
Using a paper clip to test a power supply Check your motherboard product manual for that information. Lights and BIOS beep codes vary by manufacturer.

Usually flashing lights on a motherboard indicate a faulty or misconnected power supply.Īs an aside, the color of the motherboard light can tip off other malfunctioning components. Look inside the case for the motherboard light.Check the connection for each PSU cable running to the computer hardware component.Listen for case fans, and mechanical hard drives.Normally you can observe a few things that indicate proper operation of the PSU. If it doesn’t light, try a different power cable and a different socket to eliminate those items as the source of the problem. Most power supply models have a light on back of the unit that glows when it’s powered on. Plug the PSU power cable into a wall socket or surge protector, and turn on the computer. Check that it has not been accidentally been switched off. Many power supplies have an external switch located at the rear of the unit. Usually this means you’re left only with the mouse, keyboard and monitor connected. An overheating system due to heatsink and fan failureĪs with any troubleshooting situation, disconnect all but the necessary peripherals from the PC.Case fans and hard drives that do not spin.

