Question:

What are the possible causes and solutions for a custom-built PC that does not power on?

I have assembled a custom-built PC with the following components:

• CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
• CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
• Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
• Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
• Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5″ Solid State Drive
• Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card
• Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
• Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

I

have followed the instructions from this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPELIdVNZUI) to connect the front panel cables correctly. However, when I press the power button, nothing happens. There is no sign of life from the PC. How can I troubleshoot this issue and fix it?

Answer:

Building your own PC can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, but it can also be frustrating when things go wrong. One of the most common problems that PC builders face is when their newly assembled PC does not power on at all. This can happen for various reasons, such as faulty components, incorrect wiring, or incompatible parts.

In

this article, we will explore some of the possible causes and solutions for a custom-built PC that does not power on, using a specific example of a PC with the following components:

• CPU:

  In

  tel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor

• CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
• Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
• Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
• Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5″ Solid State Drive
• Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card
• Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
• Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

The PC builder has followed the instructions from this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPELIdVNZUI) to connect the front panel cables correctly. However, when they press the power button, nothing happens. There is no sign of life from the PC. How can they troubleshoot this issue and fix it?

Step 1: Check the power supply

The first thing to check is whether the power supply is working properly. The power supply is the component that converts the AC power from the wall outlet to the DC power that the PC components need. If the power supply is faulty or not connected properly, the PC will not receive any power and will not turn on.

To check the power supply, follow these steps:

• Make sure the power supply is switched on and plugged into a working wall outlet.
• Make sure the power supply is connected to the motherboard with the 24-pin ATX connector and the 8-pin EPS connector.
• Make sure the power supply is connected to the CPU, the video card, and the storage drive with the appropriate cables.
• If possible, use a multimeter or a power supply tester to measure the voltages on the power supply connectors. They should match the specifications of the power supply. For example, the 24-pin ATX connector should have +3.3V, +5V, and +12V rails.
• If the power supply is not working or delivering the correct voltages, replace it with a compatible one.

Step 2: Check the motherboard

The next thing to check is whether the motherboard is functioning properly. The motherboard is the component that connects all the other components and allows them to communicate with each other. If the motherboard is faulty or not installed properly, the PC will not boot up.

To check the motherboard, follow these steps:

• Make sure the motherboard is securely mounted on the case standoffs and not touching the metal case.
• Make sure the motherboard is not short-circuited by any loose screws, wires, or metal objects.
• Make sure the motherboard has a speaker or a buzzer connected to the front panel header. This will allow the motherboard to emit beep codes that indicate the status of the system.
• Make sure the motherboard has a power LED or a power button connected to the front panel header. This will allow the motherboard to show whether it is receiving power or not.
• Make sure the motherboard has a reset button or a clear CMOS jumper connected to the appropriate header. This will allow the motherboard to reset the BIOS settings to the default values.
• If possible, use a POST card or a debug LED to read the error codes on the motherboard. They should match the codes in the motherboard manual. For example, the code 00 means no error, while the code 55 means memory not installed.
• If the motherboard is not working or showing any error codes, replace it with a compatible one.

Step 3: Check the CPU and the CPU cooler

The third thing to check is whether the CPU and the CPU cooler are working properly. The CPU is the component that performs the calculations and instructions that run the PC. The CPU cooler is the component that cools down the CPU and prevents it from overheating. If the CPU or the CPU cooler is faulty or not installed properly, the PC will not boot up or will shut down unexpectedly.

To check the CPU and the CPU cooler, follow these steps:

• Make sure the CPU is compatible with the motherboard and the BIOS version. Check the CPU support list on the motherboard website or the motherboard manual.
• Make sure the CPU is inserted correctly into the CPU socket and locked in place with the retention mechanism.
• Make sure the CPU cooler is compatible with the CPU and the motherboard. Check the CPU cooler specifications and the CPU socket type.
• Make sure the CPU cooler is mounted securely on the CPU and the motherboard. Apply a thin layer of thermal paste on the CPU surface and attach the CPU cooler with the screws or the clips.
• Make sure the CPU cooler fan is connected to the CPU fan header on the motherboard. Adjust the fan speed and the fan curve in the BIOS settings or the fan control software.
• If possible, use a temperature monitor or a hardware monitor to measure the CPU temperature and the fan speed. They should be within the normal range. For example, the CPU temperature should be below 80°C under load, while the fan speed should be above 1000 RPM.
• If the CPU or the CPU cooler is not working or causing overheating issues, replace it with a compatible one.

Step 4: Check the memory

The fourth thing to check is whether the memory is working properly. The memory is the component that stores the data and the programs that the PC uses. If the memory is faulty or not installed properly, the PC will not boot up or will crash randomly.

To check the memory, follow these steps:

• Make sure the memory is compatible with the motherboard and the CPU. Check the memory support list on the motherboard website or the motherboard manual.
• Make sure the memory is inserted correctly into the memory slots and locked in place with the clips. Align the notch on the memory module with the notch on the memory slot.
• Make sure the memory is configured correctly in the BIOS settings or the memory control software. Set the memory frequency, voltage, and timings according to the memory specifications or the XMP profile.
• If possible, use a memory test or a diagnostic tool to check the memory for errors or defects. Run the test for several hours or overnight. For example, you can use MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic.
• If the memory is not working or showing any errors, replace it with a compatible one.

Step 5: Check the video card

The fifth thing to check is whether the video card is working properly. The video card is the component that renders the graphics and the images that the PC displays. If the video card is faulty or not installed properly, the PC will not boot up or will show a blank screen.

To check the video card, follow these steps:

• Make sure the video card is compatible with the motherboard and the power supply. Check the video card specifications and the power supply requirements.
• Make sure the video card is inserted correctly into the PCIe slot and locked in place with the latch. Align the edge connector on the video card with the edge connector on the PCIe slot.
• Make sure the video card is connected to the power supply with the appropriate cables. Use the 6-pin or the 8-pin PCIe power connectors as needed.
• Make sure the video card is connected to the monitor with the appropriate cable. Use the HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA cable as needed.
• Make sure the monitor is turned on and set to the correct input source. Use the monitor buttons or the remote control to select the input source.
• Make sure the video card is configured correctly in the BIOS settings or the video card control software. Set the video output, resolution, refresh rate, and color depth according to the monitor specifications or the video card capabilities.
• If possible, use a benchmark or a stress test to check the video card for performance or stability issues. Run the test for several minutes or hours. For example, you can use 3DMark or FurMark.
• If the video card is not working or causing any issues, replace it with a compatible one.

Conclusion

In

this article, we have discussed some of the possible causes and solutions for a custom-built PC that does not power on. We have used a specific example of a PC with certain components, but the same steps can be applied to any PC with different components. By following these steps, you can troubleshoot your PC and fix it yourself. However, if you are still unable to solve the problem, you may need to contact a professional PC technician or a PC manufacturer for further assistance. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading.