Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Which is this likely to be & how can I diagnose before replacement

Mar 6, 2004 11:15PM PST

Computer at remote site-IntelD845gbvl-winxppro-,it's about 3.5 yrs old, routine check last month showed none of the capacitor issues I've been reading about, 300w ps-same from the beginning, the other evening related to a significant lightning storm it ( & others) were completely unplugged (powerstrip actally-and lan cables-etc too), next morning plugged everything back in and all booted ok except this one-instructed several things to check over phone-etc, then in about 4 minutes it booted fine-multi times-since then a few experiments revealed that if it's unplugged for more than 4-5 minutes then plugged back in ( or even just turn off PS switch) it will not boot until something "Charges" back up, from what I see internally the power supply is ready from the beginning ( MB light-etc) haven't a clue as to how to load the ps and simulate the turn on when disconnected from MB, or what to check for first, any ideas what to check first monday morning-??

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re:Which is this likely to be & how can I diagnose before replacement
Mar 6, 2004 11:34PM PST

"it will not boot until something "Charges" back up"

This is a clue the PSU is dead. Given the too-low to mention prices and that 300W units are in dumpsters all over, why the delay?

Tip: Get the 450 Watt.

Bob

- Collapse -
At 300W and years old.
Mar 7, 2004 1:32AM PST

The PSU capacity dwindles over time. I could reference technical data on electolytic capacitors, datasheets that show capacity declining with heat and time, but it's a known issue. There is NO reason for vendors to give you a 7 year machine. The warranty is all of one year and if the units make it to that then the goal of that plus lower prices have been met.

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtId=LP-9960A-N shows a $9.99 400W PSU that would run what your 300W unit did with ease. BUT I would not use this model on a new 1+GHz setup since I know better than to fit anything small or cheap or new machines.

But this is an older box that just needs parts.

Bob

- Collapse -
Re:Which is this likely to be & how can I diagnose before replacement
Mar 7, 2004 1:59AM PST

Another thing to consider is a rechargable CMOS battery that is dead or close to it. LEaving the system plugged in for a while could allow it to finally get a charge and allow the system to boot. Though the power supply looks a lot more like the culprit.

- Collapse -
Puzzlement of the afternoon
Mar 7, 2004 8:05AM PST

Took new PS and a spare computer out ( figured if I have prob child running-it'd be smart to lan them together and suck everything of importance onto spare with lots of space-etc-did so w/ no problems) swapped out ps-works good 7-8 boots,power off-unplug for 1/2 hr-etc, just for my own curiosity put suspect ps into spare computer and it runs fine there-unplugged for 1/2 hr-plug in and boot first time everytime- same MB even more HD's( 2 vs 1) and a DVD/CDr-rw etc.... whats up with that??? just difference in current draw-or it wanted shaking ???

- Collapse -
NO Puzzlement here.
Mar 7, 2004 8:18AM PST

One thing is not the other. The "capacity" of the old supply dwindled over time. Put it in another machine and it will behave different.

Don't confuse yourself too much.

In closing, people fret many weeks over this one. I think its best that you decide what to do and move forward.

Or fret...

Bob