A small computer problem

HorseFilms

HorseFilms

Look ma no hands
Hey, guys.

Before going to work yesterday, I put my PC into hybernation. When I got home, my power button was lit up, but the computer was unresponsive. Unplugging the power source and plugging it back in had no effect. It's still DOA. I'm guessing that the 5-year-old power supply finally died, but I wanted to get another opinion before ordering one. Can anyone recommend a decent, yet innexpensive ATX power supply from NewEgg? This computer is old and I don't want to drop a lot of cash on it.

I really appreciate it.:beer:

EDIT: This is an eMachines T2200 and the power supply that's in it is 250w. This is the stock power supply, but I'd rather order something similar from NewEgg because their return policy is way better: https://www.pcfactoryoutlet.com/emachines/moreinfo.asp?product_id=68831
 
Last edited:
if the power button was lit up still I would tend to look at things other than the power supply - like the power button itself. But i'd check the output of the power supply with a multi-meter to be certain.

Leave the computer unplugged for at least an hour and then plug it back in and see if that helps. Long shot, but you never know.
 
HorseFilms said:
EDIT: This is an eMachines T2200 and the power supply that's in it is 250w. This is the stock power supply, but I'd rather order something similar from NewEgg because their return policy is way better: https://www.pcfactoryoutlet.com/emachines/moreinfo.asp?product_id=68831
Click to expand...


emachines is notourius for having crappy power supplies. if you just want something cheap and dependable, get this. $19.99 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005
 
HorseFilms said:
Will that work with an old computer/MOBO with IDE drives? (I know, I need to upgrade one of these days.)
Click to expand...

looking at it closer, it may not. older motherboards have 20 pin connectors; newer motherboards have 24 pin connectors. this supply is compatible with both. but it doesn't have a -5v rail, because it isn't necessary with newer chips. your board may need it.

this thermaltake has the -5v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153023
 
Thanks, man. Upon further reading on other sites, I'm now scared shitless. It seems that the crappy eMachines power supplies have been known to fry the motherboard when they go. I can't afford this right now.
 
HorseFilms said:
Thanks, man. Upon further reading on other sites, I'm now scared shi*less. It seems that the crappy eMachines power supplies have been known to fry the motherboard when they go. I can't afford this right now.
Click to expand...

that would suck if you have to buy a new desktop. if you do have to get something, black friday is going to be your best bet if you're looking to save money.
 
Your data will still be OK though, so not all is lost. I would look elsewhere than a power supply as your power light was still on. When the PS's go out there is nothing. I would also unplug the power from the MB and the wall for an hour, then retry boot.
 
It does kind of sound like the power switch itself to to me... not the power supply but the actual push-button switch.
 
I played around with it and now the LED on the power button doesn't come on anymore. I'm bringing it in to a guy this afternoon to find out what's going on. If all else fails, I guess I'll get a new machine. We'll see.
 
Erm, make sure it is the power supply and not the MOBO, one way to check is to look carefully at the MOBO capacitors and see if they are bulging, check for any "burnt" or "fried" smell from the MOBO.

If you know any electrician ask him to use his tester to probe/voltmeter the power leads to check if any voltage is coming through.
 
Anhar Miah said:
Erm, make sure it is the power supply and not the MOBO, one way to check is to look carefully at the MOBO capacitors and see if they are bulging, check for any "burnt" or "fried" smell from the MOBO.

If you know any electrician ask him to use his tester to probe/voltmeter the power leads to check if any voltage is coming through.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's why I'm bringing it in. Upon visual inspection, I didn't see any of the telltale signs of motherboard failure. Now I'm taking it to a professional who'll give me the lowdown for free. That's one hell of a deal.
 
HP is very good, also check out Dell, they seem rock solid (so far, I've not had any major problems)..

also if you have the spare cash see if there is any "insurance" type covers, yea I know it sounds like a gimmic, but it can actually work out well sometimes.
 
HorseFilms said:
Okay, as I feared, both the power supply and the motherboard are toast. I'm now looking to buy a new machine.

What do you guys think of HP desktops? I'm looking at going with this one:
http://h71016.www7.hp.com/dstore/Mi...store/smProdCat/PSG/desktops/HP_Compaq_dx2250
Click to expand...

take a look at this dell. better specs and better price. plus it comes with a monitor.
core 2 duo 4500
1 gb ram
80 gb hard drive
dvd burner
19 inch flat panel monitor
$469

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/odg/hip_msn?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
 
Last edited:
If you just need to replace an older computer you should be able to find a freebie to put your hard drive into. Businesses have old machines taking up space everywhere. Ask around.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top