, router, and modem were all affected. Could it have been something other than a power surge? Or is that just a bad surge protector?
Thanks,
Jennifer

E
ElizaBooo
Junior Member
4
08-27-2025, 05:08 AM
#7
I've placed an order for a fresh power supply to verify if that's the problem
E
ElizaBooo
08-27-2025, 05:08 AM #7

I've placed an order for a fresh power supply to verify if that's the problem