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External Cable Diagnostics Guide

Running into PC troubles that might be cable-related? Don't worry! This guide will help ensure all your external cables are properly connected and functioning well.

Why Examine External Cables?

An illustration showing various external cables connecting to a computer with magnifying glass

Adopting a minimal peripheral setup can help identify if external hardware is causing issues:

  • Problem Isolation: Connecting only essential devices can help reveal if a specific external device is the culprit.
  • Streamlined Troubleshooting: Fewer peripherals mean fewer variables, simplifying the identification of the problem.
  • Boost Performance: Sometimes less is more, and reducing peripherals can lead to better system stability and improved performance.

Check Monitor Connections

A person checking monitor cable connections behind a PC

Here's what to look for with your monitor connections:

  • Inspect where your monitor cables connect at the back of your PC.
  • Ensure your monitors are connected to the ports on your graphics card, not the motherboard panel.
  • If connected to the motherboard ports, switch them to the GPU for better visual performance.

Power Cord Verification

A person ensuring the PC power cable is securely connected

Make sure the power cord is correctly connected:

  • Locate the power cable at the back of your PC and ensure it's secure in its socket.
  • Confirm the power supply switch is flipped to the ON [I] setting.
  • If a power strip is used, try plugging directly into a wall outlet to rule out a faulty strip.

USB Hub Troubleshooting (If Applicable)

A USB hub with cables connected to a computer

If you're experiencing power-related issues and using a USB hub:

  • Try disconnecting the hub as faulty USB hubs can overburden the USB ports.

Power Source Alternatives

Trying different power socket for a computer

Consider using different power sources:

  • Test by connecting your PC to a socket in a different room, ideally on a separate circuit.

Next Steps

Once all external cables are checked and corrected, power up your PC to check for seamless functioning. If issues persist, consider further troubleshooting with internal cables, performing a full power cycle, or setting up with minimal peripherals to further isolate the problem.

For additional help, refer to our FAQ page or contact our support team via the Contact page.

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