7 replies to this topic

[{IRS}Athos]

After a circuit breaker shut my computer down in the middle of a game yesterday, I've been unable to reboot. I've tried flipping the circuit breaker switch on and off several times, unplugging the power strip that the CPU and accessories are plugged into, reconfiguring the plug-in, and even fiddling around with internal wires. Nothing seems to work, though, apart from the left power light flashing orange on and off.

The circumstances: an ACU was eating up the power in the room I was in, and since it was already cold I turned it off. I had been smelling odd things near the back of the computer earlier that day, sort of like smoke, but since the computer restarted fine twice after that I assumed nothing was wrong. However, after the circuit breaker tripped, the computer was unresponsive. The monitor, pencil sharpener, and speakers plugged into the power strip all worked properly, so there's nothing wrong with that. However, I'm frustrated that it still doesn't work after a full day of trying to fix it...

Practically anyone here knows more about computers than I do, so could I get some advice? Thanks in advance.

IRS

[Beowulf]

Any time you smell something odd with a computer something is definitely wrong. It sounds like your PSU burned out. Though it could even be your motherboard as well.

I would definitely replace the PSU since that first jumped out at me.

[{IRS}Athos]

...mind telling me what a PSU is?

[Beowulf]

PSU = power supply unit. Without one, you can't do shit.

[{IRS}Athos]

Thanks. Any recommendations as to what type I replace it with?

[Beowulf]

Depends on your case but you can't go wrong with an Antec, Corsair or OCZ. If you're running a branded system, a 300W to 400W PSU should be more than enough.

[GodSun666]

Zalman FTW! if you got a custom pc i reccomand to buy 500 watts to be safe

Edited by GodSun666, 26 June 2009 - 10:30 AM.

[Calamity_Jones]

PSU's have a label on the side that tells you (amongst other things) what wattage it is, that's the best place to look

There'll be a table on the label that lists output voltages, the wattage will probably be somewhere above that.