desktop question

J

Junglist0682

Member
Just yesterday we had a bad thunderstorm and my sis in law is telling me her desktop no longer turns on. She had everything plugged into the surge protector but still no power even when using other plugs in the house. I believe something fried and perhaps it may be the mother board but I thought a surge protector would help prevent this? Nonetheless what should I look at to troubleshoot this? Thanks
 
wolfeking

wolfeking

banned
start at the basics. Does the SP get power? even with the switch lit it can still loose power. Try a different SP. If not that, then have the PSU tested.
 
johnb35

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Most likely only the power supply has been blown, however, it may have also taken other things with it. A surge protector don't always help, was it a cheapy like less than $10? If a surge comes in higher than what the protector is rated for then the protector isn't gonna stop it. You are better off when a storm comes through to unplug everything electronic to be safe.
 
J

Junglist0682

Member
johnb35 said:
Most likely only the power supply has been blown, however, it may have also taken other things with it. A surge protector don't always help, was it a cheapy like less than $10? If a surge comes in higher than what the protector is rated for then the protector isn't gonna stop it. You are better off when a storm comes through to unplug everything electronic to be safe.
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Thanks for the info John. I'm glad mine didn't go out since I leave my on. I am not sure what type of SP she had, but I was told by the Mrs that someone was going to go stop by to take a look at it.

wolfeking said:
start at the basics. Does the SP get power? even with the switch lit it can still loose power. Try a different SP. If not that, then have the PSU tested.
Click to expand...


Thank you for the reply. I wouldn't know how to test the PSU + I wouldn't have the tools : \
 
strollin

strollin

Well-Known Member
A surge protector very often sacrifices itself in order to protect what is plugged into it. Try bypassing the SP to see if the system now turns on. If the system powers on, the SP did it's job and died protecting the system. Your SIL will need to buy a new SP, cheaper than a new system.
 
wolfeking

wolfeking

banned
Denther said:
Don't touch the paperclip except when putting it in.
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It can be used to test the fans and CD drives if your system wont power also. And from experience, touching the clip will not harm you at all. The most power coming to it is 12v DC.
 
tremmor

tremmor

Well-Known Member
I agree with JohnB. I would turn off if a serious storm maybe. I have UPS all over the house. Something severe i will will drop breakers like for Kitchen (fridge) etc. Not bad for me though. All our wiring is underground. Lightening bolt or short in primary voltage from a 4800 or 6900 volt tower might not and likely protect nothing. Voltage could be hire to. Depends on source and where from.

Another thought comes to mind. Power is out and maybe a repair from the electric company.
When putting power in can be a problem also. Either way its called a surge and right now.
 
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