Shortened mobile device
Shortened mobile device
I mistakenly inserted a USB-C dongle into one of the motherboard USB-A ports, causing the PC to power down instantly. The dongle appears to have failed completely. It seems likely that the motherboard and power supply unit are damaged, though it’s possible only those parts are affected. The rest of the system might still function, but a full breakdown is probable.
Turn off the power source for a short period (remove the power cord). Certain safeguards/fuses will reset after the electricity is fully cut off for a moment.
USB operates at 5v... The next action would be to verify if the power source is still functional. It's conceivable that the 5v output from the power supply has malfunctioned, preventing it from initiating. Begin by disconnecting the power supply entirely from all components—remove the 24-pin ATX connector, cut off the CPU cables, sever any remaining connections. Then attempt to boot manually by connecting the PS-ON pin to any ground point on the 24-pin connector. The PS-ON pin is located near the fourth hole from the left, visible when viewing the connector with the retaining clip at the top. Ground refers to any hole marked as COM in the diagram, positioned just beneath the retaining clip; there should be ground wires there. To test startup, use a metal paperclip or an uninsulated wire to bridge the PS-ON pin to a ground wire. If the power supply starts, the fan should spin (unless it's a model that doesn't activate fans beyond a certain power level). With a digital multimeter, plug the power supply into the mains and measure 5v on the 5v standby wire (the purple pin shown). Using a DC voltage meter, place probes on the 5v SB wire and any COM holes. A reading of 5v confirms proper operation. If the supply powers on, check for spinning fans (unless your unit lacks fan activation). If you have a multimeter, ensure no shorts occur between the PS-ON and ground. Some USB connectors also draw 5v standby when the computer is off, which helps the BIOS power peripherals like keyboards or mice during shutdowns. A faulty connector might cause a short, preventing startup and potentially damaging the motherboard if a fault is detected. It's wise to visually inspect the USB connector for any accidental pin contact, which could lead to shorts or permanent damage. If a short exists, the power supply will not start, and further troubleshooting on the motherboard may be necessary.