PSU Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

Quick Answer

If your PSU isn't working, start with the paperclip test to confirm the unit will even spin up, then check IEC cable, wall socket and 24-pin connector seating before suspecting the PSU itself. If the paperclip test fails, the unit is dead and needs replacing - PSU repair is unsafe and uneconomical in SA.

Diagnose Before You Replace

Unplug the PSU from the motherboard, leave the IEC cable in the wall and flip the rear switch on. Bridge the green pin (Power On) to any black pin on the 24-pin connector with a paperclip. The fan should spin. If it does, the PSU is alive but possibly under-delivering. If it doesn't, the unit is dead. Repeat the test from a different wall socket because surge events during loadshedding restoration occasionally trip the safety circuit on quality PSUs, but rarely on cheaper units.

Step-by-Step Fix Walkthrough

Reseat both the 24-pin ATX cable and the EPS 8-pin CPU cable - these loosen during shipping and movement. Remove and reinsert PCIe cables. Try a known-good IEC kettle cord because cheap kettle cords are a surprisingly common SA failure point. Test on the bench outside the case to rule out a chassis short. If the system still won't post, swap in a known-good PSU rated for your hardware. A 650W 80 Plus Gold unit costs around R1,499 locally and ships within 48 hours from Evetech to most metros.

Common Mistakes and SA Tips

Don't reuse the small fuse-style adapters bundled with old PSUs - they're a fire risk. Don't run the rig without a surge-protected UPS in loadshedding-prone areas; mains spikes during restoration are the leading cause of PSU death we see locally. Avoid generic unbranded PSUs even at R499 - they can take other components with them when they die.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix a PSU that's not working?

Run the paperclip test to confirm it will spin up. If it doesn't, replace the PSU. If it does but the system won't post, reseat all cables and try a different IEC cord before suspecting other components.

What are common mistakes when setting up a replacement PSU?

Forgetting to plug in the EPS 8-pin CPU cable, daisy-chaining a single PCIe cable across two GPU connectors and reusing a Molex-to-PCIe adapter from a 10-year-old unit are the three mistakes we troubleshoot most.

Do I need special tools or parts in SA?

A Phillips screwdriver, a paperclip and a properly rated replacement PSU is the full kit. Evetech stocks 450W to 1600W ATX 3.1 units with local 24-month warranty.