[phillpower2]

Purchase nothing at the moment, I would have the present PSU tested by a reputable tech store who have the required equipment, test the speaker on your system for sure but don't go dismantling it, if the speaker emits a single beep when your MB completes the POST you know that the speaker is good.

 

I do not wish to alarm you but the attached video is the one that I use as an example to show the sort of equipment that is required to conclusively test a PSU, I am not aware of any Staples outlet for example that has such equipment in store.

 

What the equipment does is simulate a computer under load and so the PSU behaves as it would when it is powering your PC, multi-meters and the basic testing devices that you can purchase from some merchants only test the basic voltage output from the PSU rails and so cannot be relied on as 100% conclusive.

 

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I don't think I know of any "reputable" computer repair stores anywhere around.  I've got a Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, and (a little bit of a drive away) a Comp USA store.

[GhostLoad]

I don't think I know of any "reputable" computer repair stores anywhere around.  I've got a Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, and (a little bit of a drive away) a Comp USA store.

[phillpower2]

Testing the speaker on your MB is as much as you can do then.

 

It is getting late here in the UK and I have an early start in the morning so will be going offline shortly.

[GhostLoad]

Alright, thanks.  Goodnight.  I'm gonna check the speaker now, and I'll let you know if it's working.

[phillpower2]

[GhostLoad]

Yep speaker works fine.  I hooked it up inside my rig and it gave me 1 beep while it was booting.  I'm gonna call Comp USA (pretty much Tigerdirect.com in brick & mortar form) and see if they are able to test PSUs.  Is there anything specific I should ask them so that I know they have the right equipment to properly test it?

[phillpower2]

Difficult question for me to answer as I wouldn't know who to call upon here in the UK 

 

I have spare PSUs that I use for testing systems that have issues and that is the only way that I can suggest to you I`m afraid, just so that you are aware, MBs are more prone to failure than CPUs and MB failure is strongly suggested in this instance.

[GhostLoad]

Ah that's true, you're across the pond!  I just called TIgerdirect.com (they have a physical location about 20mins drive from my home) and said they can test power supplies there for free.  Do you think that means they're just testing voltage output from the rails?    

I'm really hoping (for my buddies sake) that it's the PSU and not the MB, so that if he decides to upgrade in a year or 2 he won't have to buy ANOTHER MB again, for the new parts that likely won't fit into an older board.  

Edited by GhostLoad, 07 August 2014 - 02:37 PM.

[phillpower2]

Nothing ventured - nothing gained, phone and ask TD what sort of PSU test they are able to do, if voltage only ask if they will test the MB with a known good PSU.

[GhostLoad]

Ah see I fumbled when they said they could do it, and couldn't think of what to ask them on the spot.  Dang!  I'll call them back tomorrow and ask that.  Thanks for helping me figure out exactly what to ask.

[phillpower2]

You are welcome, good luck and keep us posted please 

[GhostLoad]

Will do, I'll update tomorrow.

[phillpower2]

[GhostLoad]

I called and the guy on the line mumbled up a storm, and pretty much just responded with "yeah" to anything I asked him.  I think they outsource their calls.

[phillpower2]

Not sure what to say other than it is not helpful to you in any way at all 

 

Spare PSUs are not something that the average person is expected to have laying around but it is worth asking your friends etc first.