Computer wont start 2 - Computers & Internet

First post,

http://www.fixya.com/support/t17361088-computer_wont_turn

Plus I have read all the other posts up to this one.

The difficult thing to do, when trying to guide someone over the internet I have found; is Communication.

Whose fault is it when miscommunication develops?
No one's.

We have to simply strive to get our points across.
Both the person with the problem, and the person providing the solution.

With all due respect sir, you are not understanding; and your solution providers do not seem to be picking up on this.

Shall we begin again, fresh?

This is going to be long. You may have to walk away, then come back, and read it again. I need your patience. I can tell you are intelligent.

The reason it will be so long, is;
A) I have to explain what EACH, and every cable is.
B) I have to explain basic precautions.
C) I have to try to put us both on the same 'playing field'.

This is what I do Mateo, and I love it.

Moving on..........

1) That P4 power cable you are referring to, is a 4-pin ATX +12 Volt power cable.
It provides power for the Processor.
Yes sir. NEEDS to be plugged in.

http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#atx12v4

2) The other cable you reference to, is a SATA power cable,

http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#sata

15 contact pins.
In comparison to a SATA data cable, it's connector is the larger of the two.
A SATA data cable connector has 7-pins,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SATA_ports.jpg

This particular SATA data cable's connector, has a 90 degree bent elbow.
This style of bent elbow connector, is used to plug into the back of a Harddrive, or optical drive. (CD/DVD drive)

NOT always the case, though. A straight connector style can be used. A straight connector end is used to plug into the motherboard.
Also note the L-shaped opening.
A SATA power cable connector, also has this L-shaped opening.

You will also see these types of power cables,

http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#peripheral

4-pin Peripheral power cable.
Commonly known as a 'Molex' power cable. This is erroneous.
Molex was just the first company to make THAT connector.

Name stuck.
Kind of like calling an open-end adjustable wrench, a 'Crescent Wrench'

Those P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, etc, designations you see on the cable's connectors?

FORGET ABOUT THEM.
Doesn't mean squat to a tree.

WHAT, the power cables ARE, does.
Look at the connectors is how you find out.

Moving on............

I just saw you do something that could fry your computer out.
Power plugged into the computer, computer on, and your little hands IN the computer.

This = NO

The computer is Unplugged from power, BEFORE working on it.
ALSO,.....Anti-Static Procedures are followed.

Anti-Static Procedures:
Your body carries Static electricity. Static WILL fry out (Short Circuit), the delicate hardware components inside a computer.

RELIEVE your body of Static, BEFORE reaching inside your UNPLUGGED from power computer.

{Not 'shouting'. I am emphasizing}

Computer ON a table, computer Unplugged from power, computer case open;
TOUCH an unpainted surface, of the metal frame of the open computer case.

This action will relieve your body of Static.

IF, you leave your computer in the middle of working on it, be SURE to Touch the metal frame again upon your return.

Don't follow Anti-Static Procedures, and you can use your motherboard for a Frisbee.

(WHOA! Look at that THING go! ............whoops, sorry dog!)

You can also use the Processor for a neck trinket, and the Ram Memory for Christmas decorations.

Computer on, and unplug that 4-pin ATX +12 Volt power cable?

Good way to get a voltage spike, and fry stuff out.

Moving on.................

Primer;
1) If ALL of those LED lights were on at once, they would use less than 1 Watt of power.

2) EACH fan uses 2 to 3 Watts of power.

3) A typical Processor (CPU) can use 51 to 130 Watts of power.
Just depends on what Processor it is.

Point?
If you haven't caused a voltage spike, and fried stuff, and IF you have been following Anti-Static Precautions; just replace the Power Supply.

THAT, is your problem.

How do I know?
See what happens, when you plug the 4-pin ATX +12 Volt power cable in?
Power supply turns off.

That power cable is for the Processor. The hardware component that uses the most power.

Means your Power Supply has a weak voltage power rail.

Enough power to light those simpy LED's, and spin fans; but NOT enough power to turn the Processor on.

When diagnosing a desktop computer, the FIRST thing to check is the Power Supply.

MUST be known that it is good, BEFORE going on.

Before thinking about rushing out, and buying a replacement Power Supply, is there a working computer you can BORROW the Power Supply from?

Has to have the same case shape, and needed power cables.
Probably better have at least 250 Watts also.

Your Power Supply is an ATX form factor.

Size, and case shape of Power Supply, is;
Approximately 6 inches Wide.
Approx. 5 and 1/2 inches Long.
Approx. 3 and 1/2 inches Tall.

Plus the needed power cables. Look at your Power Supply now, and compare.

No?
Not feasible for you?

Got $5 to $12 bucks you can let go of?
Then purchase a multimeter.
Auto parts stores have them, but more expensive.
I have seen them on checkout aisle racks, in major discount stores.

(Big Lots, wally world, Kmart, etc)

Then I will step by step you through using the multimeter, and checking each voltage power rail.

Shock?
Your Power Supply (SMPS) is a Converter.
Converts the high AC electricity, in your home, or business; into
3 LOW DC Voltages.

(US = 120 Volts AC, Japan = 100 Volts AC, UK = 240 Volts AC, Australia = 240 Volts AC)

The 3 low DC voltages are;
A) 3.3 Volts
B) 5 Volts
C) 12 Volts

In comparison two D cell flashlight batteries produce 3 Volts DC.

ALL Orange wires are 3.3 Volts
ALL Red wires are 5 Volts
ALL Yellow wires are 12 Volts.

ALL Black wires are Ground wires.

This is a DC circuit.
The power wires listed above are Positive.
The Black wires are Negative.

I would like you to test the low DC voltages I stated,
OR,
Use a KNOWN to be good, Compatible power supply for a test unit.

This way you are not spending bucks for a Power Supply, and find out it MAY not be the problem; and be hatin' on me. lol!

Awaiting your reply,
Regards,
joecoolvette

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_power_supply#Wiring_diagrams

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_power_supply#Connectors

(ATX12V is a 4-pin ATX +12 Volt power cable)