Computer won't boot

[feuerstine]

My aging computer has ceased to start. A week or so ago, upon reboot it would start to spin up, stop, start again, stop, etc... It would do this once or twice, then boot up as normal. Then tonight, after a lightning-induced power outage, it won't reboot at all. When I first got the computer, I encountered a similar issue, but didn't have to troubleshoot myself. The builder just replaced the PSU and MB under warranty. I have been keeping track of temps recently, and have noticed nothing elevated.

My first thoughts are to just replace the PSU and see if that works. But I don't want to unnecessarily spend the money on something going away (hopefully sooner rather than later). I have been looking at builders to get a new computer later this summer, but still need this machine in the gap. Any troubleshooting tips that may save me a PSU purchase?

Thanks!
Nathan

Computer specs:
Antec Sonata with Antec 380w PSU.
Abit AV8 Socket 939 mb
AMD Athlon64 3500 Proc
Corsair DDR-400 memory 2X512MB
GeForce 6800 AGP
DVD
DVD_RW
Floppy
WD 74GB Raptor
Samsung 250GB HD
Creative Audigy

 

[dhc014]

Most retail stores will let you return opened power supplies without a restocking fee.

Try unplugging all non-critical peripherals from the computer like the DVD drives, floppy drive, sound card, and any media card readers.

Also try clearing CMOS using the appropriate jumper on the motherboard.

Get a quality surge protector if you're not already using one.

 

[feuerstine]

Picked up a Corsair-450VX at Fry's. Probably overkill for this system, but after I get my new one this will be the "kiddie" machine. I will probably work with my boys to swap out the MB, proc, mem, and video. Should be a fun little exercise. Thanks for the advice!

Nathan