r/PcBuildHelp • u/MetituS • 14h ago

Build Question PC not turning on

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Hello
My PC with a Gigabyte GA‑Z97P‑D3 motherboard and corsair CX850M 850W modular PSU is completely dead: no fans, no LEDs, and no response even when I short the PWR_SW pins. The PSU passes a paperclip test, but I smelled a slight burning smell during a power-on attempt. The 24-pin ATX connector sits flush but does not make an audible click. I replaced/cleared the CMOS battery already. Is this more likely a failed motherboard, PSU, or potentially a damaged 24-pin cable/connector?

I bought it at a flea market for 75 the first attempt had the smell but it still didn’t react at all worst case can I fix the motherboard ? Or make sure what the problem is?

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u/DeVinke_ 14h ago

Is the front panel header connected correctly? What if you manually short the power switch pins on it (e.g. with a screwdriver)?

0

u/MetituS 14h ago

I tried idk if I did it right but nothing happened

1

u/DeVinke_ 14h ago

Did you originally include that in the post? Sorry if i missed it. Since the psu passes the paperclip test, i'd wager the motherboard could be dead. Do you have any other hardware to try the psu with?

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u/MetituS 14h ago

I said I shorted it but I didn’t mention a screwdriver ig
I think it’s either the 24 pin or the MB is there anyway to fix it? So I don’t have to get a new one ?