A PC that shows zero signs of life — no fans, no lights, nothing — is one of the most alarming problems to run into, but it's often something simple like a power connection rather than a dead motherboard.
Check the power cable and outlet
Confirm the power cable is fully seated at both the wall and the back of the PC, and test the outlet with another device. A loose cable is the single most common cause of a PC that won't power on at all.
Check the power supply switch
Most power supplies have a physical on/off switch on the back, near the cable input. It's easy to accidentally bump — make sure it's set to on.
Listen and look closely
Even a PC that won't display anything on screen often has some sign of life — a fan spinning briefly, a light on the motherboard, or a beep. Any of these mean the power supply is working and the issue is elsewhere.
Reseat the case power button connection
The small cable connecting your case's power button to the motherboard can work loose, especially after moving the PC. Check that it's firmly connected if you're comfortable opening the case.
Try a different power supply if you have one
If you have access to another PSU, swapping it in is the most reliable way to confirm whether the power supply itself has failed.
If the power supply is confirmed working and properly connected but the PC still won't turn on, the issue is likely the motherboard or a short somewhere in the build, and it's worth having a professional take a look before you start replacing parts.
Still having trouble?
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