Possible Power Issue !!!

[pminister]

Small question how do u tell if the power source in your computer is fried?

Reason I ask is lately one of my extension cords has been making this crackling sound, and anytime I plug something it will make this crackling sound. That is the same extension cord that has my computer connected to, via a power bar. One day the comp stopped working, and I don't what the cause is. I plugged the comp into a direct outlet, and no power goes through. As far as the extension cord, it gets power but makes that crackling sound.

Any ideas ??? Also if the power source is shot, are they expensive to replace or worth it. I mean I would like to keep this computer, as it does serve purpose for basic needs.

Attached is an image of the power supply, that I managed to take out from my computer. I tried look up a power supply at my local vendors, but I was little confused which one i needed.

[pminister]

[MaDef]

Can you post your system specs, or at least the make/model of the pc. (some store bought pc's have specialized psu's, so retail replacements can be limiting.

I would also suggest using a quality surge protector between the pc and wall socket, and not overload it (just because it has multiple outlets doesn't mean it can handle all of them being used at once), and not use an extension cord between the wall and the pc if at all possible.

[pminister]

I didn't buy my PC as stock from a electronic store if that is what you meant, mine was a custom build from a computer store which I got few years back.

Vaguely I can say this PC is over 4 years old.
-Pentium Processor most likely single core @ 2GHz. But maybe dual but i doubt it.
-2 GB of ram. or 4GB but i doubt it again.
-CD Drive
-Floppy Drive ( sad. but true.)
-If it powered on id give a detail info. But hence the scenario.

[MaDef]

Ok, that helps a little, we now know we're dealing with slightly dated hardware.

First thing let's see if you are tripping the psu's internal circuit breaker. Unplug the cord from the psu, then press and hold the power button for 10-30 seconds, plug the cord back in and try powering the system up. [If the psu has it's own power switch, you can just cycle it off-on-off, which does the same thing]. does the system power up? or do the fans spin and light come on for a second before stopping? If they do you have a short somewhere, if they don't, then something is wrong with the psu, mainboard, or power switch.

To test the psu itself, you'll need to unplug the cord from the psu, remove the side of the pc case, and unplug all the psu connections inside, (Please make a note of where the connections go so you can put them back). You will see a 20 or 24 pin connection that plugs into the mainboard (that's the one you want). You are going to "start" the psu with a paper clip.

1. Bend the paper clip so it's in a U shape

2. Locate the Green wire on the 20/24 pin connection (It should be the only green wire, it might even be green with a black stripe)

3. Now you want to short that green wire to any of the nearby black wires (doesn't matter which one, they are all ground and go to the same point inside the psu) using the paper clip.

4. Plug the power cord back into the psu, if the fan on the psu spins, it's getting power (but that doesn't mean it's good). If the fan doesn't spin, then it's dead.

Post back your results and we'll go from there.

[Nick_Comantra]

Originally Posted by pminister

Small question how do u tell if the power source in your computer is fried?

Reason I ask is lately one of my extension cords has been making this crackling sound, and anytime I plug something it will make this crackling sound. That is the same extension cord that has my computer connected to, via a power bar. One day the comp stopped working, and I don't what the cause is. I plugged the comp into a direct outlet, and no power goes through. As far as the extension cord, it gets power but makes that crackling sound.

Any ideas ??? Also if the power source is shot, are they expensive to replace or worth it. I mean I would like to keep this computer, as it does serve purpose for basic needs.

Attached is an image of the power supply, that I managed to take out from my computer. I tried look up a power supply at my local vendors, but I was little confused which one i needed.

Hello there,

I recommend not to use that extension cord you are using it can power flood & burn your whole system peripherals. So avoid using the cord.

If you are getting sound from the plug point it self then you have to change the plug socket mounted on the wall or board (not at all costly).

try puting your computer in a different plug pint of your home if you still getting the sound as you saying it may be your SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) - the power source of the computer. it wont cost much (in shop ask for a 500watt SMPS).

Next time on wards try using a UPS which really saves your computer from any sudden heavy power flow - it used to send a constant volt to the computer - even if there is a power cut it will give you some time to turn off your computer in a proper way.

Best of luck