Unit 4

Power Supplies and

Troubleshooting Computer
Problems

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 Module Objectives

• By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Describe the methods and devices for keeping a system cool

• Select a power supply to meet the power needs of a system

• Demonstrate an organized approach to solving any computer problem, especially hardware

problems occurring during the boot

• Troubleshoot problems with the electrical system

• Troubleshoot problems with the motherboard, processor, and RAM

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 Cooling Methods and Devices

• If the processor, motherboard, memory modules, expansion cards, and other components
overheat, the system can get unstable and components can fail or be damaged

• Devices used to cool a system are CPU and case fans, coolers, heat sinks, and liquid cooling
systems

• General rules to cool the inside of a computer case include the following:

− Keep the case closed

− Clean the inside of the computer

− Move the computer

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 Processor Coolers, Fans, and Heat Sinks
• Computer systems use a cooling assembly designed for a specific processor to keep
temperatures below the processor maximum temperature

• Good processor coolers maintain a temperature of 90-110 degrees F (32-43 degrees C)

• The cooler sits on top of the processor and consists of a fan and heat sink

− Heat sink uses fins that draw heat away from processor

• The fan blows drawn heat away from CPU unit

− The fan gets power by using a 4-pin fan header on the motherboard

A cooler sits on top of a processor to help keep it cool

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 Thermal Compound and Thermal Pads

• Thermal compound (thermal paste) transfers heat by completely filling the gap between the
processor and the cooling device

• An alternative is a thermal pad, which is thicker than thermal compound and fills larger gaps
better

− They are more easily applied and are sized for the contact plate

• Never use thermal pads and thermal compound at the same time

• Never stack thermal pads together

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 Case Fans, Other Fans, and Heat Sinks (1 of 2)

• To prevent overheating, you can also install additional case fans

• Most cases have one or more positions on the case to hold a case fan

− Large fans tend to perform better than small fans

• Some graphics (video) cards come with a fan

− Fan cards can be mounted next to graphics cards

 Be sure to select a fan card that fits the expansion slot you plan to use

• A RAM cooler clips over a DIMM memory module

− It may be powered by a SATA or 4-pin Molex power connector

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Case Fans, Other Fans, and Heat Sinks (2 of 2)

A RAM cooler keeps memory modules cool

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 Liquid Cooling Systems

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 Selecting a Power Supply

• Reasons to replace a power supply include the following:

− A power supply fails

− A power supply in an existing system is not adequate

• When building a new system, you have the following options:

− You can purchase a computer case with the power supply already installed

− You can purchase a power supply separate from the case

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 Types and Characteristics of Power Supplies (1
of 2)
• Important power supply feature considerations include the following:

− The form factor determines the power supply size

− Wattage ratings (listed in the documentation and the side of the power supply)

− Number and type of connectors

− Fans inside the PSU

− Dual voltage options

− Extra features

• A redundant power supply (RPS) uses two identical power supplies

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Types and Characteristics of Power Supplies (2
of 2)

Figure 4-9 Consider the number and

type of power connectors and the
wattage ratings of a power supply

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 How to Calculate Wattage Capacity

• When deciding what wattage capacity you need, consider the following:

− The total wattage requirements of all components inside case as well as all USB devices
that get power from ports connected to the motherboard

• Keep these two points in mind when selecting the correct wattage:

− Video cards draw the most power

− The power supply should be rated 30% higher than expected needs

• To know what size of power supply you need, add up the wattage requirements and add 30%

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 Knowledge Check Activity 4-1: Answer

• What is a reasonable wattage capacity for a power supply to be used with a system that
contains a DVD drive, three hard drives, and a high-end video card?

• Answer: c. 700 W

• Use Table 4-2 to add up the approximate wattage: 300W + 30 W + (30 W × 3) + 50 W = 470 W.
Then add 30% to get 611 W. The closest answer that meets this requirement is 700 W.

