Question Troubleshooting a dead PC ?

Mr.CJ

Commendable
Jan 27, 2022
36
2
1,535
I bought a computer second hand and it was sent to me by post, and yes, that was probably a bad idea, no need to comment that 😂 sender did not unmount any components, it was sent as is, in one piece.

It seemed to be OK packing and I cannot see any visible damages. When I plug it in, there is no reactions. No LED on motherboard, gpu or anywhere else. I get the feeling it might be the psu, but would not expect the psu to be the component to go. I am also sceptical that the sender had some bubble wrap inside the computer, for reasons unknown. The build is:

Ryzen 7600
Msi 650 gaming wifi
16gb ram
Rx 7600
550w psu
Phantex g360 case

I have an extra psu, is it safe to connect it for testing, or do I risk it being damaged? Can I, as an example, connect it only to the gpu and see if the led lights up?
Also, for some reason, the room does not have grounded outlets, is it possible that the psu won't start because ground is missing?

Any and all tips greatly appreciated
Best regards,
CJ
 

Aeacus

Titan
Ambassador
PSU make and model (or part number) is?

Also, for some reason, the room does not have grounded outlets, is it possible that the psu won't start because ground is missing?
PSU doesn't need ground for it to operate. But it would be safer with ground.

I have an extra psu, is it safe to connect it for testing, or can I risk it being damaged?
2nd PSU make and model (or part number) is?

Also, as long as you switch out the power cables and don't reuse them, there wouldn't be an issue.

Can I, as an example, connect it only to the gpu and see if the led lights up?
Well, you can but GPU LEDs lighting up doesn't tell that GPU works at all.

It's like you turning on the car's ignition and once you see lights light up, but without ever cranking the engine and turning the engine on - you instantly assume the car drives fine.

but would not expect the psu to be the component to go
Depends on what PSU it is. Hence why i asked my initial question.

Also, do you think that PSU is invulnerable? Never dying? Lasting til the end of time + then some? :unsure:
 
  • Like
Reactions: CountMike

Mr.CJ

Commendable
Jan 27, 2022
36
2
1,535
PSU make and model (or part number) is?

Cooler Master MWE Gold 550 V2 PSU

PSU doesn't need ground for it to operate. But it would be safer with ground.
Thank you very much for confirming, Then I can eliminate that possibility
2nd PSU make and model (or part number) is?
Corsair RM850x V3 850W
Also, as long as you switch out the power cables and don't reuse them, there wouldn't be an issue.
All cables are new and included with the corsair PSU. Is there a real possibility of power cable damage caused by transportation/ESD?
Well, you can but GPU LEDs lighting up doesn't tell that GPU works at all.

It's like you turning on the car's ignition and once you see lights light up, but without ever cranking the engine and turning the engine on - you instantly assume the car drives fine.
This step was just to confirm if the existing PSU was dead, by the logic if the corsair PSU distributes power when connected, the mounted PSU is not distributing power
Depends on what PSU it is. Hence why i asked my initial question.

Also, do you think that PSU is invulnerable? Never dying? Lasting til the end of time + then some? :unsure:
Nope, assumption here only being that the build is only 6 months old and PSU seems to be better protected against static discharges and shock as it is in one solid casing and thus I'd assume parts like the MB, cooling fan, GPU being more susceptible. Got a Cooler Master 750w from 2014 still going strong in an older build 🥳 This is the first time I've received a complete computer in the mail and I've never been troubleshooting that before. That is why I am curious about static discharge as there were buble wrap inside, and potential shock damages. As mentioned earlier the case and the inside bears no obvious marks of any damage. I'll post a picture of the bubblewrap inside as well

Thank you very much for all the inputs so far :)
 
When I plug it in, there is no reactions. No LED on motherboard, gpu or anywhere else. I get the feeling it might be the psu, but would not expect the psu to be the component to go.
Did you check switch on PSU ?
Did you check if power on switch to motherboard is connected properly?
Did you try shorting power on switch?
Does PSU turn on if you remove it from pc and connect green and black wires?
 

Aeacus

Titan
Ambassador
Cooler Master MWE Gold 550 V2 PSU
That's mediocre quality unit. More like low quality. I'd advise against using it.

And it being dead - is quite a possibility. Though, when PSU goes "pop", there is a chance it killing everything it is connected to (aka the whole PC). And the lower the PSU's build quality - the higher the chance it can happen (both PSU dying and killing components).

Corsair RM850x V3 850W
Good quality PSU. (y)
I suggest you use this one instead.

Is there a real possibility of power cable damage caused by transportation/ESD?
No.

This step was just to confirm if the existing PSU was dead, by the logic if the corsair PSU distributes power when connected, the mounted PSU is not distributing power
Distributing power isn't the PSU's only job. There are far more tasks PSU must do.

Though, to be exact, it's the MoBo's job to distribute power it gets from 24-pin ATX and 4/8-pin EPS. To CPU socket, to PCI-E sockets and to other parts of the MoBo, to make all of it working.

only being that the build is only 6 months old and PSU seems to be better protected against static discharges and shock as it is in one solid casing and thus I'd assume parts like the MB, cooling fan, GPU being more susceptible.
Well, it depends on which part the ESD came in. But PSU's build quality just isn't there. So, PSU being toast is quite likely. And not by ESD or shock, but probably due to it's own accord (namely cheap construction and using inferior components inside).

Not all PSUs are created equal.

Here, two PSUs. Both are 650W and 80+ Gold,
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/RzfFf7,rbyH99/

Can you tell me, why Seasonic unit costs essentially double of the Apevia unit?
Also, which of the two you'd use? And why?
 

Gururu

Upstanding
Jan 4, 2024
207
120
270
Did you not read what OP wrote? :rolleyes:

The build is completely dead. 0 signs of life.

Until that is resolved, no need to get ahead of yourself.
My recommendations do not interfere with trying a new PSU. They simply eliminate any factors that may complicate further troubleshooting.