Confirming blown power supply?

fmcco · 13-05-2019 10:34PM #1

Hi all, I built a PC for my son about 3 years ago...has been working fine until today when it stopped turning on. No response at all when pressing or long-pressing the power button. First thought was the power supply...I tried switching off the PSU and then shorting out the green & black pins (4 + 3) on the motherboard plug. When I turned the PSU switch back on, all the fans inc. the PSU fan gave one little kick and the case lights flashed on, but then nothing. If I switch everything off, then plug it back into the motherboard, pressing the power switch gives the same response. From what I've read, this sounds like it's indicating a blown power supply - does this sound right? Is there any way I can test it to confirm this before forking out for a new one? I'm happy using a multimeter etc.
The PSU is a Corsair VS450 (I may have underclubbed this a little in the first place).
Thanks!

K.O.Kiki · 13-05-2019 10:43PM

Unplug PSU from motherboard, then try the paperclip test http://support.antec.com/support/solutions/articles/1000015319-is-my-power-supply-dead-the-paperclip-test
(short pins 16+17 using an insulated wire)

If you're not sure on how much to spec a PSU, you can use a power supply calculator: https://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator
Or just give us your specs, e.g. using PCPartpicker

If you just want to get a new PSU

EVGA GQ 650W - £64.99 - buy from AmazonUK

fmcco · 13-05-2019 11:02PM

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

Unplug PSU from motherboard, then try the paperclip test http://support.antec.com/support/solutions/articles/1000015319-is-my-power-supply-dead-the-paperclip-test
(short pins 16+17 using an insulated wire)

Thanks, that's essentially what I did - sorry, miscounted the pins - shorted out the green wire with the adjacent black one. So it's the little kick from the fans that has me a little puzzled - it's like it's not quite dead. I'd like to confirm that it's the PSU before replacing it.

K.O.Kiki · 13-05-2019 11:17PM

Yeah the fan should keep running if those pins are shorted.
Sounds like a blown PSU alright.

JoyPad · 14-05-2019 08:14AM

I've had this exact same experience with a dead GPU. Confirmed by removing the GPU, and the computer posted fine with the integrated graphics.

Confirming blown power supply?

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