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Strategies to Troubleshoot Any Computer
Problem (1 of 3)

Figure 4-12 A general approach to

problem solving

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 Strategies to Troubleshoot Any Computer
Problem (2 of 3)
• Steps for troubleshooting include the following:

− Interview the user and back up data before you make any changes to the system

− Examine the system, analyze the problem, and make an initial determination of the source
of the problem

− Test your theory

− After you know the source of the problem, plan what to do to fix the problem and then fix it

− Verify that the problem is fixed and that the system works

− Document activities, outcomes, and what you learned

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 Strategies to Troubleshoot Any Computer
Problem (3 of 3)
• Some troubleshooting resources include the following:

− The web

− Chat, forums, or email technical support

− Manufacturer’s diagnostic software

− User manuals

− Technical associates in your organization

• There are 13 troubleshooting rules found throughout the next section

• Rule 1: Approach the Problem Systematically

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 Step 1: Interviewing the User and Backing Up
Data (1 of 2)
• Here are some questions you can ask when interviewing the user:

− Can you describe the problem? What error messages, unusual displays, or failures did you
see?

− When did the problem start?

− What was the situation when the problem occurred?

− What programs or software were you using?

− What changes have been recently made to the system?

− Has there been a recent thunderstorm or electrical problem?

− Have you made any hardware, software, or configuration changes?

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 Step 1: Interviewing the User and Backing Up
Data (2 of 2)
• As you talk with the user, keep in mind rules 2, 3, and 4:

− Rule 2: Establish Your Priorities

− Rule 3: Beware of User Error

− Rule 4: Keep Your Cool and Don’t Rush

• Be sure to back up any important data before you begin work on the computer

• Options to backup:

− Use Explorer to copy the data to another system

− Move the hard drive to another system

− Hire a professional file recovery service

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 Step 2: Examining the System and Making Your
Best Guess
• Rules 5 and 6 can help as you start solving the problem:

− Rule 5: Make No Assumptions

− Rule 6: Try the Simple Things First

• Follow this process to form your best guess:

− Reproduce the problem and observe for yourself what the user has described

− Decide if the problem is hardware- or software-related

− Make your best guess as to the source of the problem, and don’t forget to question the
obvious

• Rule 7: Become a Researcher

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 Step 3: Testing Your Theory (1 of 3)

• As you test your theories, keep in mind rules 8 through 11:

− Rule 8: Divide and Conquer

− Rule 9: Write Things Down

− Rule 10: Don’t Assume the Worst

− Rule 11: Reboot and Start Over

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Step 3: Testing Your Theory (2 of 3)

Figure 4-16 Use this flowchart when

first facing a computer problem

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Step 3: Testing Your Theory (3 of 3)

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 Step 4: Planning Your Solution and then Fixing
the Problem (1 of 2)
• When planning and implementing your solution, keep rules 12 and 13 in mind:

− Rule 12: Use the Least Invasive Solution First

− Rule 13: Know Your Starting Point

• Do the following to plan your solution and fix the problem:

− Consider different solutions and select the least invasive one

− Before applying your solution, do your best to determine what works and doesn’t work in the
system so you know your starting point

− Fix the problem

• If you do not have technical documentation on hand, search the product manufacturers’
websites
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Step 4: Planning Your Solution and then Fixing
the Problem (2 of 2)

Figure 4-19 Search manufacturer

websites for help with a hardware or
software product

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 Step 5: Verifying the Fix and Taking Preventative
Action
• After fixing the problem, reboot the system and verify that all is well

• Can you do the following:

− Reach the Internet?

− Use the printer?

− Use Microsoft Office?

• If possible, have the user check everything and verify that the job is done satisfactorily

• After verifying all is working, ask the following question:

− Could this problem have been prevented?

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 Step 6: Documenting What Happened

• Good documentation helps you to do the following:

− Take what you learned into the next troubleshooting situation

− Train others

− Develop effective preventative maintenance plans

− Satisfy any audits or customer or employee queries about your work

• Be sure to include the following items in your documentation:

− Initial symptoms

− Source of the problem

− Your troubleshooting steps

− What youAndrews/Shelton/Pierce,
did to ultimately fix it
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 Troubleshooting the Electrical System (1 of 3)

• The following are possible symptoms of a problem with the electrical system:

− The computer appears “dead” – no indicator lights and no spinning drive or fan

− The computer sometimes locks up during booting

− Error codes or beeps occur during booting

− You smell burnt parts or odors

− The computer powers down at unexpected times

− The computer appears dead, but you hear a whine coming from the power supply

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 Troubleshooting the Electrical System (2 of 3)

• Here are some questions to ask and things to do to solve a problem with the electrical system:

− If you smell any burnt parts or odors, don’t try to turn the system on.

 Identify the component that is fried and replace it.

− When you first plug up power to a system and hear a whine coming from the power supply,
the power supply might be inadequate for the system or there might be a short

− Is the power cord plugged in?

