Computer Repairs – Symptoms of a failed Power Supply

Typically power supplies just die without giving you any warnings. However, there are instances where some warning is given and if any of the following problems are occurring on your computer, it may be that the power supply is failing:-

• Laptop or PC randomly turns off
• Fan no longer working
• Fan emits a buzzing sound
• Blue screen of death
• If there are system startup failures, memory errors, hard disk corruption or USB power issues
• You hear a high pitched whining sound
• The machine turns off for a few seconds before turning back on
• The computer is turned on but does not boot
• PC or laptop takes longer than usual to boot or power down
• Strange noises from the back of the PC
• You hear a series of rapid short beeps when booting your computer
• You get a whiff of a burning smell

Please, please if you get any of these symptoms and you need to take action to prevent further damage occurring call us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707. The overheated or overloaded power supply has the potential to send voltage surges through your PC or laptop which can destroy other components within your computer.

How to check if you have a Failed Power Supply

If you are not getting any of the above symptoms and it is just a case of no power to your machine, firstly make sure that you are not missing the obvious.

• Check that the machine is properly connected to power, check for loose cables. It might be an idea to unplug and replug your power connections.
• Secondly, check the wall power socket, plug in another home appliance that you know works to detect if this is maybe the culprit.
• Thirdly, if you are using an extension cable, connect the computer without the cable so that you can rule out a faulty extension cable as the problem.

Having done this and you still have no power or power to the monitor, to other peripherals or your computer and there are no lights on the system unit your power supply has likely burnt out.  Sometimes customers think that if they hear no sound and have no monitor activity when they press the power-up button that it is a faulty switch, but this is not usually the case, it is more likely to be a burnt-out power supply.

What to do if you have a Failed Power Supply

The good news – luckily the replacement of a faulty power supply is not an expensive computer repair job. We charge $150 an hour for the labour of replacing your power supply – as well as the cost of the new power supply itself which is usually around the $60 mark.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service phone 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707, six days a week.

Workshop located at 48 Octantis Street, Coorparoo