My New PC Won't Turn On - A Troubleshooting GuideUpdated 11 days ago

Receiving a new PC is exciting, and it can be stressful if it doesn't power on right away. The good news is that this issue is often caused by something simple that's easy to fix. This guide will walk you through the most common solutions, from basic external checks to safely checking internal connections.

Part 1: The Basics (External Checks)

Let's start with the simplest solutions first. These steps resolve the vast majority of power-on issues.

1. Check the Power Supply SwitchThis is the most common reason a new PC won't turn on. On the back of your computer, where the main power cord connects, there is a master power switch.

• Ensure this switch is flipped to the 'I' (On) position.

  
  

• The 'O' (Off) position will prevent the PC from receiving any power.

  
  

2. Check Your Power CablesVerify that the main power cable is firmly and completely plugged into both the back of the computer's power supply and the wall outlet. If you are using a surge protector or UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), try bypassing it and plugging the PC directly into a trusted wall outlet. Some power strips may not provide enough power for a high-performance gaming PC.

3. Power Cycle Your PCSometimes the power supply needs to be reset. This is a simple and safe procedure.

1. Unplug the power cable from the back of the PC.

2. Press and hold the main power button on the front/top of the case for 15-20 seconds. This drains any residual power.

3. Plug the power cable back in.

4. Ensure the power supply switch is flipped to the 'I' position.

5. Try turning the system on again.

Part 2: Is It a Power Issue or a Video Issue?

This is a critical next step. Press the power button and observe carefully.

• Do you see ANY signs of life? (Any lights turn on, any fans spin, even for a moment).

  • YES: Your PC is likely turning on, but not sending a signal to your monitor. The most common fix is to ensure your monitor's display cable is plugged into your graphics card, which is the lower group of horizontal video ports on the back of your PC. The ports higher up are for the motherboard and are usually disabled.

• NO signs of life at all? (No lights, no fans, completely silent).

  • If there are absolutely no signs of life, proceed to the next section.

Part 3: Checking Internal Connections (Optional)

If you are comfortable doing so, the next step is to quickly check a few key internal cables that may have shifted during shipping. Our warranty allows you to open your PC, but please be careful and only proceed if you feel confident.

1. Safety First! Unplug your PC from the wall and place it on a stable surface. Remove the main side panel (usually glass).

2. Locate the two main power connectors on the motherboard:

   • The large 24-pin connector, usually on the right side next to the RAM.

   • The smaller 8-pin CPU connector, usually in the top-left corner of the motherboard.

3. Check for a Secure Connection: Press firmly on both of these connectors to ensure they are fully seated. You should not see a gap, and they should feel snug.

Still No Power? We're Here to Help.

If you've gone through all these steps and your PC still shows no signs of life, don't worry. You've done some great troubleshooting! The next step is to let our experts take over.

Please contact our support team via Live Chat (M-F, 10 AM - 5 PM EST) or by sending an email to [email protected]. We'll help you get to the bottom of it.