PC does not switch on sometimes.

[Oban]

The PC. : Acer aspire M5700
Issue :
When power switch is pressed, sometimes it turns on, sometimes it does not. Other times, it turns on if I give the switch a light knock or two. I guess the power switch is out of order, but I cannot be sure.

I know one of the methods to test it, by shorting the power SW pins on the motherboard, but I cannot do it. The Power SW plugs are stuck or rusted to the Power SW pins. They cannot be pulled apart with a reasonable force.

In a case as this, how do I make sure or test to make sure that the issue is caused by the power switch on the outer case of the PC?

Thanks.

[phillpower2]

Lets check the obvious first.

The Power SW plugs are stuck or rusted to the Power SW pins. They cannot be pulled apart with a reasonable force.

Have you released the locking tab on the 24 pin ATX connector, see image here

[Oban]

Lets check the obvious first.

Have you released the locking tab on the 24 pin ATX connector, see image here

Thank you.
Excuse me. I do not understand at all why the locking tab on the 24 pin ATX connector has to be released. I am like an elementary pupil in computer techs. Sorry about this.

[phillpower2]

Sorry my mistake, was thinking that you wanted to test the PSU by shorting out pins 15 and 16 to see if the PSU activates every time.

If you cannot get the pwrsw pins off the header there is no way of firing the PSU up..

Corrosion is most likely what is holding the pins on, if you cannot get them off with thin nose pliers there is not much that you can do.

If you are able to get the connectors off, connect the restart/reset button to the pwrsw header on the MB to see if that activates the PSU,

[Oban]

Sorry my mistake, was thinking that you wanted to test the PSU by shorting out pins 15 and 16 to see if the PSU activates every time.

If you cannot get the pwrsw pins off the header there is no way of firing the PSU up..

Corrosion is most likely what is holding the pins on, if you cannot get them off with thin nose pliers there is not much that you can do.

If you are able to get the connectors off, connect the restart/reset button to the pwrsw header on the MB to see if that activates the PSU,

Thank you.
Since the on/off switch on my PC is not functioning, and the Power SW plugs cannot be disconnected, how about cut & connect the wires of the Power Sw & of the outside on/off switch? Will this start the machine if the original on PC switch is not working?

[ATTACH type=“full”]10547[/ATTACH]

[phillpower2]

You could get an appropriate replacement power button and then cut and splice the cable, problem with this is that it could be corrosion on the pins that is causing the problematic starting ,must admit never heard of such an issue, it can`t have been caused by a fluid spill or the board would have signs of water damage etc.

You are welcome btw

[Oban]

You could get an appropriate replacement power button and then cut and splice the cable, problem with this is that it could be corrosion on the pins that is causing the problematic starting ,must admit never heard of such an issue, it can`t have been caused by a fluid spill or the board would have signs of water damage etc.

You are welcome btw

Thank you.

Yes, you are right. It could well be the issue is the corrosion o the pins.

How do I test to find it out for sure, please?

[phillpower2]

You can`t unfortunately, getting the pins clear is the only way.

Is it a single connector or multiple connectors going to individual pins on the front panel header.

Can I ask that you do not quote every reply as we have to read the full post to make sure nothing gets missed, thanks.

[Oban]

Thank you.

Sorry about the quoting. I thought it might be easier for other viewers.

Single or multiple connectors.
I cannot tell the difference. This is how they are in my PC. With the PC standing & its front panel on my right hand side & looking into the inside of my PC,

There are 3 pairs of coloured wires from the front panel LED pins going to the front panel:
Green & white, twisted together going to on/off switch button.
Red & white, twisted together going to optical drive light in front panel.
Black & white, twisted together going to acer mark light in front panel.

All 3 pairs of the wires are in one black block which is plugged to the pins or sitting on top of the pins.

Coloured wires at the pins:

                 12345

upper row ooooo green & white at 1 & 2positions, upper row.
lower row ooooo red & white at 1 & 2 positions, lower row.
black & white at 3 & 4 positions, lower row.

CPU: Intel core 2 Quad Q8300 2500GHz

[Oban]

[ATTACH type=“full”]10550[/ATTACH]

[Oban]

[COLOR=rgb(184, 49, 47)]Correction:
black & white are at 1 & 2 pin positions, lower row.[/COLOR][COLOR=rgb(184, 49, 47)][/color]

[Oban]

The above said green and white wires are not sure whether they are Power SW wires or USB wires. This is confused because of 1. there are other pins at different locations with coloured wires going to the front and top panels and 2. I cannot trace these wires because they are concealed.

The first thing is to find out were are the pins of Power SW. I have been trying to find a layout of M5700’s motherboard which is G45T AM2 V:1.0 but no luck so far.

Do you know any way to find the motherboard’s layout with descriptions?

[phillpower2]

As the connection is the block type the whole thing needs to be removed using a pair of thin nosed pliers.

The only alternative is as previously mentioned, new power button and cutting and splicing the cable/s, no use whatsoever if corrosion is the cause, this likewise is as has previously been advised.

Busy doing paid work atm so will have to see what i can find when i get finished.

[COLOR=rgb(44, 130, 201)]Edit to add: See if the front panel header pic here helps any.[/COLOR]

[Oban]

Thank you.
If the manual as your link shows is the standard layout of wiring from the connector to front panel, then the reality or the actual wiring as in my M5700 is incorrect or modified by the manufacturer or someone else. The manual shows, pins 6 & 8 are the Power SW pins, but these pins and wires are going to the acer logo light in front panel.
[ATTACH type=“full”]10564[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=“full”]10565[/ATTACH]

[phillpower2]

Can you post a picture of the actual connector block on the MB.

Question, how many other forums have you post on asking for help with this.