− Is the power outlet controlled by a wall switch?

− Are any cable connections loose?

− Is the circuit breaker blown?

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 Troubleshooting the Electrical System (3 of 3)

• If you need to look inside the computer case turn off the computer, unplug it, press the power
button to drain residual power, and open the case

• Next, do the following:

− Check all power connections from the power supply to the motherboard and drives

− If you smell burnt parts, carefully search for shorts and for frayed and burnt wires

− If you suspect the power supply is bad, test it with a power supply tester

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 Problems That Come and Go (1 of 2)

• Symptoms that might indicate an intermittent problem with the electrical system after the boot
include the following:

− The computer stops or hangs for no reason

− Memory errors appear intermittently

− Data is written incorrectly to the hard drive or files are corrupted

− The keyboard stops working at odd times

− The motherboard fails or is damaged

− The power supply overheats and becomes hot to the touch

− The power supply fan whines and becomes very noisy or stops

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 Problems That Come and Go (2 of 2)

• Here is what to do to eliminate the electrical system as the source of an intermittent problem:

− Consider the power supply is inadequate

− Suspect the power supply is faulty

− The power supply fan might not work

 Do not operate the computer if the fan does not work

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 Power Problems with the Motherboard

• A short might occur if some component on the motherboard makes improper contact with the
chassis

• For some cases, check for missing standoffs

− A missing standoff most often causes these improper connections

• Shake the case gently and listen for loose screws

• Shorts in the circuits on the motherboard might also cause problems

− Look for damage on the bottom of the motherboard

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 Problems with Overheating (1 of 5)

• Here are some symptoms of overheating:

− System hangs or freezes at odd times or after the boot starts

− Windows BSOD (blue screen of death) error occurs during the boot

− You cannot hear a fan running or the fan makes a whining sound

− You cannot feel air being pulled into or out of the case

• If you suspect overheating, go into BIOS/UEFI setup and view the temperature monitors for the
system

• You can purchase a temperature sensor that will sound an alarm when the inside of the case is
too hot

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 Problems with Overheating (2 of 5)

• Things to do to solve overheating include the following:

− If system hangs, go into BIOS/UEFI setup and find the CPU screen that reports temperature
(should not exceed that recommended by the CPU manufacturer)

− Use compressed air, a blower, or antistatic vacuum to remove dust from the power supply
and vents

− Check airflow inside the case to see if fans are running (may need to replace a fan)

− Install extra fans if case will hold them

− Install a chassis air guide that guides air to the processor

− To improve airflow, replace missing faceplates and expansion slot covers

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 Problems with Overheating (3 of 5)

Dust in this cooler fan can cause the fan to fail and the
processor to overheat

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 Problems with Overheating (4 of 5)

• Things to do to solve overheating include the following (continued):

− Place case so that there are a few inches of space on both sides and the top of the case

− Verify the cooler is connected properly to the processor

− After closing the case, leave system off for at least 30 minutes

− Check UEFI/BIOS setup to see if the processor is being overclocked (can cause system to
overheat)

− Have too many peripherals been installed inside the case? Try to leave an empty slot
between each card

− Flash UEFI/BIOS to update firmware on motherboard

− Replace thermal compound if it has hardened

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Problems with Overheating (5 of 5)

Figure 4-26 Vents and fans need to

be arranged for best airflow

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 Problems with Laptop Power Systems (1 of 2)

• A laptop can be powered by an AC adapter or a battery pack

• Today’s batteries use lithium ion technology

• Most AC adapters are capable of auto-switching from 110 V to 220 V AC power

• Some mobile users like to keep an extra battery on hand in case the first one uses up its charge

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 Problems with Laptop Power Systems (2 of 2)

• If power is not getting to the system or the battery indicator light is lit, do the following:

− Verify the AC adapter is plugged into a live electrical outlet

− Check if the AC adapter’s plug is secure in the outlet

− Check connections on both sides of AC adapter transformer

− Check the connection at the DC jack on the laptop

• If the battery is not charging when AC adapter is plugged in, the problem might be with the
battery or the motherboard

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To use a multimeter to test this AC adapter, place the red
probe in
the center of the connector and the black probe on the
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 Troubleshooting the Motherboard, Processor,
and RAM (1 of 5)
• The following symptoms can indicate that a motherboard, processor, or memory is failing:

