Hi, All!

The title is my first question. Are they interchangeable? I've got a couple of computers that won't start, and I suspect that it's the power supplies that are the problem.

I also have a couple other computers, where I could take the power supplies out of them and try them in the computers that won't start.

Or, might it be the power buttons that are the problems? I've had computers for many years now, and have had a power supply problem in the past, but never a power button problem.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Clough

Are they interchangeable?

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Mostly yes, however there have been vendors (Dell, for instance) that have done proprietary things with their power supply wiring over the years.

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Originally Posted by Clough

I suspect that it's the power supplies that are the problem.

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An ATX power supply tester (something like Coolmax 24PIN Power Supply Tester) is handy for checking supplies without the hassle of physically swapping the supplies. If you shop for a tester, be aware that ATX supplies can have either a 20 pin or 24 pin connector. Further, most of these testers use a power resistor to supply a load and if the tester is left plugged in to a supply for an extended period unattended, bad things may happen due to heat buildup. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Clough

Or, might it be the power buttons that are the problems?

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I think the odds are low.

The power button for AT style power supplies (early-mid 90s) is an on-off switch wired into the power supply. They were heavy-duty. I've encountered and replaced only one bad AT switch in the last twenty years.

Newer (mid 90s-present) ATX style power supplies and their variants use a momentary switch connected to the motherboard which controls the power supply. I've replaced more of these mainly because the quality of components has declined over the years, but still only a handful. These switches can be tested easily by removing their wiring jumper block from the motherboard and checking with a continuity or resistance meter.

Thank you for the very helpful information, Scleros! :)