Member Avatar for KeithMcL

Last night after I shut down my computer, it started making a clicking noise (more so than a beeping noise). Now it won't start up :(

I'm not very hardware orientated, so I'm baffled as to what's wrong. The mobo fan, psu fan and graphics card fan all run when I hit the power button, but the light on the DVD Rom, the Power light and the processor light (is that one right?) all blink very fast (several times a second).

When I got up this morning I tried it again and it loaded for about 3-4 mins and then shut off. Upon opening the case, I smelt something odd but couldn't tell where it was coming from.

Now it won't startup at all. As soon as I press the power button it immediately starts the clicking noise and the only way to shut it off is to hit the switch on the plug socket.

Did I overload the PSU? I have two memory sticks, a 56k modem, a graphics card, a cd-rom drive, a dvd-rom drive, hd, floppy disk drive all on the system.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by nizzy1115

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A short, practical summary for anyone who finds this thread with the same symptoms years later: a loud clicking at power-on/power-off, fans that still spin, rapid flashing of the front-panel LEDs, and a burnt smell most often indicate a power-delivery or board-level fault rather than a simple loose cable or driver issue. If a burning smell is present, do not keep powering the machine — unplug it and seek service.

If the system is still under a cover plan or manufacturer warranty (as mentioned), stop and contact them first. For out-of-warranty troubleshooting, try this safe, ordered approach:

  • Power off and unplug before touching anything. Do not open the power supply unit (PSU) — that is hazardous.
  • Do a visual check for obvious damage: scorch marks, blown connectors, or bulging/leaking capacitors on the motherboard. Note where the smell is strongest.
  • Strip the system to minimum bootable parts: CPU, one stick of RAM, video card (if required), and the motherboard power connectors only; disconnect HDDs, optical drives, modem cards and extras. Try to power on.
  • Reseat power connectors and RAM. If a known-good spare PSU is available, swapping it in is the safest way to test the PSU without opening it. Avoid paperclip tests unless experienced.

Some causes and how to read the signs: repeated rapid clicking that starts immediately is often protective cycling inside the PSU when a rail is failing or a short is detected; clicking from a drive is mechanical and different. A spinning PSU fan does not guarantee correct voltages. ’s tip about fan failure is valid, but fans can spin and the PSU still be electrically faulty. ’s Mac comment is a joke — every platform can fail.

If a component is suspected, prefer authorized repair or a trained technician rather than powering repeatedly. When replacing a PSU, choose a reputable unit with enough wattage headroom, an appropriate connector set, and a good warranty.

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Member Avatar for nizzy1115

THe clicking could be the fan in your psu. maybe it is broken? It probably shut off because the insides of the psu got so hot. It may have over heated, not because you overloaded the system, but because the fan malfunctioned.

The other cause of a clicking sound would be a bad hard drive, but if yours booted up like you said it did, it is likely fine. I would look for the psu fan to be the problem, but the whole psu may need replacement since you smelt burning.

Member Avatar for KeithMcL

Thanks for the response. When I listen I can hear the psu fan spinning. Is that normal even if it's busted? Is the only solution to making absolutely sure it's the psu is to try another one? If it turns out to be the psu, can you suggest one worth purchasing (I'm in Ireland, if that makes any difference)?

Thanks for helping me out :)

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

Can you hear where the clicking is coming from? Also, do you have a store bought computer, or was it built by someone?

Member Avatar for KeithMcL

It's a store bought pc. I just checked and it turns out I took out a coverplan :) Looks like I'll be ringing them tomorrow looking for a replacement part (which ever is busted).

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

Sounds like a good idea. Post back with what they determine the problem to be.

Member Avatar for KeithMcL

Will do. Thanks for agreeing to help me out. I must really read up on hardware components :)

Member Avatar for KeithMcL

Turns out there is a problem with the motherboard. Now it has to be sent to the UK for repairs, so I have to do without my desktop for at least two more weeks :(

Member Avatar for KeithMcL

Can you believe it's been six weeks today since a technician came and took away the mobo and it still hasn't been repaired and returned!!

I bought a new PC in the mean time :D Also, last week I rang about it and the rep on the phone told me that if it wasn't resolved within six weeks that I was entitled to a replacement PC. I'll be ringing on Monday looking for one! And apparently they don't make my model of PC any more. Fingers crossed they are forced into giving me a better PC ;)

Member Avatar for TheNSS

get a mac and you won't have this problem again

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

get a mac and you won't have this problem again

Get a mac and you cant customize your computer...

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