Every computer manufacturer makes some units with standard type
power supplies and other computers intentionally not standard to sell
at lower prices. Typically an example of 'you get what you pay for'.
Meanwhile, long before replacing a power supply, first one uses a
multimeter to learn which component in a power supply 'system' is
defective. Some background one what to test for in previous posts such
as "Computer doesnt start at all" in alt.comp.hardware on 10 Jan 2004
at
http://tinyurl.com/2t69q and
"I think my power supply is dead" in alt.comp.hardware on 5 Feb 2004
at
http://tinyurl.com/yvbw9 .
Also pictures at:
http://techrepublic.com.com/5102-10586-5566528.html
www.ochardware.com/articles/psuvolt/psuvolt.html
Voltage numbers must be above 4.87, 3.23, and 11.7. What you measure
must be different from what is listed as a minimum voltage; for reasons
beyond this discussion.
The recommendation for a plug-in surge protector is bogus - promoted
by those who never learned what a surge protector does. In fact, a
power cord surge protector can contribute to damage of a powered off
computer. The effective surge protector has a dedicated and short
connection to earth ground. Since plug-in protectors do not even claim
to protect from surges that typically damage computers, then its
manufacturer will even avoid mentioning the most critical component in
a surge protection 'system': earth ground.
Effective surge protection for a computer is called 'whole house'. A
protector so effective and so inexpensive that your phone line already
has one installed free by the telco. Just another little fact often
unknown by those who promote ineffective and overpriced plug-in
protectors. Yes, the computer does need a surge protector - but one
that is effective. Effective protectors have responsible manufacturer
names such as Square D, Leviton, Intermatic, Siemens, Polyphaser, and
GE. They are even sold in Home Depot, Lowes, and most electrical
supply houses. Ineffective protector manufacturers have names such as
APC, Tripplite, and Belkin.
How to identify an ineffective protector: 1) protector has no
dedicated connector for a 'less than 10 foot' connection to earth
ground, and 2) manufacturer avoids all discussion about earthing.
Meanwhile, above are some first steps to finding a failure in a
failed computer. This done without swapping parts - that takes so much
longer and can be a so expensive process. Is the power supply
replaceable? With a multimeter, then each voltage will appear on the
correct pin in connector from power supply to motherboard. Only if
each voltage is in the correct position, then can one say if the power
supply is a standard ATX and therefore replaceable type.
