Unique problem for me.
Unique problem for me.
It seems like the PSU is likely the focus here. A decade of use is rare, but MoBo might still hold value if it's only three years old. Usually cases don’t lead to failures, but since you need to “cold start” by moving pins first, I’d prioritize checking the PSU before moving on.
The process you described sounds accurate. After connecting the PSU, you need to keep the power switch engaged for a while to allow the PC to boot. If you disconnect power without unplugging the PSU or turning it off, it may cause issues until you restore power. This happens because the system waits for the PC to receive sufficient power before starting up.
It's probably PSU. However, aside from this problem, everything else is fine. This power source has lasted a long time and hasn't faced any issues before.
Connect the PC and set the PSU switch to position one. Keep it there for a few minutes, typically 2 to 5 minutes. Then, briefly press the on switch in front of the case once. If the PC starts up normally, it might indicate a leaky capacitor on the motherboard. Try this method and inspect all electrolytic capacitors on the board for any signs of leakage or physical damage.
It seems like a major Windows update or driver issue occurred. If there are recent updates available, consider removing them.
If you agree, the issue is that the power supply completely shuts down regularly, which means the CMOS battery often needs replacement sooner than expected in this case. It's also the most affordable and straightforward solution available. The main concern (besides the prehistoric era) is that frequent high-power surges can harm any PC over time.
I didn't disconnect the power for the PSU last night and the outcome stayed the same. I kept pressing the power button for a while until it would start, but didn’t actually begin it. Then I turned the power back on. After taking a shower, I pressed the power button again and it booted up immediately without needing a long hold. That surprised me. I should note that when I press the power button or jump the power pins on the motherboard, I can hear the PSU light ticking or the coil whine inside. I think that’s the signal indicating the PC is starting. I still need to check the motherboard.