Why won’t my desktop computer turn on: common causes and solutions
Recently, the problem of desktop computers not turning on has become a hot topic, with many users asking for help on social media and forums. This article will combine the hot discussions on the Internet in the past 10 days to analyze the common reasons why desktop computers cannot turn on and provide structured solutions.
1. Recent hot topics

| topic | Discussion popularity | main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Troubleshooting power supply | high | How to tell if the power supply is damaged |
| Interpretation of motherboard indicators | in | The meanings of fault lights on motherboards of different brands |
| Poor memory module contact | high | The correct way to clean golden fingers |
| System crash repair | in | Tips for using Windows recovery environment |
| Hardware compatibility issues | low | Troubleshooting Newly Installed Computers That Cannot Start |
2. Analysis of common fault causes
According to statistics from technology forums, the common reasons why desktop computers cannot be turned on are as follows:
| Fault type | Proportion | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| power problem | 35% | Completely unresponsive, fan not spinning |
| memory failure | 25% | There is power but no display and alarm sound |
| motherboard problem | 20% | Some components are not powered and the indicator lights are abnormal. |
| Graphics card failure | 10% | There is startup sound but no picture |
| Other questions | 10% | Including CPU, hard disk, etc. |
3. Step-by-step troubleshooting guide
Step One: Basic Check
1. Make sure the power cord is firmly connected and try changing the socket.
2. Check whether the power switch is turned on (some chassis have independent switches)
3. Observe whether there is an indicator light on the motherboard
Step 2: Hardware troubleshooting
| components | Check method | solution |
|---|---|---|
| power supply | Short-circuit green and black wire test | Replace the power supply (recommended to be 450W or above) |
| memory | Single rotation test | Clean the gold finger and replace the slot |
| graphics card | Use nuclear display testing | Re-plug and check the power supply |
| motherboard | Check capacitor status | Professional repair or replacement |
Step Three: Advanced Diagnosis
1. Use the motherboard diagnostic card to read the error code
2. Try a minimal system boot (only CPU, memory, motherboard)
3. Check the BIOS battery voltage (normally around 3V)
4. Answers to recent high-frequency questions from users
According to the data of the Q&A platform in the past 10 days:
| question | solution | success rate |
|---|---|---|
| The fan turns on but there is no display | Reset CMOS, check graphics card | 78% |
| Repeatedly auto-restart | Check the radiator and update the BIOS | 65% |
| Power off immediately after power on | Check the short circuit and replace the power supply | 82% |
| Newly installed computer cannot start | Check front panel wiring | 90% |
5. Prevention Suggestions
1. Clean the chassis dust regularly (recommended once every six months)
2. Use UPS power protection equipment
3. Avoid frequent forced shutdowns
4. Regular backup of important data
6. Professional maintenance judgment standards
It is recommended to send it for repair when the following situations occur:
• The motherboard has obvious burn marks
• The source of the fault still cannot be determined after repeated troubleshooting
• Smell something burnt or see smoke
• Issues involving precision components such as CPUs
Through the above structured analysis, most problems of desktop computers not being able to boot can be effectively solved. If the problem is still not resolved, it is recommended to provide detailed symptom descriptions (including motherboard model, photos of fault symptoms, etc.) in professional forums to obtain more accurate help.
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