Troubleshooting why a gaming PC won’t turn on can be tricky as there are a multitude of possible components and issues to diagnose and isolate. Many of these issues are linked to the power supply, and therefore the first step when troubleshooting should be to make sure the wall socket is functioning correctly and that the power cables are firmly seated in the power supply, the wall socket, and the power button. If the socket is functioning, then checking the other components and connections is likely the next step.
It is important to make sure that the case fan, motherboard, and CPU are all powered and/or connected properly. The power supply should be connected to the motherboard, and the power supply cable should be securely plugged into the power button on the front of the case. If the power button is faulty, replacing it will help.
In some cases, the power supply itself may be the source of the problem. To check this, it is recommended to take one of the four-pin connectors from the power supply and connect it directly to the motherboard. This can provide a definitive answer about whether the power supply is the source of the problem. Additionally, it is common for gaming PCs to come equipped with software diagnostics that can provide most of the same information.
Sometimes, the PC will turn on but there will be no video output. This too can be caused by a power supply issue, if the video card does not receive enough power, but it can also be caused by a faulty or defective video card. This is why it is necessary to have the right power supply for your gaming PC, as the power needs of most gaming PCs are higher than average.
Also, the memory should be checked to see if it is seated properly into the slots and that the slots themselves are not defective. If the power supply is functioning correctly, but there is no video output, the RAM may need to be reseated or replaced. Finally, the CPU should also be checked. If it is running too hot, then the CPU fan may need to be replaced.
Power Button
If a gaming PC does not turn on, the power button itself is often the cause. Faulty buttons can be diagnosed by connecting the power cable from the power supply directly to the motherboard onboard power switch pins. If the PC turns on successfully when the cable is connected to these pins, it is highly likely that the power button is the source of the problem. Replacing the power button is an affordable and easy procedure that can solve the problem.
Virus
In some cases, a gaming PC may not turn on due to a virus or malware. While this is not always the issue, it is important to run virus scans and anti-malware programs to determine if this is the case. Moreover, the BIOS should be checked to make sure that all of the settings are correct and up-to-date. If the power supply is functioning correctly but there is still no video output, the BIOS may need to be reset.
Faulty Components
Aside from the power button, power supply and BIOS, other faulty components can also be the cause of a gaming PC not turning on. The most common culprits for this problem are the video card, RAM, and the CPU. The video card should be inspected to ensure that it is seated correctly, the RAM should be checked to make sure it is properly seated, and the CPU should be cooled properly.
Overclocking
In some cases, overclocking can cause a gaming PC to not turn on. Any overclocking that has been done should be reversed, as this is usually the cause of the issue. If, during the troubleshooting process, all of the hardware components have been checked and the cause of the issue still remains a mystery, then it is highly likely that an overclocked CPU or GPU is to blame.
Motherboard
The motherboard can also be the culprit if a gaming PC isn’t turning on. It is essential to check to make sure that the motherboard is properly connected to the power supply. Additionally, the BIOS should be checked to make sure that it is up-to-date with the latest version. If any issues are found with the motherboard, it is advised to replace it or to have it professionally repaired.
Faulty Wiring
In some cases, fault wiring can be the cause of a gaming PC not turning on. It is important to inspect all of the cables and connections to make sure that everything is properly connected. If any faulty wiring is discovered, it is essential to have it professionally repaired. Additionally, any loose connections should be tightened up.
