After a thunder storm, my parents' PC will no longer boot, the PSU fans won't even spin up or post.

I replaced the power supply... same thing, it's as if it's not even plugged in.

Tried a known good outlet
Tried a known good power cord

Visual inspection of the motherboard does not show any indications of damage, burst caps or anything else that's obvious.

Any ideas?

[Edited on July 18, 2009 at 3:08 PM. Reason : i haven't even opened up a desktop PC in probably 8 years, i'm probably overlooking something simple]

7/18/2009 3:05:50 PM

Good chance it's the motherboard.

7/18/2009 3:20:11 PM

motherboard.

7/18/2009 3:36:23 PM

Buy your parents a Line-Interactive UPS. They have built-in power conditioning to protect against variations in source power other than just power surges and blackouts. A regular surge suppressor will not protect against brownouts (low voltage) that can damage equipment. It's a good investment.

I've got this one (overkill for just a computer -- I've got my TV, DVR, and XBox connected to it as well). 500-800VA is good for a computer/monitor (never connect a laser printer).

7/18/2009 4:03:43 PM

^^,^^^

dammit, i was trying to remain in denial about that.

7/18/2009 4:11:04 PM

not being able to see any damage visually means next to nothing.

so yeh, motherboard.

7/18/2009 5:17:10 PM

yeah i know, hence the denial.

anyway it's an HP, so i can't just throw a normal motherboard in there... probably will be better to replace the whole computer.

7/18/2009 5:29:58 PM

replace it. see if its under warenty. how old is it?

7/18/2009 5:40:09 PM

bout 2 years old, out of warranty.

what really sucks is that it's a standard microATX form factor, so a standard motherboard will fit. but, the cable from the power button on the case has a proprietary connector and won't fit on a standard mobo.

but i can probably build 'em a new PC and use the memory, HDD and CPU for a couple hundred bucks or so. or i might just order them something from dell and save myself the time.

7/18/2009 5:51:15 PM

i'd have to see the connector but i've managed to pull the individual wires out of connectors before and put them into a more standard style connector. you get the idea.. get out that solderin' iron

7/18/2009 6:42:29 PM

My parents had a problem like that, I just ordered them a new machine. Was here within 2 days.

Wasn't worth the effort. New machines are what, like <$400? Of course, if you want to fix the power button, I say go for it.

Ive fixed the proprietary connector for for a friend. Found some connectors and wire from ajunk computer and just crimped them together. Took very little time at all, after figuring out which wire did what.

[Edited on July 18, 2009 at 6:49 PM. Reason : d]

7/18/2009 6:49:10 PM

There was a thing on slickdeals linking to a mobo, cpu, hard drive, RAM combo for like $150 a few days ago. Throw in a case, PSU, heat sink for the CPU, and take the optical drive from the old PC = new PC for about $250.

7/18/2009 10:31:14 PM

Quote :

"i'd have to see the connector but i've managed to pull the individual wires out of connectors before and put them into a more standard style connector. you get the idea.. get out that solderin' iron"

7/19/2009 12:44:27 AM

haha yeah years ago i woulda done just that. I don't even own a soldering iron anymore.

gonna hit up intrex or tigerdirect this afternoon and pick up some new parts. i'm actually sorta looking forward to this, haven't built a PC in like 7 years.

7/19/2009 11:06:02 AM

tiger direct is now compusa so they have like 4 motherboards and they aren't cheap anymore.

7/19/2009 11:08:28 AM

ah well fuck. other than intrex, anything else local that's relatively cheap? need to get this done fast, so online is pretty much out.

7/19/2009 11:14:46 AM

TD still has a good amount of mobos.

reinstalling windows and "my pictures and bookmarks" is going to be a chore.

7/19/2009 11:55:00 AM

make sure you try and remove all the PCI/etc cards and try to boot it. I've seen a fried modem prevent boot.

7/20/2009 1:41:01 AM