PSU - Paperclip No Longer Works

[Dustlew]

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/2t2rVY (my 2013 build)

My cases front power button doesn't work - due to me removing the front face of my tower too aggressively, which resulted in breaking the connection of the mobo power wire.

Thus, since then, I've used the paper clip to short the green and black wire while the PSU connector was attached to the motherboard, and it always worked like a charm.

However, I had to pack my machine up today to move my new address, and when I tried this method everything powered on, but no picture on the display. No problem! this happened before, and I just had to switch black cords until I found the sweet spot. Sometimes it would bring picture to the monitor, but I had to leave it in there until it got a certain point in the booting process before removing the clip, or it would shut off.

Anyway, I guess the PSU finally blew, because I just took apart my entire machine, and I have it ready to assemble now. I tried the paper clip on the PSU alone, out of the machine, to see it do nothing, no fans, no sign of life. So, how the hell was it turning my computer on to this point? Did I kill it trying to short it 100 times last night?

Also, should I be concerned about my motherboard? I guess I'll have to get another PSU unit to effectively troubleshoot this problem, but I guess my question is - should I reassemble this machine one last time to see if it will short for me one last time? Or should I just wait for new parts, and with that being said should I pick up a new MOBO?

I really wanted to hold off on building a new computer, but I guess if I have to buy a case, psu, and maybe a new motherboard, should I be looking forward to future upgrade? Or should I just get something to get the job done until new lines of products release. I really don't have but around $200-250 for a MOBO, case, and PSU, but if its just the PSU, I guess I could spare $125 spending limit.

Anyone care to run some products for me that will work with what I've got in my machine atm? Link at the top.

 

[Dustlew]

Anyone have an idea?

 

[MauveCloud]

Antec Basiq might not support "no-load operation", which means even a normally functioning one might refuse to turn on via paperclip without a few things (e.g. case fans) connected.

However, as far as replacement psu options in that budget, here are some:
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/3zNypg/corsair-power-supply-cp9020090na
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/TgW9TW/seasonic-power-supply-m12ii520bronze
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/Rkh9TW/xfx-power-supply-p1550bbefx

 

[Dustlew]

Thanks for the suggestions, so do you believe I should hook it up the the motherboard with a few case fans? I really want to pin point the problem.

 

[MauveCloud]

I think it's worth a try before assuming your psu has died, and on the off chance that it damages the case fans, those are less expensive to replace than other hardware.

 

[Paperdoc]

I would bet MauveCloud is right. Most PSU's I have seen do exactly that - they will not start up without certain connections being made to the mobo. So, just as a simple quick test while everything is out of the case, you can place the mobo on an insulating surface to prevent short circuits, connect the PSU, and try to start. It should briefly start up and begin the POST, but then stop because it finds no RAM installed. IF your mobo has its own "beeper" unit, the system will give you a beep code for missing RAM. (Without that beeper module, you'll never hear that code.) Shut it down and disconnect.

Now, there's a better way for you to do this. The two wires from the case's front On / Off pushbutton go to a multi-pin header on the bottom right of the mobo, to a particular pair of pins for that switch. It is those wires that got damaged. Now, the pushbutton switch is a very simple one AND identical in type to the one on the front panel for Reset. So, when you re-assemble, when you go to re-connect the Reset switch wires to their pin pair on that header, do it another way: plug those wires into the pins for the On / Off switch. Now you will have no actual Reset pushbutton, The front panel button labelled "Reset" actually will be your "On / Off" button. You will not have to keep fiddling with a paper clip to short out internal wires.

 

[Dustlew]

I would bet MauveCloud is right. Most PSU's I have seen do exactly that - they will not start up without certain connections being made to the mobo. So, just as a simple quick test while everything is out of the case, you can place the mobo on an insulating surface to prevent short circuits, connect the PSU, and try to start. It should briefly start up and begin the POST, but then stop because it finds no RAM installed. IF your mobo has its own "beeper" unit, the system will give you a beep code for missing RAM. (Without that beeper module, you'll never hear that code.) Shut it down and disconnect.

Now, there's a better way for you to do this. The two wires from the case's front On / Off pushbutton go to a multi-pin header on the bottom right of the mobo, to a particular pair of pins for that switch. It is those wires that got damaged. Now, the pushbutton switch is a very simple one AND identical in type to the one on the front panel for Reset. So, when you re-assemble, when you go to re-connect the Reset switch wires to their pin pair on that header, do it another way: plug those wires into the pins for the On / Off switchNow you will have no actual Reset pushbutton, The front panel button labelled "Reset" actually will be your "On / Off" button. You will not have to keep fiddling with a paper clip to short out internal wires.

Omfg. Brilliant!

 

[Paperdoc]

Thanks for Best Solution. Let us know how it all works out.