If you have a volt meter, you can open the case, get a per lead, and check voltage on start up. It will tell if the power supply is going bad. The switch it self can also go bad, carbonization, and fail to make good contact, but, not be the power supplies fault.

My experiance, is more with transformers and relays HVAC.

i'll start with the switch first it's more likely to go bad first and cheaper to replace , i am good with electronics but not power supplies my last attempt at power supply repair just about got me killed. unfortunetly my volt meter had a bad experiance with my nephew and a bucket of water kids i'll see if there is some dust or something bugging it up. thanks for the tip.

The switch, is easyer to check, if your volt meter is a multi meter and you have Ohms capability. Disconect one lead to the switch, attach one lead to one side and one to the other. Push the button and see if you get a reading. It should read 1.0 if it is good.

****Disclamer*** Always disconnect your power plug from the wall first before opening a computer case.

if you replace the power supply get one that can handle more wattage - the avg PC doesn't come with enough power to run a full suite of accessories in my experience, and when thats the case the powersupply will begin to fail, and thats what this sounds like to me

I'd check power output on the "rails" as they call them on websites. That's the power output on the 12v mainly, but also the others (5.5 and 3 is it? I can't be bothered to look). Modern gfx cards use a lot of power, so you should be looking at around 20-25Watts on the 12v as an output.

The total power output doesn't reflect what comes on each rail at all, so be sure to read up on it - and also check for the sustainable output - not the max peak output.

I think this is why newer and newer cards will be shipping with their own power supplies attached (or was I dreaming and not reading ).

I run a big antec 660 in my rig. No problems here

well this is a little 400 Watt power supply thats the minimum for my gfx card plus i have two HDD's two cd drives a 3.5 disk drive (which i may remove i don't use it)
i think it may be overloaded but i haven't had time to crack the case yet to check anything i'll start on that tonight i'll let you guys know what i find. if i do have to change the power supply i'll go for a 500-600 watt that way it won't be overloaded as quick

Actually, if you do go for a newer psu (if required) be sure to check with hardware forums or even the hardware forums here on this site - where people who know more than us will post and be able to guide you better. The reason I say this is because a 600W psu I looked at a few years back barely put out 18w on the 12v - wayyy below the required output for my 9800 radeon pro + all other accessories in my tower case (dvd, hdd etc) - so the wattage doesn't mean it's either suitable or good! You must check where that power goes.

We'll move this thread there if you like, just say the words

my best guess is that the button might be bad

wrong forum. this goes in the hardware forum.

maybe if Taw the moderator was around the situation would be remedied already

p.s. antec rules - you may as well pay $10-15 more for a supply that won't burn out in 6 months

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maybe if Taw the moderator was around the situation would be remedied already

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Most likely... i'm too lazy to bother, and even worse - indifferent as to it's location

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you may as well pay $10-15 more for a supply that won't burn out in 6 months

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The old addage still applies, "You get what you pay for" and the best you can afford, is better than "On Sale" items.

*I see it all to often esecially when it comes to tools. I buy the best, when they belong to me.

Edited by - Finalday on 5/6/2006 1:08:44 PM