So, about two months ago I was cleaning the front intake fans of my case, and I pulled too hard and broken the power cable that runs from the power switch to motherboard.

I then took to the internet and discovered the paper clip test, at that point I've been shorting my PSU while connected to the motherboard by touching two of the pins (green and black.)

Well, I've been relying on this method since then to power on my computer, honestly I never turned it off to avoid this bullshit.

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I just moved from my apartment to the house I've been renovating, and obviously I had to attempt the paperclip method once again.

BUT

This time it turned everything on, but the video on the monitors wouldn't show. I've had this problem when using this trick, and I just had to switch black cables until I hit the sweet spot.

I even heard two beeps on start-up indicating an issue.

Well, I kept trying this all last night until I don't even get a beep when it boots up now.

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I took apart my entire computer, every single piece sitting on cardboard awaiting me to put it all back together - I tried the paperclip test on just the PSU itself and it won't power on.

So, how in the hell did it power on the computer if it wouldn't power on itself?


My main concern is that my motherboard may be damaged, but honestly I believe its the PSU.

I built the system back in Jan. 2013, and I may of had a good year of use because 2014 - 2016 I was deployed.

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/2t2rVY my build

Well if the power supply doesn't pass the paper clip test when it's outside the computer...then it's the power supply.

Also, the Antec Basiq 500W is the bare minimum required to run that vid card, in your system.



This is from the specs for an EVGA GTX 670

Minimum of a 500 Watt power supply. (Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 30 Amps.)


FYI, single rail power supplies are better than the cheaper multi rail power supplies.

IF you have to replace it, I would suggest...

http://pcpartpicker.com/product/h3FXsY/evga-power-supply-220gs0650v1 <--- This power supply has a single 12v rail that can handle 54 amps.



/e http://support.antec.com/support/solutions/articles/1000015319-is-my-power-supply-dead-the-paperclip-test


Also, the power supply does have a 3 year warranty, so if it's less than 3 years old, you can RMA it. I would just replace it if I were you.

This post was edited by Ghot on Jul 26 2016 11:41pm

I was hoping to spend $60-70 max on a PSU, because I still need a case - thinking about this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153&ignorebbr=1

Cases are pretty much a preference thing. The case I always recommend is this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352048

As for the PSU...get this one then: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438059


Here's another case (cheaper) that you might like: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139025

This post was edited by Ghot on Jul 27 2016 12:52am