Desktop Power Supply by PC Apprentice 2009 Hardware:  the parts of a computer that can be kicked.  ~Jeff Pesis How to install desktop power supplies. Before you rush out and replace the power supply, you should make sure that you are reading the symptoms correctly. You don't want to trip up and spend money that you don't have to. If you turn the power on and nothing happens check all connections to the computer first. This also includes trying another device, lamp, radio, etc. in the wall socket first. If you find power at the wall socket and all the cables are attached correctly and firmly to the computer then it looks like the power supply is the culprit. If your computer turns on but shuts itself off unexpectedly you may be inclined to think that this is the work of faulty desktop power supplies. It may be but before you rush out to get a new one head over to the Maintenance section and look at "Cleaning your Computer". If you take the side off of the computer and find out that you are the proud owner of a dust bunny ranch then your CPU may be over heating because of a lack of decent airflow or a problem with the CPU fan itself. Symptoms of faulty desktop power supplies may be: * There are strange noises coming from the back side of the computer where the power cord plugs into the power supply. * The fan stops working or makes a grinding sound * Smoke or the smell of burnt plastic comes from the power supply * Nothing happens when the computer power button is pressed. Sometimes a light may flash or flash continuously in the front of the computer or on the back of the power supply. * The computer turns on for a few seconds and then turns off. * Computer turns on for a while, but when games or other applications are using the computer steadily, it will turn off or produce a blue screen. This last symptom may mean that the devices in your computer are drawing more power than certain desktop power supplies are designed for. Newer video cards draw more power these days (about 100 watts each in some cases) and you may have to just upgrade your power supply unit to compensate. Unfortunately, upgrading means buying and installing a new power supply. If you've followed these tips for narrowing down the problem with your PC and you do need to install a new power supply unit then read on for installation instructions. Note: Before attempting any operation involving desktop power supplies it is highly important that you remove all cables from the back of your computer. 1. Turn off the computer and remove all cables from the back of the computer. Lay the computer on its right hand side. 2. Open the computer case. This is normally achieved by removing the left hand side of the case. This side is normally held in place by two screws located on the rear of the computer. 3. Desktop power supplies have four screws located on the back of the computer that correspond to the power supply unit. Remove these but be aware that you will have to hold the unit up as you take the screws out to prevent the unit from suddenly falling onto the motherboard. * At this point you don't have to disconnect all the cables leading from desktop power supplies to the motherboard and peripherals. If you choose to do so make sure that you make a diagram of where all the cables go. 4. Sit the old power supply on top of the computer. 5. Take the new power supply and install it in your computer fixing it in place with the four screws. 6. Detach cables from the motherboard and peripherals one at a time replacing the connection with one from the new power supply. * Double check all of your work, make sure all connections are good and secure. Make sure that desktop power supplies are securely screwed in. 7. Plug in your computer and make sure it turns on and everything is running ok. Then continue by placing the computer's case back onto the computer.