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Troubleshooting Flow Chart

This document provides information on troubleshooting a computer motherboard, CPU, and RAM using a flowchart. It begins with a warning to unplug the power supply before working inside the computer case. It then describes how to check that the power supply is properly connected to the motherboard and troubleshoot a power supply that is failing to power the motherboard. Finally, it provides details on the standard 20-pin ATX power connector pinout and voltages.

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1K views

Troubleshooting Flow Chart

This document provides information on troubleshooting a computer motherboard, CPU, and RAM using a flowchart. It begins with a warning to unplug the power supply before working inside the computer case. It then describes how to check that the power supply is properly connected to the motherboard and troubleshoot a power supply that is failing to power the motherboard. Finally, it provides details on the standard 20-pin ATX power connector pinout and voltages.

Uploaded by

NullumCrimen NullumPoena SineLege
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

OCCUPATIONAL AREA

Computer Hardware &


Servicing

REVISION:

UNIT OF COMPETENCY:

Diagnose and Troubleshoot


Computer System
Prepared by: Francis

CODE E L C 7 2 4 3 1 9

INFORMATION SHEET:

Flow Chart Troubleshooting

Page 1

OCCUPATIONAL AREA

Computer Hardware &


Servicing

REVISION:

UNIT OF COMPETENCY:

Diagnose and Troubleshoot


Computer System
Prepared by: Francis

CODE E L C 7 2 4 3 1 9

INFORMATION SHEET:

Flow Chart Troubleshooting

Page 2

Motherboard, CPU, RAM Diagnostics Flowchart

Warning! You must unplug your ATX power supply from the wall
before working inside the case. Click diamonds for troubleshooting
details.

OCCUPATIONAL AREA

Computer Hardware &


Servicing

REVISION:

UNIT OF COMPETENCY:

Diagnose and Troubleshoot


Computer System
Prepared by: Francis

CODE E L C 7 2 4 3 1 9

INFORMATION SHEET:

Page 3

Flow Chart Troubleshooting

The power supply will to fail to operate if the power to motherboard isn't connected. Check that the
20 pin ATX power connector and any additional motherboard power connections, such as the 12V
supply for P4 systems, are properly connected and seated. The latching mechanism for the standard
ATX connector is counter-intuitive. You have to push in on the latch at the top to release it at the
bottom, at which point the connector should pull off with almost no force required. You should hear
or feel the latch click in when the connector is seated.
Remove the power leads to the drives to ensure that you aren't trying to power up into a short. The
motherboard power must remain connected to activate the ATX power supply. If you have a DVM
(Digital Volt Meter) and experience working around live circuitry, you can try checking the DC
voltages at the connectors to see if they are live, or within 5% of the rated voltage. I'm not advising
you do this live testing, as it's much easier and safer to try swapping in a new power supply. Unless
you have a special testing fixture, you must leave the connectors attached while checking, which
requires an exposed connector surface or a cheater lead. This is necessary because switching power
supplies won't operate properly without a load, either failing to come on or even self-destructing (in
extreme, low quality, instances). I just poke the DVM probes into the top of the 20 wire connector
at the motherboard, since there's usually room next to the wire to get down to the conductor.

ATX Version 1.2 - 20 wire motherboard connector


Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Pin 4

Pin 5

Pin 6

Pin 7

Pin 8

Pin 9

3.3V

3.3V

Gnd

5V

Gnd

5V

Gnd

P_OK 5VSB 12V

Oran

Oran

Blk

Red

Blk

Red

Blk

Gray

Purp

Yell

Oran

Blue

Blk

Green Blk

Blk

Blk

White Red

Red

3.3V

-12V

Gnd

P_ON Gnd

Gnd

Gnd

-5V

5V

5V

Pin 10

Pin 11 Pin 12 Pin 13 Pin 14 Pin 15 Pin 16 Pin 17 Pin 18 Pin 19 Pin 20
The color scheme used for the voltages in the 20 pin connector holds for the other ATX standard
power supply connectors. However, brand name manufacturers often build proprietary power
supplies or make up their own color coding, so I wouldn't throw out a power supply that supplies
5V where you think it should supply 3.3V. It's more likely a proprietary design than a failure.
The 5V on Pin 9 is always present when the power supply is plugged in. This connection supplies
power to the various PC circuits that operate even when the PC is turned off, such as "Wake on
Modem" or "Wake on LAN." It's also the reason you should never work in the PC with the power
supply plugged in, unless you can remember to turn off the override switch every time. This live
power is supplied to the adapter slots, so replacing adapters with the power cord plugged in may
damage the motherboard or adapters. Even though the drive leads aren't powered with the system
turned off, you might drop a screw while working on a drive. If that screw lands in just the wrong
place, like an open bus slot, it could create a short and damage the motherboard.

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