Computer won't boot after power outage, is it the Motherboard or PSU?

Question

I finally came to a final decision about the problem I'm having with my computer. The problem is that my computer is not POSTING after a power outage, and I believe that it is either the PSU or motherboard. All the other hardware (ram, graphics card, etc) is working fine. But I do not know which one is deffected, is it the motherboard or psu, so I need some help to choose which one to replace. Here are some problems that might help you choose which is the problem.

Motherboard Signs that it is broken: 
1. The front fan is not working, it is connected to the motherboard, but all the other fan is working fine. It is connected to a port near the bios chip, so maybe there is something wrong with the circuit near there that is causing the computer to not post.

2. The motherboard seems to be powered throughout, and everyhting else aside from that one fan is not turned on.

Motherboard signs that it is not broken:
1. For some reason, occasionally, my computer would work. The one fan

Beck92 · Accepted Answer

Sounds like the power supply is messed up, try replacing it.

? · Answer

There could be a number of issues, here, but we'll deal with the most obvious. The last post was right, the "link" light should come on the moment you provide power (check and make sure that the power supply is switched on, in the back, and that the Voltage setting is set for 120VAC and not Int'l.). First thing to check, make sure ALL cables and connections are secure. Nothing confuses a MoBo more than having a "shorted" connection somewhere. Second, reset the CMOS. This is different for every manufacturer but the most common way is to find a jumper (sometimes labelled JP5) near the battery and change it to the reset (it's normally connected to two of three pins, switch it to the other side with the center one always being used). Then power the system up and it will either do absolutely nothing or the fans will come on for five seconds and then shut off on their own. Switch the jumper back and turn the system on again. Hit the <Del> key to bring up the BIOS (binary operating system) for the motherboard itself. You'll have to set the date/time and check your other settings. Third, try unhooking all peripheral devices (CD, floppy, etc.) and boot it up with just the motherboard, video and input devices (mouse and keyboard) and then reattach them, one at a time. My guess is, just resetting the CMOS will do the trick. I've worked on thousands of computers and that works nine out of ten times. Good luck and please let us know.

Computer won't boot after power outage, is it the Motherboard or PSU?

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