Troubleshooting in Build: POST
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DESKTOP BUILD: POST TROUBLESHOOTING
Getting a computer to POST (Power On Self Test) can be a challenging experience. Some computers will have the "Did not POST" checkbox marked on the Green Light Sticker on the system, and sometimes, there's no advance warning. Either way, there are some steps you can take in order to troubleshoot a non-POSTing system, and we've got a few suggestions below:
Ensure All Hardware Is Connected Properly | Now, this may seem really rudimentary, but making sure a system is properly put together before trying to POST a computer is definitely worth reviewing. Make sure the following is done on any system:
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"When I turn on the system...No fans come on...nothing seems to happen! | This could indicate that you have a bad power supply. Simply go to where the battery testers are and you should see a power supply tester. If you need assistance on how to do this, reach out to a neighbor or build instructor. If the power supply is bad, replace it with something that has a similar harness connection (ie 24 pin cable/Dell/ATX/etc.) and similar Volts and Watts (????). These can be found in Pre-Build on the left just before you walk into the warehouse. If you're power supply tests good, you may have a bad processor. Notify a Build Instructor and work with him/her in order to get the correct information on what Processor the system takes, and the build instructor will look in Free Geeks inventory to see if there is one that is tested and available. If so, replace the processor by removing the fan and heat sink, swapping the old processor for the new one, and placing a small dot of thermal paste (located next to where the power supply tester is) and put the heat sink and fan back in place. If the system does not power on, or if there is no replacement processor, ask a build instructor if the system should be "Rejected" and the Build Instructor will help you begin that process. |