Dallas Computer Repair- Power Supply Replacement

PCVD's Dallas Computer Repair can help assist in times of power failure with desktops in diagnosing power supply (P/S) failure. If the power supply fails and there is no lights on the front chassis of the computer OR the motherboard then it is time for the ultimate test. The following steps call for a known-working power supply with the minimum amount of wattage, preferably 350 watts to be safe, just for testing purposes but not full-out performance.

NOTE: the old style power connectors to peripherals around the motherboard connected by cable have the 4-pin connection. The newer style power connections are "L" shaped.

***NOW DISCONNECT THE POWER CORD FROM THE POWER SUPPLY (P/S):

The next step is to take a preliminary assessment where the power cords connect from the power supply and connect to the peripherals surrounding the motherboard, such as:

• 
  
  DVD or CD drives


• 
  
  hard drive(s)


• 
  
  ATX main power cord


• 
  
  4-pin port

*Users can accomplish each step by aligning the new power supply on the computer laid on its side and removing each connection one at a time and replacing each connection with the new power supply one at a time.

The physical access to the internal personal computer may be accomplished by:

1. 
   
   Identifying the entry into the inside whether by screws or a "latch" located on the top, back (the power supply side) or possibly the top and bottom latches compressed simultaneously. Remove these screws on ONE side of the computer to access the interior or depress the latch(es) to remove the panel to the chassis; MOST OFTEN THE LEFT PANEL IF THE PC IS FACING FORWARD.


2. 
   
   Disconnect the top power connector on the interior front panel of the desktop, regardless if its a 4-pin or SATA power connector, and label if needed (the top most powered peripheral should be the DVD or CD drive). You will most likely have one or two DVD or CD player/recorders.


3. 
   
   Working from the top of the computer down, after the top drives, listed in the above step #2, then we disconnect the power from the hard drives that hold the data; once again the same type "L" connector, just pull gently but firmly.


4. 
   
   Next is the ATX or similar power connector to the motherboard that is a cable with around 16 wires going into a long, rectangular connector. [A] DEPRESS the clip that secures the wire harness to the motherboard. **Note how this connector is connected. [B] there may be a second 4-pin connector that completes the power connection to the motherboard that is located directly next to the larger power harness noted in [A].


5. 
   
   There is another 4-pin connector located around the CPU that needs to be disconnected also.

The power may now be plugged into the power supply and tested.

***BE SURE EVERYTHING IS PLUGGED IN SECURELY AND GROUNDED.***

Remember if there is a power issue or power supply failure, it could effect the hard drive and data recovery may be in the forecast.

Any computer problems call Computer Repair Dallas.