− The system begins to boot but then powers down

− An error message is displayed during the boot

− The system reports less memory than installed

− The system becomes unstable, hangs, or freezes

− Intermittent Windows or hard drive errors occur

− Components on the motherboard or devices connected to it don’t work

• Check the simple things first

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 Troubleshooting the Motherboard, Processor,
and RAM (2 of 5)
• Follow these steps to find source of problem:

− 1. If an error message appears, google the error message

− 2. Run antivirus software to check for viruses

− 3. A memory module might be failing, use the Memory Diagnostic Tool to test memory

− 4. Check for potential hardware problems using Device Manager

− 5. Check Event Viewer logs for a record about a hardware or application problem

− 6. In Windows, download and install any Windows updates or patches

− 7. If problem began after a change or new install, uninstall device or application

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 Troubleshooting the Motherboard, Processor,
and RAM (3 of 5)
• Follow these steps to find source of problem (continued):

− 8. Use the Windows About window to find out how much RAM is installed (consider
upgrading if not enough)

− 9. Check BIOS/UEFI setup to ensure proper settings

− 10. Disable any quick booting features in BIOS/UEFI

 Then look for errors reported during the boot

− 11. Flash BIOS/UEFI to update firmware on the board

− 12. Check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for diagnostic software

− 13. Update all drivers of motherboard components that are not working

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 Troubleshooting the Motherboard, Processor,
and RAM (4 of 5)
• Follow these steps to find source of problem (continued):

− 14. If an onboard port or device is not working:

 Verify the problem is not with the device using the port

 Go into BIOS/UEFI setup and verify the port is enabled

 Check Device Manager and verify Windows recognizes device or port with no errors

 Update motherboard drivers for this device or port from manufacturer’s website

 Use a loop-back plug to test the port

 Disable the port in BIOS/UEFI setup and install an expansion card

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 Troubleshooting the Motherboard, Processor,
and RAM (5 of 5)
• Follow these steps to find source of problem (continued):

− 15. Suspect the problem is a failing hard drive

− 16. Suspect the problem is caused by overheating

− 17. Verify the installed processor is supported by the motherboard

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 Windows Startup Repair

• Many continuous restart errors can be solved by performing a Startup Repair process

• The Startup Repair utility restores many of the Windows files needed for a successful boot

• Follow these steps to run Startup Repair from the Windows setup USB drive or DVVD:

− 1. If necessary, change the boot priority order in BIOS/UEFI setup to boot first from the
optical drive or USB drive

− 2. On the opening screen, select your language and click Next. On the next screen, click
Repair your computer. Next, choose Troubleshoot

 On the Advanced Options screen, choose Startup Repair

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 Summary

• Now that the lesson has ended, you should be able to:

• Describe the methods and devices for keeping a system cool

• Select a power supply to meet the power needs of a system

• Demonstrate an organized approach to solving any computer problem, especially hardware

problems occurring during the boot

• Troubleshoot problems with the electrical system

• Troubleshoot problems with the motherboard, processor, and RAM

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 Knowledge Check Activity 4-1

• What is a reasonable wattage capacity for a power supply to be used with a system that
contains a DVD drive, three hard drives, and a high-end video card?

a. 250 W

b. 1000 W

c. 700 W

d. 150 W

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 Knowledge Check Activity 4-2

• Someone asks you for help with a computer that hangs at odd times. You turn it on and work for
about 15 minutes, and then the computer freezes and powers down. What do you do first?

a. Replace the surge protector.

b. Replace the power supply.

c. Wait about 30 minutes for the system to cool down and try again.

d. Install an additional fan.

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 Knowledge Check Activity 4-2: Answer

• Someone asks you for help with a computer that hangs at odd times. You turn it on and work for
about 15 minutes, and then the computer freezes and powers down. What do you do first?

• Answer: c. Wait about 30 minutes for the system to cool down and try again.

• Given the computer symptoms described, you might suspect possible overheating. The first
step is to get accurate temperature readings after cooldown and again later, when the system is
overheated.

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 Knowledge Check Activity 5-1: Answer
• DeShaun began to suspect a hardware problem. Carefully examining the motherboard revealed
the source of the problem: failing capacitors. Look carefully at Figure 4-35 and you can see five
bad discolored capacitors with bulging heads. (Know that sometimes a leaking capacitor can
also show crusty corrosion at its base.) When DeShaun replaced the motherboard, the problems
went away.

Andrews/Shelton/Pierce, CompTIA A+ Guide To IT Technical Support, 11 Edition ©2023 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned,
copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 51