ASIC Repair Bench

ASIC miner won't power on: a power checklist

No lights, no fans, nothing. Work from the wall outlet to the miner and find which link in the power chain has stopped, without opening the power supply.

By Niel· 2 min read
A power supply unit connected by arrows to a miner with a question mark on its power light

When a miner shows no life at all, the fault is usually in the chain of power before it. Work from the wall towards the miner and stop at the first thing that is not right. Most dead miners are found at the first or second step.

Power chain from wall to breaker to power supply to miner, each with a question to check

What you’ll need

  • A multimeter, if you are comfortable using it
  • A known working outlet or extension to test with
  • The model’s documentation, for the power connectors and voltage

The checks

  1. Wall: plug something else into the same outlet. Many miners need a higher-voltage circuit than a normal household one, so check the label on your model.
  2. Breaker and distribution unit: check that the breaker has not tripped and that any power distribution unit is switched on and not overloaded.
  3. Power cord: inspect the cord and plug for heat marks or softness. Reseat it fully at both ends.
  4. Power supply: look for its indicator light and listen for its fan. Check that every output cable is seated firmly, both at the supply and at the boards.
  5. Control board: if the supply is on but the miner is still dead, check the cable that links them. A loose connector here looks exactly like a dead miner.
  6. Try a different outlet and cord before you decide anything has failed.

Danger: Never open a power supply. The capacitors inside can hold a dangerous charge even after unplugging. Treat the supply as a sealed part: test around it, and replace it if it is faulty.

Signs that point to the supply

  • No light and no fan on the supply with a known good outlet and cord
  • A burning smell, a clicking sound, or visible scorching on a connector
  • The breaker trips every time you switch it on

When to stop and get help

If a breaker trips repeatedly, or you smell burning, stop. Disconnect the miner and ask an electrician or the seller. That is a safety issue, not a repair project.

Quick checklist

  • Outlet confirmed working
  • Breaker and distribution unit are on
  • Cord and plug are cool and fully seated
  • All power cables seated at supply and boards
  • Nothing opened that should stay closed

Safety first: unplug the miner and let it cool before opening it, and never open a power supply unless you are trained to. Repairing a miner may void its warranty.