Power problems

Just recently, I have noticed that my home computer won't power on like normal. When I push the power button, nothing happens (no lights, no sound, no movement, etc). The only way I can get my computer to turn on it to unplug the power, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in and push the power button. At that point, the computer boots like normal and no problems occur until the next time I shut down.

Any thoughts what would cause these symptoms?

Just to anticipate questions: computer is Win XP Pro, running an Athlon 64+ processor, power supply is rated 550.

My first idea would be to try a different power supply. Same size or larger in wattage.

It sounds like your power supply is tripping out from what you describe. After that happens, the unplugging from the mains is what you need to do to reset them. If the computer runs normally without any unexpected shutdowns, it is highly unlikely to be a short circuit, so it is almost certainly a faulty PSU. What brand of power supply is it?

I can't remember if its an Antec TruePower 2 (550W) or if its an Antec SmartPower 2 (500W). I thought it was 550, but I started digging around in my Newegg invoices and can't find my latest power supply purchase. Once I find my reciept, I can figure out the warranty on it. It isn't old (purchased in the last 6 months). If its not from Newegg, its from Fry's.

We have seen a few of that brand reported going bad lately in posts.

Strange... Antec usually makes great quality stuff. I myself really like Thermaltake. I just bought a Purepower 500w, and I'm really happy with it. A big improvement over my old 300w Bestec.

I had an Antec blow up on me at Christmas. I bought a Thermaltake Purepower 680W for my latest build and I'm very pleased with it, it is very stable :)

Hmm, I thought Antec was fairly reputable as providing quality equipment. I wonder if they just had a bad batch or if quality is slipping?

I called them (couldn't find any detail about how to get an RMA), and now have the proper procedure if I want to return the PS. Now I just need to find my receipt.

"I wonder if they just had a bad batch or if quality is slipping? "

You are not the only one!

Quote:

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Hmm, I thought Antec was fairly reputable as providing quality equipment. I wonder if they just had a bad batch or if quality is slipping?

I called them (couldn't find any detail about how to get an RMA), and now have the proper procedure if I want to return the PS. Now I just need to find my receipt.

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My 450W Antec went too just before Christmas, i got an RMA form and excel file e-mailed to me from Antec, and haven't had time to sort it out yet, as it has to go back to Holland, it should be pretty hefty on postage costs.:(


Liam

In the case of my one it was a blown elecrolytic capacitor. It was made around the time of all the dodgy capacitors that caused so many problems with some mobos, I'm wondering if Antec may have got caught by that as well.

Followup:
I am positive I bought the PS from Fry's in Dallas while visiting over Thanksgiving. I can't locate my receipt anywhere (or even the box for that matter). Had I bought it from my usual spot (newegg), I would have an email receipt as well. So, I can't RMA it back to Antec.

It finally died for good last night. I powered down, then realized I needed one more thing. Tried to turn it back on, but it would work. Nothing would work. Even the lights on the mobo wouldn't turn on.

Looks like I'm in the market for a new power supply.

Have a look and see if there is a serial number on it. If there is they might give you an RMA whether you have the reciept or not, as they will be able to tell when it was made.

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Originally Posted by SuperSparks

they might give you an RMA

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I had hoped this would be the case, and I guess it might depend on the tech support person you speak with. The two I called wouldn't allow any RMA without a receipt.

A new P/S has been ordered.

I wanted to update everyone on this thread, even though its 7 months old.

I ordered a new Antec SmartPower 2.0 500 W power supply (this time through NewEgg), with the hope that the first was one out of a bad batch. This new P/S has worked since it was purchased. It worked until last night, at least. I returned from a few days in Dallas and decided to get a little work done on the computer.

Tried turning it on, and nothing happened. The first 8 times I tried powering it on, I didn't even get activity lights. There was no sound, no activity, nothing. I checked all my connections including the wall outlet. Everything looked fine.

So, this is my second dead Antec power supply in a little over a year. That's not good. Luckily I can RMA this one, but still. I don't feel real comfortable with Antec's power supplies anymore, and won't be buying one again.

Considering they were highly reputable two years ago, what happened?

What brand should I go with now, if I don't want to spend $150 on a Corsair?