I think my desktop power supply just died
 

Sitting at my computer this morning and in the flash of a second it shut off and won't restart. Haven't had time to look inside yet but I think the power supply may have died. I figure I will start by replacing the power cord and plugging to a different outlet to eliminate anything so simple as that. Then move inside. Somewhere I think I have one of those power supply testers.

This is a pretty well made tower style computer, a Cyberpower that
I got 4-5 years ago. I rarely turn it off, just put it in sleep mode when getting off. Not sure if that is good or not now a days. I remember a time when daily on and off powering could effect the boot up sector of the hard drive.

Luckily I upgraded my laptop and can survive with that for awhile.

Bummer.

Man, I hate when something just up and fails outright, with no warnings, or symptoms.

Even if it's a car, I can turn screws, nuts, and bolts, and replace stuff, but, a diagnostician I ain't.

Power supply testers can only report a few types of power supply failures. Only solution for a completely answer is a meter and some specific instructions (most recommendations on You Tube, et al are incomplete).

Best answers come from two minutes with a meter AND not disconnecting even one wire or component. All measurements from six wires on its 20 VDC range according to requested instructions.

This 'meter' you speak of...

...would this be a hand tool?

Yes, DVM.

Oh no you didn't.

I believe TW posted detailed (very detailed) instructions once.

When you open it, if you see a little led on the mobo but no other signs of life, don't replace the power supply, replace the cpu. Happened to me once.

The abruptness makes me think it's worth investigating thoroughly for unknown fuses and circuit breakers. But that's a lot less subjective with a multimeter.

don't let tw see your shotgun, he's allergic to that approach. just the facts, ma'am.

Here, helping me with my PC.

http://www.cellar.org/showthread.php...highlight=Dell

Voltmeter a few bucks from Harbor Freight, I had to buy 10 ohm resistors at radio shack for a buck or two.

Having figured it was the power supply, the supply itsef cost very little with a rebate from New Egg.