PC Won't Turn On: What You Need to Try

What do you do if, one day, you hit the power button on your PS5 and it doesn't turn on? Well, this issue could be caused by a many things, but there are a few go-to solutions that we're going to talk about now.

The power supply unit (PSU) is the component in your PC that supplies power, acting like the heart of your system’s electrical network. If the PSU is faulty or not correctly connected, the PC won’t turn on. Start by ensuring that the power cable is securely connected to both the PSU and the wall outlet. Also, verify that the PSU’s on/off switch is in the “ON” position.

Another basic troubleshooting method is to unplug the PSU power cable from the wall to perform a hard reset.

Once the reset is complete, plug the PSU back into the wall outlet and try powering the PC back on.

All the key components in your PC are connected to the PSU. If your system won’t turn on, it’s always good practice to check that all cables from the PSUs are properly connected and secured to their respective components.

Note that you need to have two 8-pin EPS12V connectors plugged in if you are running high-performance CPUs, such as Intel Core i9s or Ryzen 9s, which, by spec, draw more power than mainstream CPUs, especially under load. Otherwise, one 8-pin CPU EPS12V connector is sufficient to power a CPU.

The graphics card, or GPU, is an important component that requires power from the PSU. Sometimes, your PC might not turn on if the video card isn’t seated properly in the PCIe slot on your motherboard, or if the 12V-2x6 or 8-pin PCIe connector isn’t plugged in correctly, causing a short circuit and a failed POST (power-on self-test). Just a quick check to make sure everything is in place can often resolve the issue.

Sometimes, as simple as the RAM not being properly seated in the DIMM slots, can cause your PC not to power on. So, it’s worth checking that your RAM sticks are properly installed. Reseating the RAM in your PC is one of the easiest troubleshooting steps you can perform to eliminate what is causing your PC stability issues, including power issues.

Remove the RAM sticks by pushing down the latches on both ends of the DIMM slots. Once the RAM sticks are removed, test each RAM by inserting it back into the second DIMM slot away from the CPU. If one of the RAM sticks is preventing your PC from turning on, it’s likely the culprit.

This troubleshooting step is for those who build their own PCs. That said, if you have a pre-built PC that isn’t powering on, it won’t hurt to check the front I/O panel connections, because you never know, the connections might have been compromised during assembly

Check your motherboard’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to find the front I/O connectors, which are usually located in the lower-left corner of the motherboard. Just double-check with the official manual to be certain. Once you find it, look for the Power Switch terminals, often labeled “PWR SW” or “PWR.” Make sure the front I/O connector from your case, labeled “POWER SW,” is connected to these terminals. If it’s connected to a different one, like “RESET SW” or “PWR LED,” your PC will not power on.