Multiple power-up to boot...

[SquirrelDip]

I'm having a small problem with one of my older computers. The system is a Abit VP6 running two PIII-866's, video is an ATI 9500 Pro, one 30Gb Maxtor, a DVD and a CDRW.

Problem is that it takes multiple power-ups before I get a post. i.e. Hit the power button and nothing, power down, repeat - eventually it will boot, sometimes first try, sometimes 4th or 5th.

I'm guessing it's the power supply but I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas before I pick up a new one.

[redwudz]

So I am assuming not even the PS fan comes on. I would try to find the PS pinout from the MB manual, unplug it from the MB and jumper across the PS 'on' leads to see if the PS switches on dependably. If it does then you have the ON switch itself to consider. You would jumper the on terminals on the MB to eliminate that as a problem. If the PS works OK and the ON switch works OK, it may be a MB problem.

[SquirrelDip]

Actually the fans do start. The CD and DVD do a quick check and the floppy light flashes.

During normal boot the screen will flash then post with video bios info then ram info etc... The "no-go" boot will not flash the screen (fans etc lited above still go) - repeated power down and restarts and eventually it boots.

[redwudz]

Not good. Could be a PS issue or worse a MB problem. First, I would check all internal connections to the MB, maybe something loose. Check your PS voltages in BIOS, but when it's working, they're probably OK. If it isn't posting, it sounds like BIOS is not running. That would tend to indicate MB failure or hopefully, as you suggest, PS failure. To bad you can't barrow a substitute PS for testing, then you could be sure. If nothing else seems to work, I would change out the PS and keep my fingers crossed.

[SquirrelDip]

Thanks for the reply - I'll check my connections...

I think I'll pick up a good power supply - even if that's not the reason it's still not too great an expense and it's always handy to have a spare.

Any other suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.