Troubleshooting Desktop Will Not Power on with a Dell Optiplex GX520 Computer

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One thing we can all agree on is when our desktop computer decides to not power on, this typically is likely to happen on a desktop computer that is old like the dell optiplex gx520; considering the hardware is weak and does not feature surge protection or other like features that prevents power shortages from happening on a computer.

Troubleshooting a desktop that will not power on is first understanding the common factors of a no power like computer, one is the power button after all is the first part that triggers the power; second you have the power supply which is what gives the entire desktop power; and lastly we have the main motherboard which is what connects all components into one.

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Considering you will be keeping a desktop with you for a longtime besides needing to repair this dell optiplex, is recommended to have tools with you to help you not just open the computer but also diagnose them; for example if you have a power tester which I shared with you and if you have additional parts handy with you like a power supply.

First begin by using your common sense if you have no special repair kit or diagnostic tools with you and that is to rule out which of the three was working fine just a day ago, then run down the list by determining which of the three is the second least cause of the problem and more so if you have indicators saying so; which at this point leaves you with the most likely computer component that is the problem.

With this basic understanding proceed without tools or with some if you have any, in my example here there is no freaking way the power button just died when it looks new right; so that left me with either the power supply or the motherboard.

Good thing is that common sense told me that motherboard is not likely to die suddenly unless of course is obvious like having no led on which would then seem dead, in my example here with this dell desktop which is also seen on other motherboard that the power led indicator turned on when the power supply was connected yet I had no power; strangely enough everything was leaning towards a bad power supply which had probably shorted due to storm or lighting or just plain being cheap without prevention features.

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With this basic understanding proceed without tools or with some if you have any, in my example here there is no freaking way the power button just died when it looks new right; so that left me with either the power supply or the motherboard.

Good thing is that common sense told me that motherboard is not likely to die suddenly unless of course is obvious like having no led on which would then seem dead, in my example here with this dell desktop which is also seen on other motherboard that the power led indicator turned on when the power supply was connected yet I had no power; strangely enough everything was leaning towards a bad power supply which had probably shorted due to storm or lighting or just plain being cheap without prevention features.

Considering I’m a computer technician keeping an extra power supply is normal in my type of business, so I quickly disconnected the old with the new and boom there was power; at this point I proceeded with installing a new power supply which offered surge and shortage features to make it much more difficult for it to die in the near future.