Click, then nothing
The power supply trips its protection
What it means
The power supply starts and immediately shuts down, usually because it detects a short, an overload or its own failure.
Common causes
- A failing power supply
- A short in a cable or add-in card
- Too much load for the unit
How to fix it
- Switch off at the wall, unplug the PC and wait a minute, then try another outlet and cable.
- Reseat the 24-pin and CPU power connectors and remove add-in cards to test the minimum.
- Listen for the click's source and look for a burnt smell; stop testing if you find one.
- Have the power supply tested by a shop. Never open it: it holds a dangerous charge.