[hey_homes]

When my P4 2.4 stopped working recently I blamed the processor. Upon trying to boot the first time after it failed it went to BIOS and and error message appeared saying the incorrect processor speed had been set, or some such.

I set it to the correct setting and tried to boot - it failed to do so. Upon subsequent attempts to boot usually nothing happened (nothing on the screen whatsoever), a couple of times it entered the BIOS and on one occasion I got as far as the Windows splash screen before hanging.

The power supply fan works and the PC lights turn on... but some people have suggested the PSU may be the problem.

That's about all I have to go on.

Thoughts?

 

[deleted122510]

Re: How can I figure out if my power supply is functioning correctly?

Hi & Welcome!

Have you tried to overclock your PC in the past?

 

[hey_homes]

Re: How can I figure out if my power supply is functioning correctly?

Nope - no modifications other than adding more RAM a few years ago. The PC is about 9 years old and hasn't given me any major problems until now.

I don't play games or use power-hungry apps so it suits me fine. I'm trying to avoid buying a new computer.

 

[deleted122510]

Re: How can I figure out if my power supply is functioning correctly?

Hmm, you could invest in a new processor.

What kind do you have, currently?

 

[hey_homes]

Re: How can I figure out if my power supply is functioning correctly?

It's a Pentium 4 2.4. I'm going to buy a used one and see if that sorts the problem out.

 

[deleted122510]

Re: How can I figure out if my power supply is functioning correctly?

Okay, keep me updated in this thread. Thank you.

 

[elf]

Testing the power supply is a very easy process. You could use a multimeter which can be picked up from local electronics stores (walmart also carries them) for cheap.

There are guides around which can explain it better than I can. In essence you connect the multimeter up to the power supply and it will tell you exactly what voltage your power supply is providing and whether or not the voltage is stable.

It can also tell you if your power supply is providing enough current to the +12v line.

A quick search brought up a couple quick guides, but someone else may stop by with a better one:
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-1041735.html

 

[Tumbleweed36]

Have you tried clearing the CMOS with this rig? If not, give that a try and see what it says when you boot back up.

 

[Wrench97]

We just happen to have a guide at TSF> http://www.techsupportforum.com/f210/test-your-power-supply-with-a-multi-meter-151526.html

I would test the power supply and clear the cmos first. If you can get into the bios see if you have a PC health page which lists the voltages.

 

[elf]

We just happen to have a guide at TSF> http://www.techsupportforum.com/f210/test-your-power-supply-with-a-multi-meter-151526.html

I would test the power supply and clear the cmos first. If you can get into the bios see if you have a PC health page which lists the voltages.

I figured we did, but couldn't find it. Could only find the one in the staff room.