I just built my first PC, but absolutely nothing turns on! I've read that there should be a little LED light on the motherboard that indicates it's getting power, but I don't see anything. The outlet works fine.
I keep hearing about using a paperclip to jumpstart the motherboard, but I have no idea how to do that. My motherboard is an ASUS TUF B650.
The RAM seems to be seated properly, and I don't think that's causing the issue since it shouldn't prevent the motherboard from powering on entirely, right?
Do I need to replace the power supply or the motherboard? What should I check first? I'm feeling a bit lost here!
3 Answers
Have you tried turning it off and back on again? Seriously though, if your PSU came with a tester, use it to check if it’s faulty, which is rare but can happen. This will help you determine if the power supply is the issue or if there’s something deeper going on.
First, make sure all your cables are connected correctly. A lot of power issues come from missing or loose cables. Check if the power supply is plugged in and turned on. If you have a modular power supply, confirm that all the cables you’re using are connected to the PSU itself.
Next, check that the CPU power cable is securely plugged into the motherboard—this is usually on the top left corner. Also, ensure that the main motherboard connector is firmly in place. Don’t forget to double-check the GPU and its power cables as well. Reseat the GPU if you can!
If you’re still stuck, try reseating the RAM; it should click into place. Lastly, ensure the front panel connectors for the power button are connected properly. You might have them wired incorrectly. Good luck!
I’ll try doing all that when I get off work tomorrow. Thanks for the tips!
If you've checked all the power cables and still no luck, try using a different power supply if you have one. And double-check those front panel connectors! Sometimes, a faulty power button could be the issue, so switching it with the reset button can help you rule that out.
I’ll check the cables, but I don’t have another PSU to test with.
I’m not sure if it came with a tester. It’s a Corsair RM850e, but I didn’t see anything like that in the box.