Member Avatar for buddyb

It's a 350 watt PS. When I plug it in, and it's not connected to anything it doesn't seem to fire up. Shouldn't the fan turn on even though it is not connected to any computer peripherals? I hooked it up first to a computer and it didn't fire up the computer, but then there is a possibility the MB is fried. However, I'm not sure about this. The computer went out in a storm, there was odor, but the MB doesn't have any burn spots anywhere. Thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Thanks, BuddyB

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Short note summarizing the situation: reported a 350W unit, a burning odor after a storm, and no response when trying to boot. That combination (smell + no POST) commonly points to hardware failure even when nothing looks obviously scorched. was right to flag lightning as a likely culprit — high-energy surges often break electronics without leaving dramatic visual traces.

Practical, non-destructive checks to narrow it down: verify mains power, the PSU rocker switch and the mains lead first. With the PSU plugged in but not powering the board, confirm the standby rail with a meter (standby should be about 5V). If a multimeter is not available, use a dedicated PSU tester or swap in a known-good supply — that avoids risky tricks and gives a clear pass/fail. Do not open the PSU; internal capacitors hold dangerous charge.

If the PSU appears to supply correct standby power, focus on the motherboard. Reduce the board to minimum hardware (CPU, one stick of known-good RAM, onboard video or a known-good GPU, speaker for beeps), clear CMOS, reseat power connectors and CPU/RAM, then try POST. Inspect the board closely for bulging or leaking capacitors, discolored components, or scorched solder joints near the VRM and socket — many failures show only subtle signs. A working PSU + no POST + no beep codes usually means the motherboard is toast.

Safety and next steps: stop powering the system until tests are done to avoid more damage. If data recovery matters, remove the drive and test it on another machine or with a USB adapter. If under warranty or insured, document the event and contact the vendor/manufacturer. When in doubt, take the PSU and board to a local shop with bench-testing gear — their swap-and-test will quickly tell which component failed.

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Member Avatar for nizzy1115

No, a power supply will not turn on unless it is conected to a functioning motherboard. It is very possible that your motherboard could be damaged. They rarely show visual signs.

Member Avatar for buddyb

That is exactly what I was afraid of. Thanks for your input.
BuddyB

Member Avatar for asameh99

You may try to ground the green wire with the black wire of your PSU, if the fan of the PSU turns on then the PSU is ok.

Member Avatar for HelpingHands-IT

With lightening strikes most system motherboards and ram fries! This is one for the insurance company I am afraid.

Member Avatar for josppp

It's a 350 watt PS. When I plug it in, and it's not connected to anything it doesn't seem to fire up. Shouldn't the fan turn on even though it is not connected to any computer peripherals? I hooked it up first to a computer and it didn't fire up the computer, but then there is a possibility the MB is fried. However, I'm not sure about this. The computer went out in a storm, there was odor, but the MB doesn't have any burn spots anywhere. Thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Thanks, BuddyB

U must connect the mobo with the PS, otherwise the MObo will not start working. So at least connect the big 22/24 something to Ur mobo.
here is a link, that may be help U. The Mobo must reckonice, that there is a power supply to switch on.
http://www.overclock.net/faqs/15751-info-can-i-use-two-power.html

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