Member Avatar for algag85

Theres a light on my motherboard that is lit does that mean its not the power supply? What could it possibly be, hard drive, CPU or the tower? Nothing at all happens when I power up. Thanks for the help. Its maybe two years old I bought it from ibuypower.com.

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Thread outcome: reports the machine came back to life after a replacement power supply. Below are concise, practical follow-ups and checks to confirm there is no hidden damage and to reduce the chance of a repeat failure.

Start with a careful visual inspection (power disconnected). Look for swollen or leaking capacitors, burn or scorch marks, discolored connectors, or a lingering burnt smell. Reseat removable parts (single stick of RAM, GPU, power connectors) and confirm the CPU cooler and fan headers are seated. Note any physical damage and photograph it for warranty/RMA use.

Run a minimal boot and basic diagnostics. Attempt a POST with only motherboard + CPU + one RAM stick + PSU (and video if needed); listen for motherboard beep codes with a system speaker. From firmware/BIOS check that CPU, memory, and drives are detected and note voltages and fan speeds. In the OS, run a memory tester (Memtest86 or similar) and SMART checks for drives. Use gradual stress tests (short runs of CPU/GPU load) while monitoring temperatures and voltages; prolonged full-load tests are only needed once stability is confirmed.

Preventive measures and next steps. Replace failed supplies with reputable units sized for the system (enough wattage and modern connectors), use a good surge protector, and keep case airflow clear. If the PC was a factory build, check warranty/RMA terms before further disassembly. If instability persists after those checks, swap components one at a time with known-good parts or consult a qualified technician to avoid risking further damage.

Acknowledgment: and correctly steered troubleshooting toward the power supply early; after a PSU swap, the checks above help confirm the rest of the system survived intact.

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Member Avatar for Rik_

All that light means is that you have 5 volst standby working, nothing more.

You need to test your power supply first of all. Unplug it from everything internally. Then get a bit of wire or a bent up paperclip and short the GREEN wire to any BLACK one (with the mains plugged in and turned on).
The fan in the power supply should spin up, if it doesn't, then the power supply is faulty and it's time to go get a new one!

Member Avatar for algag85

Thank you I will try that first when I get home.

Member Avatar for Rik_

Let me know how you get on! :)

Member Avatar for algag85

I ordered a new power supply after trying that test with no results. Ill post here in a few days when I get it. Is it possible for a burnt out PS to give the volts needed for the mobo light to come on though?

Member Avatar for Rik_

As I said before, the light just means you have 5 volts standby working. The PSU produces many other voltages, it only takes 1 to fail and...

Be warned tho, when some cheaper PSU's fail they sometimes damage other components of a PC. You will only know if this has happened with yours when you have the new PSU fitted.

Member Avatar for JANINE

as a simple answer - yes.

the usual power supply voltages are 3.3 volts, 5 volts and 12 volts. it sounds like the 12 volt rail might be at fault

Member Avatar for algag85

I'm back in action with a new power supply thanks for the help.

Member Avatar for Rik_

Glad you got it sorted! :)

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