I'm living in dorms where the circuit breaker is pretty weak and tends to flip whenever I try to start my PC. It works fine on other circuits, but I can't move it anywhere else. Once the PC is on, it doesn't trip the breaker again, but I really want to find a solution for that initial power draw that causes it to trip. I've been constantly unplugging stuff and running to the breaker, which is a huge hassle. Ideally, I'd love a workaround that won't damage my PC until I can get the circuit fixed. Also, I'm experiencing some issues where my PC won't post after these flips, and I've had to flash the BIOS a couple of times since I moved in. Any advice?
4 Answers
You might want to consider getting a surge protector with a longer cord, but check your dorm rules first. Just don't run it out into the hallway, as that could lead to issues with the management!
Just so you know, if your system isn't posting, that usually points to hardware issues, not drivers or software. Just keep that in mind when you're troubleshooting.
You could also look into buying a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). It can help manage those surges when you power it on and give you some backup power, too.
Yeah, I get that. The management specifically said no running cords into common areas for safety reasons.