is it the motherboard?

[steel_city82]

I am trying to fix a computer and the problem is that when you turn it on it fires up for about 3 seconds then shuts down. I dont even know where to begin, so my first choice is the motherboard. all the connections to the MB are hooked up correct, could i be missing something or is it something else. The computer was built only 5 months ago so everything in it is basically new.

 

[The_Other_One]

Sounds like something might be shorting out, or just a bad power supply. THose would be my first suspects...

 

[steel_city82]

any ideas on what i should do about it.

 

[ReverseFluxx]

If you have another good power supply laying around, try using that and see if it works.

 

[lynx6200]

I had the same exact problem. First I would say try removing other hardware componenets, ram, hard drive, etc., and see if the system will power up. If not, Id be almost certain its the psu. test it if you can, try another psu with your system if you have one.

 

[The_Other_One]

Yeah, pull all out that you can and if it still won't work, try another power supply. Maybe even remove your old motherboard and reseat it to be sure all is correct.

 

[Archangel]

try to start the pc with only mob cpu and ram. and c what happens then.

btw, does you mobo as a diagnostic LED system?

 

[steel_city82]

well the computer is my friends but i have an extra power supply lying around ill give that a try. and for the LED diag. it has one but it doesnt stay powered long enough to get any reading.

 

[Archangel]

but it satrts the LED sequence?

 

[steel_city82]

on the back on the PSU that red switch that says 115, well i switched it to the 230 and the computer turned on, but now the HD dosnt fire up and the video card doesnt work. so could it possibly be the PSU thats shot or is the MB fried.