Troubleshooting Desktop Will Not Power on with a Dell Optiplex GX520 Computer

One thing we can all agree on is when our desktop computer decides to not power on, this typically is likely to happen on a desktop computer that is old like the dell optiplex gx520; considering the hardware is weak and does not feature surge protection or other like features that prevents power shortages from happening on a computer.

Troubleshooting a desktop that will not power on is first understanding the common factors of a no power like computer, one is the power button after all is the first part that triggers the power; second you have the power supply which is what gives the entire desktop power; and lastly we have the main motherboard which is what connects all components.

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Considering you will be keeping a desktop with you for a longtime besides needing to repair this dell optiplex, is recommended to have tools with you to help you not just open the computer but also diagnose them; for example if you have a power tester which I shared with you and if you have additional parts handy with you like a power supply.

First begin by using your common sense if you have no special repair kit or diagnostic tools with you and that is to rule out which of the three was working fine just a day ago, then run down the list by determining which of the three is the second least cause of the problem and more so if you have indicators saying so; which at this point leaves you with the most likely computer component that is the problem.

With this basic understanding proceed without tools or with some if you have any, in my example here there is no freaking way the power button just died when it looks new right; so that left me with either the power supply or the motherboard.

Good thing is that common sense told me that motherboard is not likely to die suddenly unless of course is obvious like having no led on which would then seem dead, in my example here with this dell desktop which is also seen on other motherboard that the power led indicator turned on when the power supply was connected yet I had no power; strangely enough everything was leaning towards a bad power supply which had probably shorted due to storm or lighting or just plain being cheap without prevention features.

Considering I'm a computer technician keeping an extra power supply is normal in my type of business, so I quickly disconnected the old with the new and boom there was power; at this point I proceeded with installing a new power supply which offered surge and shortage features to make it much more difficult for it to die in the near future.

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[iph]

This video came out 3 years ago but still very useful. Thank you for your very educating video

[shirleybell]

Oh wow I did exactly what you said and now my computer is working again. It’s an old one but Didn’t think I can do it but I did 🙏🏽 Thank you.

[roosterlanka]

Great video recommend to everyone who has the same problem of pc not turning on. This video gives good tips to make it easier.

[CRisonfire]

My mom dropped my pc and the cpu clanked everywhere, i screwed it back into place and connected the cables to it. My front turn on button does not work. But the back one next to the power plug in does work. the back one turns it on but if i let go of the button it turns off. How do i fix the front button?

[phyllisturner]

This video was very informative. I think my problem is the power supply. Thank you.

[DonovanPoole]

Thank you for the video.
My desktop has a rear button next to the power cord, it works and turns on fans.
My fix was to unplug main power cord at the back. Then follow the power cables inside from supply to the motherboard connection, unplug and plug it back in.
Power button now works!
I think something tripped with a storm surge recently

[AnewStart-Mark]

Dell OptiPlex will not power on. I have a yellow light on the mother board. and the button on back of power supply turns green when pressed fan turns on, the DVD will open and fan connected to motherboard starts to spin. as long as I have the test button pressed. is there away to check the power switch? I have never had any issues with the switch, but as of the 3 you listed I feel like all other is working other then switch/button.

[amyhintz]

I just unplugged, then hed the power button down for 30 sec to get rid of flea power, then plugged it back in and it worked.

[thapelomolholoboto]

my desktop swicthes on all the fans turn on but the screen mouse and keyboard are off what should I do

[rkowtf]

Great video, in my case when the power button is pressed and held it flashes amber light but it will not turn on, the only way to Kinda turn it on is to hold the power button and press the reset button on the back, that way it will stay “on” but the power button remains solid amber light, still trying to figure out…

[davidkemp]

great video, easy to understand. My Dell desktop would power-up when unpluging power, then wait and hit the start button and replugin same time, now it starts for a second or two then goes out.Replaced battery and button seems ok, motherboard ?

[billcarsonasmr]

I checked with a new working power supply but still only a led inside the pc is on but the pc cant be turned on .
Any help ?

[aldrintablang]

Can you help me in my issue when i plug the avr on the wall outlet it automaticaly open with fan in low fan then off then open with high fan then off then i cant power up

[crusty]

Mine turns on, I see the MB LED, I hear the CPU fans but I get no video.

[nihilisticnirvana]

My UPS battery started leaking and so I removed it from my PC setup. After that my CPU isn't turning on. What do you think is the issue?

[ItzRealgamingsub]

I got a dell pc s5-1540 and it doesn’t work when I turn it on the first time it takes me 1 hour 😢 and I think the wire is probably broken 😭

[PetrusKupembona]

My computer is not working properly the light is on I don't know if I should clean the fan or not

[davidaburns]

When I turn my ox on it goes right back out I replaced the cord it worked for a lil while but it is doing it again, turns on but goes right back out

[appiahracheal]

I turn it on I only see orange light inside but it can't turn on

[lingampalliraju]

Hai sir Iam facing orange light problem