Strange PSU problem? Or could it be something else?

salman

Member
Hi computerforum, the computer i am talking about in this post has the following specs:

AMD Sempron 3300+
Abit KU8
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro
RAM: 512mb Geil (PC 3200)
80gb seagate HDD
40gb IBM IDE HDD (fairly old)
cheap PSU case combi (colors IT)

This computer is in the living room adjacent to the kitchen and is used by all the family mainly for browsing the internet.

The problems I am having are:

When ever someone turns on the kitchen light while the computer is off the computer will switch itself on.

When evr a USB device is unplugged or turned off while the compuetr is switched the compuetr will turn itself on. (eg turning off the printer after you have shut down the PC)

When the compuetr is disconnected from the mains outlet and then plugged back in again it doesnt boot up again (when the power button is pressed nothing at all happens) straight away as for some reason the power light on the MOBO itself flashes instead of being on constant like it is supposed to be. To get it to work again i have to turn the PSU power switch on and off for several minutes.

I am pretty sure it is a PSU problem could any one confirm this please.

If it is a PSU problem could anyone recommend me another from: (as cheap as possible)
www.microdirect.co.uk

Thanks a lot for any replies

salman
 
Besides a supply problem since the system will run normally once going? you may be looking a wiring or board problem itself. When seeing the system come on when someone throws a light switch suggests a switching problem being seen on the board itself.

One thing to try with the supply is recycling it by unplugging the ac cord and turning the breaker switch on and then pressing the power button to see the caps inside discharged. You then switch the breaker off and replug the cord to then see if the system will start up normally after.

The flashing light on the board could point either way there. You should be seeing a solid green. When you power it up the next time go into the bios setup to see if the power options are user defined or otherwise. Also look to see if the options for power on by pressing any key or by mouse are enabled there. Virbration from simply brushing the desk the case is on could see it start up. But the failure to start when pressing the power button? Board and supply alike are suspect.
 
It seems to me tat its the PSU, but it seems alittle weird thgat it turns on whenever the lights turned on... did you try another power outlet?
 
For a replacement supply how much can you spend would be the question along with the recommendation of 400w+ for the Core 2 Duo and having some surplus left over. A good 420-480w model will cover all the basics. Plus you will need a 20+4pin model since several seen there are still 20pin. The page with the 350w-500w models are seen at http://www.microdirect.co.uk/productlister.aspx?n=2,10,75&n=1090

Due to the limited selection and prices seen about three models only seem to come to mind as far as preferred there. One Cooler Master 430W model can be seen at http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(16300)Coolermaster-iGreen-430W-PSU-ATX-Form-Factor.aspx

The Antec Neo HE430 is a little higher for price as seen at http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(11446)Antec-NeoHE-430W-Modular-ATX20-PSU-80mm-low.aspx

The third model is another Cooler Master 500w model seen for a little more at http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(17220)Coolermaster-eXtreme-Power-500W-PSU-ATX-Form.aspx

One thing that could be a problem is the power button itself if it never comes on when pressed while other things seem to get the system started. The power options in the bios setup for poweron by keyboard, mouse, or other devices would still need to be looked at to see if any of those are enabled.
 
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