PC won't boot up - nothing starts

[Louis Marlowe]

I was in the middle of playing a game on my computer and the computer suddenly switches off without any warning. I'm on a Shuttle SX58H7 which has next to no airflow whatsoever and it's extremely likely that it shutdown because of high temperatures. Now the machine cannot start-up at all - certain LEDs light up on the motherboard, but the machine doesn't boot up, none of the fans start operating etc. I'm concerned that the high temperatures have fried one of the components or something.

Any help would be massively appreciated!

 

[boosted1g]

This is usually either due to heat or power supply.

Open case and give it a 3-4 hours. If it still does not turn on then it is likely dead power supply.

Those small form factor PCs have their cons. Biggest ones being cooling, upgradeability, and replacement costs.
Looking at $110 for replacement PSU: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Shuttle-SN78SH7-SG45H7-SP45H7/dp/B002UO3A8S

 

[Louis Marlowe]

To boosted1g,

Thanks for your answer and I'm fearful that you're correct - would a faulty power supply still be able to light up the LEDs on the motherboard? I'm clinging to the hope that it isn't dead because I'd rather try and get a new system than spend any money whatsoever on this one - and I don't even have cash to spare at this stage.

 

[boosted1g]

The LEDs on the motherboard are simply an indication that it senses voltage or sometimes even just a continuity difference on a wire from the PSU.
It in absolutely zero way means that the PSU is capable of completely turning on or sustaining a load.

You can test the PSU by disconnecting the 24pin harness from the mobtherboard, and taking a paperclip to jumper from the green wire (pin 16) to any of the black wires. If the PSU turns on then the PSU works, if not it is dead.

 

[Louis Marlowe]

So, having tried what you suggested - a staple going from the green wired pin into a black wired pin on the same 24-pin connector, the power supply does kick into action. I suppose I'll try reinstalling it into the computer and see what happens.

EDIT - Everything is back in and reinstalled, but the same problem. Switching the computer on lights up the LEDs on the motherboard and there is a click noise from the PSU but nothing happens.

 

[boosted1g]

Not sure a staple will make good electrical contact depending on how you did it, not to mention what material/coating the staple may be made of.

But if you got solid electrical contact from the green to black wire and the PSU did not turn on, then you have a dead PSU.

 

[Louis Marlowe]

The PSU is fine, jumping it (as you suggested) worked. Booting up without the GPU plugged in seems to mitigate the issue. The computer seems to boot up just fine - can't tell for sure as there's no other display-out ports. Is that bad PCI-e lanes or a GPU that is dead?

 

[boosted1g]

Usually the PCI lanes don't go bad in your board.

Could be a bad GPU
Or could still be a bad PSU that just cant output enough power for your GPU.

Only way to know for sure is to test your GPU in a different computer, or test a GPU with equal power draw in yours
For the sake of better testing variables, testing your GPU in a different computer is the better test.

 

[Louis Marlowe]

Thanks so much for your help with this! I tried booting the system up with the GPU unplugged from the PCI-e lane, but still plugged in to the PSU, and the system wouldn't start. That would suggest the PSU is the problem, but is that an effective way of testing that? I'll try using my GPU with another computer - just need to find someone with one first...!

 

[boosted1g]

Most likely it means that your PSU is not able to support the load with the GPU.
But could mean that your GPU is dead and causing a short or some other issue that is making the PSU not turn on.

For sure test GPU in another computer, or similar GPU in yours (as in one with similar power requirements).

 

[Louis Marlowe]

Drat - bought a new power supply and it hasn't solved the issue, which must mean the graphics card is the faulty part right?

 

[boosted1g]

Since it will boot without the GPU, then at this point all signs point to the GPU.